Alma M. Rios Villarreal was known for her vivacious personality and spirited character. She resided in Corpus Christi, Texas and passed away peacefully on January 11, 2021 at Angel Bright Hospice. In her last days, she was blessed to have numerous family members stay and visit with her, hold her hand and give her a loving farewell.
Alma was born to both the late Rosario Narvaez and Bernal Rios, Sr. on July 20, 1950 in Falfurrias, Texas.
She was raised surrounded by her loving family and many extended family members. She graduated from Falfurrias High School in 1968. She then pursued her passion for education by earning her teaching degree at Texas A&I University. Alma began her career in education in Port Isabel where she met her ex-husband Oscar Antonio Villarreal, II and had two children, Laura Melissa and Oscar Daniel.
After moving to Corpus Christi, Alma spent 35 years as an educator teaching children from early childhood to 4th grade. She was as devoted to her career as she was to her family. Teaching bilingual classes, ESL classes, devoting her spare time teaching summer school every year and tutoring every day after school. Alma retired from teaching from Montclair Elementary after touching the lives of many South Texans. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending her time with her grandchildren and traveling with family and friends. Alma will be remembered for her contagious laughter, welcoming smile and love for her family.
Alma was loved by many and is survived by her daughter, Laura Melissa Wendel (Matthew), her 3 grandsons, Gage G. Wendel (22 years), Logan R. Wendel (4 years), and Donovan M Wendel (2 years); her son, Oscar Daniel Villarreal, III; her loving stepfather, Jose Oziel Cadena, Sr,; two sister ,Alda Zarate (David), and Paula De Leon, two brothers Joey Cadena (Monica), and Bernal Rios Jr (Veronica). Alma also leaves her memories with several aunts, uncles, numerous nieces and nephews.
Alma will be greeted in heaven by her loving mother, Rosario, her father, Bernal Sr, and her ex-husband, Oscar. She is missed, but we know she is in celebration with our Lord on this day.
Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on January 20, 2021 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home located at 8200 Old Brownsville Rd. Corpus Christi, TX. Celebration of Life service will begin with a rosary at 1:30 pm followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 pm at Memory Gardens Chapel.
Condolences may be offered to the Villarreal family at www.memorygardensfuneral home.com.
