Minnie Solis Rodriguez

Minnie “Minita” Solis Rodiguez, a longtime resident of Kingsville, Texas, departed this life peacefully to be in the presence of the Holy Trinity on Sunday, April 22, 2012 surrounded by her loved ones. Mrs. Rodriguez was born on June 24, 1917 to the late Anselmo and Martita Mendola Solis in Bexar County, Texas where her ancestors settled after they arrived from Spain with the Catholic Franciscan Missionaries.

Mrs. Rodriguez daily prayed Psalm 23 which was included in her graduation speech. She graduated from Floresville High School and Draugh’s Business College in San Antonio, Texas. She continued her education while working as a legal secretary during the era of the Great Depression in Kingsville.

Mrs. Rodriguez retired from the Kingsville Police Department and Texas A&M University Kingsville Police Department after many years of dedicated service to the Texas Rangers, Border Patrol and Kleberg County Law Enforement. She sponsored several organizations as her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren graduated from high school and college.

The city of Kingsville honored her with numerous awards and recognized the contributions she made to the welfare of the community.

She was a mentor to many outstanding officers in the state of Texas.

She was a charter member of the Kingsville Police Officers Association, board member of Resthaven Cemetery, Red Cross and Gardenia Club.

Together with her family, Mrs. Rodriguez was a founding member of St. Martin’s Church and School, Eucharistic Minister, C.C. Coordinator, Altar Society, Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, Catholic Daughters, Columbian Ladies and St. Vincent De Paul Ministries. She held administrative positions with the City Municipal Department, Catholic and Civic Organizations.

Mrs. Rodriguez was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Steve Rodriguez; parents; father-and mother-in-law, Frank and Rita Rodriguez; sister- and brother-in-law, Janie and Israel Rodriguez; and nephew, Dr. R. Michael Rodriguez.

Survivors include her loving children who will treasure the memories. “Her children will call her blessed.” Proverbs: 31:28

Daughters: Jackie Cabra (Oscar) and Minijane Pena (Fernando); grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends.

The family thanks Roy Cantu, funeral director with Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, Roy Ruiz, Dr. Robert Murphy, Dr. Jesse Garcia, Dr. James Geddes, the staff of Kleberg County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Odyssey Hospice who provided compassionate care.

Public visitation will take place after 8:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel. Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church with Fr. Jose Naul Ordonez as celebrant and assisted by Rev. P. R. Victor, Deacon Raul Rosales and Deacon Tiburcio “Butcho” Garcia. Burial will follow in Kingsville at Resthaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Mother Julia’s Project, c/o Missionary Daughters M.P.V.M., 919 North Ninth Street, Kingsville, Texas 78363.

The Rodriguez, Cabra and Pena family is grateful for your sincere friendship throughout the years and the expression of sympathy during this time of sorrow.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.