Ely Noyola Cortez

With a heart of peace and a smile through tears, the family announces that Ely Noyola Cortez, age 87, entered eternal rest on January 18, 2021. He is now safe and at peace in the arms of God.

Ely was born April 17, 1933 in San Benito, Texas to Donaciano G. & Dolores N. Cortez.  Both of Ely’s parents had strong roots in Texas. Ely’s great-great paternal grandparents, Manuel & Estefana Gutierrez were born in the early 1800’s and are buried in Harlingen’s historic F St. Cemetery. Ely’s great-great maternal grandparents, Antonio Sr. & Isabel Montalvo, were also born before 1850 and are buried at Las Rucias Memorial Cemetery in Los Indios, Texas.

Ely was a graduate of San Benito High School and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He volunteered to serve as a submarine electrician in 1956 and served our country in the Naval Reserve for 25 years. Ely began his career with the Texas Department of Health in 1958. After his retirement from the State Chest Hospital, he worked as a bus driver for the San Benito School District.

Ely was slow to anger, soft spoken, and made sure to spend time doing things that brought him joy such as playing billiards, working on crossword puzzles, bicycling, dancing, carpentry, replicating and detailing ships from wood, repairing and maintaining vehicles, fishing, and staying in touch with family and friends.

Ely loved adventure and challenges. He looked forward to the Observer Crossword in the daily newspaper and at 80 years old, he along with some billiard buddies kayaked the Arroyo Colorado. Ely was a fierce competitor of billiards and enjoyed competing in state and local tournaments. He belonged to the RGV Shooter’s League, Harlingen Tourist Club, the Scrubs team, and made many friends at the Fun N Sun RV Resort pool hall.  Ely enjoyed leisurely cycling well into his 80’s. He loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. Ely was of the Catholic faith and a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank Letty Esparza for her years of loyal companionship and caregiving.

Ely will be dearly missed by daughters, Cristela Wise (David) & Carmen Tello (Gil); sons, Carlos, Cesar, Cristobal (Veronica), & Eric Cortez; brothers, Rene (Ruth), Javier (Irene), & Mario (Diana) Cortez; grandchildren Valree Cortez, David Antonio Wise (Julia), Sarah Tello, Marisa Maldonado (Christopher), Leah Wise, Joseph Tello, Carlos Jr., Veronica, Daniel, Mark, & Sarah Cortez, & step grandchildren Maria & Jose Salazar; great-grandsons, Rudy Martinez Jr., Michael Garcia, Lucas & Carter Maldonado.

The Cortez family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.  A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 6:00 p.m. (Click the link below to view a live-stream of the Recitation of the Holy Rosary.)

A private burial with military honors will be held at a later date at Rio Grande Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W. Business 77, San Benito, Texas 78586.  www.sanbenitofuneralhome.com 956.291.4350.

All guests must wear a facial covering and practice social distancing while visiting the funeral home.