Maria Rodriguez Ibarra

Maria Rodriguez Ibarra, 83, of Dallas, Texas, passed away one day shy of her 84th birthday, on March 11, 2016, peacefully in her sleep. She was born to the late Canuto Rodriguez and Carmen Rodriguez on March 12, 1932. Maria was born and raised in Cruz de Elorza, N.L., Mexico. Cleofas and Maria would see each other at school and town dances. Maria was the girl who truly caught his eye at a dance one evening and they were inseparable ever since. She married her childhood friend Cleofas Ibarra in 1953. In 1970, Maria made her way to the U.S. with her children. She wanted a better life for her family and their future. Maria is survived by her eight children; Carmen, Rafael, Francisco, Consuelo, Marie, Jose, Yolanda, and Diana. She also loved and cared for her 28 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Maria is preceded in death by her parents, Canuto Rodriguez and Carmen Rodriguez; as well as her sons Pancho Ibarra, Pedro Ibarra and her granddaughter Mary H. Ibarra.Maria helped many people, and would give to the less fortunate. She would travel to her hometown of Cruz de Elorza and gave clothing to those in need. Maria traveled with some of her grandchildren to Mexico during the summer months. She also helped raise most of her grandchildren and great-grand children from infancy to adulthood. She loved the kitchen and taught her family how to cook special recipes such as her famous tamales. Maria was known as “The Heart” of the family. Most of her sons and daughters raised their own families in the same neighborhood. She was a religious woman who would read and study the bible on a daily basis. She was known as leader and nothing seemed like a difficult challenge for her. Maria had a strong character and was a fighter in everyway. She was firm but had a lovable personality. Her children, grandchildren and great-grand children had the utmost respect for her. Family was everything to Maria Ibarra.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they will see God.

-Mathew 5:8