Maria De Jesus Rodriguez

A woman of kindness and strength with a resolve to always see the good in people and life, Maria de Jesus Rodriguez was born in a small village near Camargo, Mexico named La Cruz. She was born and raised in the humble setting of ranch life and traveled North to Cd. Juarez, Mexico when she was a teenager with big dreams. She always looked to the tall buildings across from the border in downtown El Paso, Tx from Cd. Juarez, and knew that she was destined for a greater life. She met her love, her late husband Ramon Rodriguez while in College in Cd. Juarez and stayed married to him for 45 beautiful, prosperous, years where they moved to El Paso and raised a family together. She is survived by her sons Jose Ruy Rodriguez, Luis Carlos Rodriguez, her daughter Joanne Rodriguez, daughter in law Linda Rodriguez, granddaughters Zoey, Minna, Sophia , and Mikayla as well as her sisters Carmen Johnson, Guadalupe Flores, Maura Penz and Irene Jurado. Maria exemplified work ethic as she awoke every morning before sunrise so that she could be at work by 6 a.m., she labored with her strong, tiny hands day after day as a loyal employee of Levi's Strauss on Cypress Street in El Paso for 25 years. There she was crowned a Queen, made many friends and worked to contribute to the wonderful life she was building with her husband, for their family.

When she deservingly retired, she spent her days helping to raise her granddaughters, she took the role as Matriarch of the family after her mother had passed away and was always available to anyone and everyone who needed advice, help or someone who would listen. She continued to work with her tiny, hard working hands, tending to her garden and turtles, baking delicious cakes, and sowing precious clothing and costumes for her granddaughters. Maria was lovingly known as Chuya to many and Chapi to her husband. Chapi, short for chaparrita because of her small stature. Although those who knew her would agree she may have been a small woman but she had the biggest heart, the most compassion, plenty of optimism and the most beautiful big smile. She always Always encouraged those she loved to be the best version of themselves, Mama, we will miss your sweet smile and loving heart for the rest of our lives. We thank you for a lifetime of encouragement and support.