Carmela A. Crosthwait

Carmela was born May 5, 1929 to Andres and Carmela Salas in Lima, Peru. She and her brother Luis Salas were best friends and stayed close throughout their lives. Her mother passed when she was 10 years old, and was later raised by Catholic German nuns in Peru, until she met Wilfredo Rodriguez Marquez. They married in 1948 and they started a family shortly after. They had 3 children, William, Alex, and Maria.

Her father inspired her to move to the United States, in 1959, with her 5 year old daughter after she was divorced. Carmela established a new life in Miami, Florida. A few years later, her sons came to join them. Professionally, she was a hairdresser working in very high class salons, before opening her own establishment. She even did hair for the "Jackie Gleason Show." Carmela loved living in Florida, especially by the ocean.

Carmela was a talented artist, enjoying all types of crafts. She was a very classy lady, and would never leave the house without lipstick and jewelry. She loved spending time with family, and was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. Carmela made all the children feel as though they were her "favorite." Her faith never wavered throughout her life, and her love of God was shared with her entire family. Carmela was always in the middle of every family gathering.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son-in law, Arturo Franco; great-grandson, Andrew Cleveland; and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Carmela is survived by her children, William Rodriguez, Alex Rodriguez, Maria Franco; grandchildren, Sonia (Rocky) Haney, Alex(Eunice) Franco, Frank (Sarah) Franco, Michael (Alicia) Franco, Alexandra Rodriguez; great- grandchildren, Christina (Rojer), Joe (Morgan), Lexie, A.J., Samantha, Emma, Ayden, Maximus, Victoria, Miguel, Ariel; great- great grandchildren, Christopher, Rojer, Elayna; and many other extended family and friends.

A special thank you to Uncle Luis' children, Andres Salas, Joan Verrett, Robert Salas, Thomas Salas, and Patricia Salas for all your love and support.

A visitation for Carmela will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home, 601 N Alleghaney Ave, Odessa, Texas 79761. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 612 E 18th Street, Odessa, TX 79761. A graveside service will occur Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Gulf Pines Memorial Park, 2401 Englewood Rd., Englewood, FL.

Serving as pallbearers are Alex Rodriguez, Willy Rodriguez, Alex Franco, Frank Franco, Rocky Haney and Joe Cleveland.