Maria San Juana Rodriguez

Maria S. Rodriguez, aged 82, passed away peacefully at her home in San Benito, Texas, on February 13, 2024. Born on April 1, 1941 in San Benito, she was the daughter of Nicolas and Maria G. Saldivar.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Nicolas and Maria G. Saldivar, and her husband, Agapito G. Rodriguez.

She is survived by her daughter, Ida R. Garcia (Arnold Garcia Sr.); her grandchildren, Clarissa Garcia, Arnold Garcia Jr., Adrienne Vargas, Andrea Juarez, and Julissa Garcia; her great-grandchildren, Cassandra Martinez, Catherine Robles, Candice Robles, Ricardo Robles Jr., Loralie Valencia, Francisco Vargas Jr., Agapito Vargas, Aubrielle Juarez, Benjamin Martinez, Brandon Martinez; and her great-great grandson, Xavier Martinez.

Maria was a graduate of San Benito High School, Class of 1961. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Teaching in 1978 and her Master's degree in Counseling in 1988. She was a Counselor at the time of her retirement in 2015. Her 48 years of dedication as a Teacher and Counselor in the San Benito Consolidated School District left a lasting legacy, impacting the lives of countless students. Her wisdom and guidance will always be remembered and cherished.

She was a counselor whose advice was as gentle as it was profound, guiding us through life's twists and turns with a steady hand. Her personality was a tapestry of compassion and resilience, woven with threads of grace and wisdom. Her nurturing spirit created a sanctuary of love for all who knew her. She was the embodiment of love, touching lives with her kindness and leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Maria, also known as Grandma Juani, was a remarkable woman who’s made an indelible mark on our hearts. We will carry the legacy of her love with us, forever cherishing the memories and the joy she brought into our lives.

The Rodriguez family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Buck Ashcraft funeral home chapel. Following the service, Maria will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Joe Gonzalez, Arnold Garcia Sr., Ricardo Robles Sr., Francisco Vargas Sr., Catherine Robles, and Ricardo Robles Jr.