Ina Ruth Tamez

On December 12, 2023, our beloved Ina Ruth (Johnson) Tamez earned her wings after a lengthy illness and joined the choirs of angels with our Lord at the age of 76 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 7, 1947, in Harlingen to Harvey and Nola Johnson.

She was the wife of Homer Tamez and is survived by her 3 children, Melannie (Russell, husband) Boullion, James H. Tamez, and Gina (Juan, husband) Valdez.  Ina was a lifelong resident of Rio Hondo, TX., who dedicated her life to caring for children as a school teacher, school counselor, Assistant Principal, High School Principal, and Director of Human Resources, all while employed at the Rio Hondo School District for over 40 years. Working with children and helping them achieve their full educational potential was her greatest passion. She always managed to support veteran organizations, financially and emotionally, such as: Adopt a Platoon, Wounded Warriors, DAV, PAV, and the VFW. She was very proud of her husband, and son who are war vets and grandson Zach who has a full military scholarship. An especially loving grandmother, “Granny'' made sure her grandchildren, Maddy and Zach Boullion never went without love, hugs and kisses.

Surviving relatives are her husband, Homer, three children, Melannie, James and Gina and a sister, Phyllis Kaveggia.  Also her close friends and relatives: Sue Ann (whom she called her sister) and JB Taubert, David and Delma Tamez, and Delma (Gigi) and Joe Garza, and numerous nieces and nephews all knew her great love.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harvey and Nola Johnson, and brother, Kyle Johnson.

The family expresses their gratitude to the numerous doctors and nurses who provided services to her throughout her lengthy illness: Rita Villarreal, PA of San Benito Medical Associates, Solara Hospital staff, Dr. Jose Rodriguez of Rio Grande Valley wound care and the dedicated doctors and nurses of Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen. Furthermore, the family expresses gratitude to numerous neighbors, friends, and brothers and sisters of the First Baptist Church of Rio Hondo, Catholic churches of Kingsville and Corpus Christi whose powerful prayers provided much needed comfort and family support. Also to the extended family members who are too numerous to mention for their continued support and love, we thank you each and every one.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at  2:00 p.m. at The Bridge - Rio Hondo Baptist Church.