Maria Elena Rodriguez, age 77, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at her son’s residence in Encino, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 22, 1947, to Pedro Benavides and Amparo Saenz Benavides in Falfurrias, Texas.
Maria Elena graduated from Falfurrias High School in 1967 and dedicated more than 34 years of service at Encino Elementary School. Following her retirement, she worked as a cook at the Santa Cruz Hunting Camp. In 1998, after earning her EMT certification, Maria Elena proudly volunteered countless hours as an EMT responder with the Southern Brooks Volunteer Fire Department. She continued serving the community alongside her husband until her illness prevented her from doing so.
Maria Elena was a woman of strong faith and boundless love. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, her friends, and her community. She enjoyed genealogy, dancing, gardening, being outdoors, and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. Her warmth, generosity, and joy for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law, Pedro and Victoria Rodriguez; brothers-in-law, Amando Rodriguez, Rene Rodriguez, and Octavio Rodriguez and sister-in-law, Oralia Salinas.
Left to honor and cherish her memory are her loving husband of over 52 years, Pedro Rodriguez Jr. of Encino; her son, Petricquio (Selinda) Rodriguez of Encino; her daughters, Paydra (Lonnie) Longoria of Corpus Christi, Texas, Petina (Brandan) Rogers of Riviera, Texas and Priscilla (Andrew) Herrera of Encino; brothers, Ramon (Terry) Benavides, Victor Benavides, and Juan (Yolanda) Longoria; sisters, Alicia (Elson) Barrera and Soila Garcia; six grandchildren, Andrew Herrera Jr., Ryan Andrew Herrera, Aiden Andrew Herrera, Sky-Lynn Marie (Kayleb) Brooks, Ashlynn Nicole Rodgers, and Kaitlynn Alexis Rogers; two great-grandchildren; her pet dog, Roco and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.
Visitation will begin at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Encino with Rosary being prayed at 11:15 a.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a cancer society of your choice or to the Southern Brooks Volunteer Fire Department of Encino.
