Otila R. Montalvo

Otila Rodriguez Montalvo, born on April 19, 1947 in San Benito, Texas passed away peacefully November 14, 2022 in Brownsville, Texas. She took her final breath with her children and family by her side. In her final days, she was cared for by her children and her loving sister and brother-in-law, Ninfa and Jesse Zavala. Otila was the oldest daughter of twelve children and was beloved second mother to her younger siblings.

In January of 1976, Otila married Guadalupe (Raúl) Montalvo of Monterrey, México. For many years, they lived humbly in the small town of Port Isabel, Texas where they raised their four children. Otila graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught Elementary Education & ESL at Point Isabel Independent School District and Pasadena School District for more than thirty-five years. To this day, former students and educators recognize Otila’s contribution to their lives because of the positive impact she made on so many.

She spent her entire life caring for and serving others. Otila was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. To know her is to love her. She will be most remembered for her kind and forgiving heart, her steadfast love, and her delicious homemade tamales and tortillas.

Otila was predeceased by her husband of forty-six years, Guadalupe Montalvo, and her first grandbaby, Kaylene Michelle Martinez. Otila is survived by her children and grandchildren: Raúl and María Montalvo and their children Alexa, Avery, Mia, Jasmine, Anthony, and Diana; Noe and Karen Montalvo and their children, Jasmine, Violet, and Lillie; Guadalupe “Lupe” Montalvo and his children, Isabelle and Santino; Melina Montalvo Douglas and "her" Brian. Her siblings and their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.

The Montalvo family will receive relatives and friends Friday, November 18, 2022 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A memorial service to celebrate Otila’s life and legacy will begin Friday afternoon at 4 o’clock.