Melva S. Cantu

Melva was born on February 24, 1933, in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Mexico. After marrying her beloved husband, she moved with him to Chicago, Illinois, where they began their life together and raised their children. In 1974, the family relocated to Houston, Texas, where Melva established their business with her husband, and made her home for the next five decades.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love, strength, and guidance shaped generations. A hardworking business owner, Melva took great pride in providing for her family. In her quiet moments, she found peace and joy in gardening and in prayer. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life and a source of strength for those around her.

She is survived by her children: Louis Mario Cantu (Rosa Maria), Melva Alice Garza (Arturo), and Elsa Patricia Ruiz (Frank). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Louis Mario Jr., Angela, Arturo Jr., Angel, and Alina; and her great-grandchildren: Halli Rose, Benson Paige, Noah Austin, and Gabriella May.

Melva is also survived by her siblings: Roberto Sepulveda, Isidra Sepulveda, and Juan Manuel Sepulveda.

She will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her resilience, her warmth, and the love she showed to everyone around her. Her presence was a source of comfort, wisdom, and stability, and her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on February 7, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, located at 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023.

The funeral service will follow on the same day, February 7, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the same venue.

A committal service will take place immediately after, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, also at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home.