San Juanita G. Soto

San Juanita Gonzalez Soto passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and longtime educator whose faith and strength defined her life.

She taught elementary school for over 20 years and was known for her fun, welcoming classroom where students felt seen and loved. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Texas at the Rio Grande Valley and strongly believed in the power of education, providing a solid foundation for her children to succeed.

She was resourceful, loved finding a good bargain, and enjoyed traveling and visiting the casino with her husband. She cherished her friendships, long phone calls with lots of laughs, and getting together to share a meal. She and Benito Soto Jr. shared 50 years of marriage filled with love and partnership.

She is survived by her husband, Benito Soto Jr.; her children, Benito Soto III (Alice Elaine Diaz Soto) and Amanda C. Soto (Thomas Xavier Welch); and grandchildren Eric Matthew Soto, Mark Daniel Soto, and Anabella Rose Soto Welch.

She is also survived by her siblings: Juan F. Gonzalez, Frances Gonzalez, Argentina Escamilla, Lidia Lemarroy, and Yolanda Gonzalez.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco Elizondo and Carmen Maldonado Gonzalez, and her brother, Gilbert Gonzalez.

Her love, faith, and dedication to others will continue to live on through the lives she touched.

A visitation for San Juanita will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 12PM to 9PM with a service at 5PM. A burial of ashes will occur Monday, May 26, 2025 at 2PM. All services will be held at Funeraria del Angel Highland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6705 North Fm 88, Weslaco, Texas 78596.