Ofelia M. Martinez Garza

In 1929, she was one of the elementary grade students taught at Welhausen School of Cotulla by former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Ofelia was one of the first Mexican-American students to fight discrimination by attending the previously segregated Cotulla High School. She loved school and was determined to complete her high school education. She was among the first Mexican-American students to graduate from Cotulla High School.

Ofelia was preceded in death by her husband Antonio B. Garza; her parents, ten siblings; granddaughter Debbie Doler; and son-in-law Sam Salazar.

She is survived by her beloved children, Antonio Garza, Jr. (Dora), Melida Salazar, Elsa Doler (Bill), Mary Fraser (Larry), Dan Garza (Donna), Ida Sivley (Roger), brother Leopoldo Martinez and brother-in-law Reynaldo S. Garza. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

The love and joy of her life was her family. They all loved her and thought she was the best cook in the world!

Visitation with the family was held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2014 with the Rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston. The Funeral Liturgy was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13 in the sanctuary of St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood. The Rite of Committal followed at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, also in Houston.

The family is most appreciative of the professional care provided by respective staff of Stoneybrook Heathcare Center and Hospice Plus during her final months and days.