Paula T Benites

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Paula Torres Benites, 88, of Austin, Texas, who passed away peacefully at her home on March 10, 2025. Born in Garfield, Texas, on August 8, 1936, she was the 11th of 13 children. Paula was a woman of unwavering faith, strength, and generosity. She was always ready to offer something to ensure that no one left her home empty-handed.

Paula was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was known for her kind heart and her willingness to help those in need, including her church, community, family, and friends.

Paula was preceded in death by her husband: Manuel Benites, son: Daniel Benites, parents: Jose and Martina Torres; and her siblings: Jesus Torres, Porfiria Basquez, Corilo Torres, Guadalupe Nieto, Eduarda Campos, Alberto Torres, Francisca Lopez, Martina Luna, Benita Torres, and Benito Torres.

She is survived by her sons, Johnny Benites and his wife, Susan, and Robert Benites and his wife, Christina; her brother, Emilio Torres; and her sister, Esperanza Reyna. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Evelyn Henry, Ruben Saldana, Delis Chalambaga, Richard Chalambaga, Ramona Ruiz, as well as her great niece: Alysha Henry.

Paula was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Megan N Ricciardi, Jacy Pauline Benites, Marisa Benites, Stephanie Benites, and Amber Rocco. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members who will forever cherish her memory.

Pallbearers: Delis Chalambaga, Richard Chalambaga, Jim Reyna Jr., Anthony Reyna, Clarence Torres, and Manuel Rositas.

Honorary Pallbearers: Ruben Saldana, Jesus Ruiz, Victor Nieto, Jim Reyna Sr. and Charles R. Reyna.

Paula will always be in our hearts and will be deeply missed.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Dolores Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery.

A luncheon with Paula's family to celebrate her life will be held right after the burial.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the Monreal sisters for leading the Holy Rosary, to Gilbert (Bullet) and Cindy for their support and provision of necessary equipment, and for their assistance during emergencies. We are also deeply grateful to JOL Hospice for their expert care and compassion during Paula’s final days. A heartfelt thank you to Lucy Hernandez for her loving and continuous support in taking excellent care of our precious GG (Great-Grandmother) these last few months.

Lastly, we would like to express our deepest appreciation for the many prayers, comforting wishes, and gestures of love and support from family and friends during this difficult time.