I remember Chai as one of the first to get to work early every morning at Region 13 ESC. Chai knew, greeted and could set the tone for all of us to have a good day with his humor, compassion, and optimism. It has been years since I have seen Chai, however,  his kindness, fun-loving spirit and sincerity remain as vivid memories of his friendship.  I extend my deepest condolences to Chai’s family and loved ones. May you find comfort in the good memories.

Mari Riojas Lester
Region 13 ESC Colleague

My most sincerest condolences to you and your family for your loss. May God grant you peace and solace during this difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace.

Our thoughts and prayers for Angie and the Family during this difficult time.

Chai (Cuz) so many wonderful memories from our visits
and Reunions. May God grant you eternal rest and may perpetual
light shine upon you.

Mrs. Carreon and Family 
My deepest most Heartfelt condolences are with you and your family .                                                                                          Carmen Gonzalez

"Our deepest sympathies to you and your family," "Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time: May loving memories bring you comfort and peace  Diane and Louis Arellano

This past week has been incredibly difficult for our family, as we said goodbye to the most wonderful, loving, and caring man—my father-in-law, Eleazar “Chai” Rodriguez, whom I lovingly called Dad.
I’ve often heard it said that people enter our lives for a reason, bringing lessons we need to learn. If we allow it, we are guided to those who help us grow the most. My father-in-law, mother-in-law, and his children took me in as part of their family right away. He taught me and our family the true meaning of unconditional love—both his own and that of our Holy Lord. He showed us the importance of sharing God’s love with those around us. I remember once asking him, “Dad, how do I know when it’s okay to give money to someone who is homeless? What if they use the money for drugs or alcohol?” He gently replied, “If God places it on your heart to give, then you give. It is not for us to judge how they spend it. Our role is simply to listen when God speaks to our hearts and to act on it and to share love and encouragement with those around you.” That wisdom planted in me the seed of listening for God’s callings and acting upon them, and for that I am forever grateful. His enduring legacy of love lives within his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and his multitude of friends.
The person I am today was carved by the light of knowing you, laughing with you, and watching you show love to those around you. Your presence has etched itself upon me and I am changed forever. I will miss you always….

Wishing  your Family Continual Comfort at this Time...From Chaplain Tracy

I’m Erica, Rubens daughter — the first of sixteen beautiful grandkids who brought my Grandpa so much joy. His face would light up the moment any one of us walked into the room, and we were always greeted with a big hug.

I had the honor of knowing my Gramps for the second half of his life. Grandpa was always gentle, always ready with a few words of wisdom, and always prepared with a prayer to bless any occasion — even a birthday dinner, where he might forget your name for a brief second… thank you, Parkinson’s. But as we grew older and had kids of our own, there was still always room for everyone at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

There were backyard barbecues for birthdays and holidays, with the yard full of kids running everywhere.

There was room for the unexpected visit at 9:30 p.m. on a Monday, when you showed up in tears because now *you’re* raising teenagers.

There was: “Grandpa, how are you doing?” And even from a hospital bed, his answer was always, “I’m great.” And he really meant it.

There was unconditional love when things went wrong, and a steady reassurance that “God will figure it out — because He always does.” In the last few weeks of his life, he still offered us comfort, letting us know he was okay and that he was ready to dance with Jesus.

The week before he passed, I took my little sister to visit him. As we went to say goodbye, he woke from his doze, squeezed her hands, and said, “Okay, guys,” as if to say, “I’m good — time to go.” When we walked into the hallway, she looked at me and said, “Did he just kick us out?” And I said, “Yes. He sure did.”

As I’ve thought about that moment over and over this week, I understand now that he was giving us permission to let him go. And although we have let him go in his physical form, he’s more with us now than ever — in every memory, every lesson, every moment we carry in our hearts.

Today, as we relive those moments, we celebrate the gift of having had him in our lives.

Uncle Chi may you run free of pain. Know that you will be missed by many. Thank you for the words of wisdom when I needed them most.  I will keep you in my heart.

Well, I always called my good friend "Chey", not realizing that I was spelling it wrong for over 40 years.  He never corrected my spelling. Chey was my soul mate for all the years we worked together at Region 13. We laughed at each other's silly jokes, and every now and then we included our wives in an evening outing. I will always cherish our friendship, and I  wish to express my sincere condolences to Angie and all their children, grandchildren,  great grandchildren,  and great,great grandchildren.  Rest in peace,  my friend.

In memory of and in gratitude for his honorable military service . May God bless him and welcome him home. Peace be with his family and friends

It was an honor and pleasure to have Brother Chai in the Spanish Sunday school at Emmanuel these past several months.  I was the teacher but Brother taught me so much more like his great love for the Lord and for His church.  I will miss you dearly Brother Chai, but my heart knows you are rejoicing with the Savior in Heaven now 🙏  Please say hello to my sweet Aubrie 💖

Our deepest condolences to the whole family. We feel blessed to have shared with you over 30 years at Emmanuel. Chay and Diana could never sit together at a meeting. We were disruptive because we were always laughing. There was one joke about the mariachis that I will always remember Chay by. He and Henry had some good times with the Methodist Men. Chay always had a smile for everyone. We are so sorry we won’t be able to attend on Saturday, but we’d like to visit Angie later. We are so sorry. Love you all. 
Henry and Diana

The best memories of my Sweet Uncle Chai were all the Thanksgiving meals we shared, his prayers over all of my family. The famous frog eyed salad and the hot sauce on the Turkey! I will carry all of your love, wisdom and humorous stories you shared. I love you.

OBITUARY

Eleazar "Chai" Rodriguez

16 March, 1941 – 23 November, 2025

Cook-Walden Funeral Home

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