Maria del Refugio Portwood of San Angelo, TX passed away on March 31, 2023. She was born on October 8, 1943 in Jerez de Garcia Salinas, Zacatecas, Mexico to Ezequiel and Obdulia Marquez. She attended school in Jerez and later moved with her family to Reseda, California. There she began working in a factory and met the love of her life, an ex-marine Oakie named Troy. She married Troy Gene Portwood, they had 2 children in California before moving to London, Texas and buying land on the Llano River where they had 3 more children. We have so many beautiful memories of our life in London and playing in the Llano. Cuca as she was affectionately called was member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral. She worked as a housekeeper and cook for the priests for many years. She also worked in the nursery of Day Memorial United Methodist Church for many years and volunteered at the Catholic Outreach Services. She was the best mother anyone could ever have. I remember mom babysitting her renters children free of charge because she had no one to watch her children while she worked. She was preceded in death by her husband Troy Gene Portwood, her son Pablo Portwood and three granddaughters, Gabriella, Luzmila and Angelita Cuellar. She leaves behind 4 children Laura Elena Cuellar, Fatima Rosario Evans and husband Steve Clayton Evans, Christina Margarita Portwood and Billy Jake Portwood and wife Carrie Portwood; her grandchildren are Kayla Cuellar, Billy Cuellar, Teresa Cuellar, Mark Sanchez, Patrick Sanchez, Christian Sanchez, Clayton Evans, Makena Evans, Troy Portwood, Tyler Portwood and Matson Portwood. Also surviving are her siblings Arturo Marquez, Raul Marquez, Guadalupe Rodriguez, Soledad Ramirez, Maria Elena Santoyo and Margarita Carlos. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank HOSA, especially Araceli, Crystal, DJ, Luzy and Whitney. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to Food for the Poor. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Portwood family.
