Annabel A. Guerrero

It's with heavy hearts we had to say goodbye to Ann Rodriguez-Guerrero, loving wife to Tito Guerrero & wonderful mother to Quiqui Rodriguez (Eva), Charlie Rodriguez, Susie Rodriguez-Jones (Scott), and Rosie Rodriguez. She has joined her beloved son, David, who preceded her in death, & her stillborn twin brother whom she always felt was a missing part of her life.

Ann's 95-year journey began on a farm, born as a preemie to Charlie & Mabel Alberts. Her strong will to live was characterized by her enthusiasm for life. Ann's giving and compassionate nature led her to Jennie Edmundson Nursing School where she graduated as an RN, specializing in psychiatric nursing. As is common, Ann, the nurse, met a doctor while working at a psychiatric hospital in St. Louis, MO.  Ann and Hesiquio Rodriguez, M.D. (Dr. Rod), were soon married and moved to Rio Hondo to set up a private family practice, delivering babies in the home and in the braceros' camps.  Due to racial tension at that time, she and Dr. Rod endured some negative treatment, but, because of their humane stances and compassion for all, they became a beloved couple to many who knew them.  After a few years in Rio Hondo, they moved to Harlingen where she and Dr. Rod continued his private practice. Keeping his practice in Harlingen, Dr. Rod and Ann moved one last time.  A classic Spanish hacienda and a beautiful resaca drew them to San Benito.

Having raised their 4 children in such a loving, nurturing environment, Ann and Rod were regarded as wonderful parents by their children, as well as, their children's friends.  Ann provided a safe haven for friends who needed a place to stay.  She never turned away a stray or hurt animal and fed "her" birds up until her passing.  Most of all, Ann allowed her children to explore the outdoors and encouraged them to enjoy the gifts of nature surrounding their hacienda.

Although Ann grew up on a midwestern farm, she could make the best homemade flour tortillas, rice, and beans in town!  An amazing cook, she loved hosting parties and entertaining anyone from children to adults.

After the sudden and unexpected death of Dr. Rod, Ann eventually began another phase of her life with her soulmate, Felipe (Tito) Guerrero.  Ann and Tito enjoyed each others company as they golfed, fished, danced the nights away, and sat on their patio watching golfers at toddy time.  Ann’s and Tito's families blended to become one. She embraced his and his late wife Dolia’s children as if they were her own.  Phillip Guerrero (Cassie), Becky Freeman (Randy), Rick Guerrero (Sandy), Jaime Guerrero (Lisa), and Annette Crockett (Stan) were all a loving part of her life.  Ann and Tito took care of each other in such a way that our families are forever grateful. Tito's devotion and gentleness toward her were beyond words.

Ann played instrumental roles in Ed Downs Elementary PTA, the Women's Medical Auxiliary, the International 300 Club, the What to Read Club, the VB Hospital Student Loan Fund for the RN Program, the Good Government League, and the Life Begins at Forty Golf Tournament. In the early '70's, she founded the HHS Future Nurses of America Club.

We would like to thank VBMC's supportive care unit for the exceptional care she received, and many thanks to Drs. Aguilar, Partin, and Evans for their care of Mom over the years.

Left to mourn her loss, along with Tito and her children, are 18 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and her faithful, furry friend, Prissy.

Our dear mother has been a blessing to us all, and we are comforted in knowing she's resting in God's hands.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Loaves and Fishes or the charity of your choice.