Martha Rodriguez Zavala

Born in Durango, Mexico, on November 6, 1937, Martha carried with her the strength, perseverance, and devotion that would define her life. In 1968, she made the courageous decision to come to the United States to build a better future for her sons. Her journey led her to Austin, where in 1971 she married the love of her life, Joe L. Zavala, they shared 40 devoted years together, until his passing in 2011.

Martha was a woman whose heart overflowed with love, kindness, and nurturing. Nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply. She delighted in every moment with them—happily spending hours watching Disney movies, K-pop videos, anime, or whichever shows and movies captured their imaginations at the time. She often walked the kids to the local park, church, corner grocery for ice cream, or the bakery for a pastry, always smiling and savoring the simple joy of being with them. Her home—and her arms—were always open, a place where her family and friends knew they were loved beyond measure.

Her faith guided her in all things. As a devoted member of her church, Martha poured herself into service, offering her time, talents, and compassion wherever they were needed. Whether preparing meals, knitting booties and hats, or visiting the elderly, she lived her faith through action, touching countless lives with her generosity and grace.

Outside of her church and family, Martha found peace and purpose in her garden. Gifted with an extraordinary green thumb, she could coax beauty and life from even the smallest seed. Her garden bloomed in vibrant colors season after season, a testament to her patience, care, and love of nurturing all living things. When not in her garden she could regularly be found sipping a coke while knitting and happily watching her favorite horror movies.

A dedicated community servant, she believed deeply in helping others and leaving the world better than she found it. From visiting neighbors, gifting plants from her garden, or making a meal for others, she was always among the first to volunteer, offering her time and her heart without expectation.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe Zavala.

Martha is survived by sister, Maria Gloria Rodriguez; children, Carlos Rodrigo Zavala and wife, Carol Hubbard, Mauricio R. Zavala and wife, Leslie Basse, Martha Imelda Buehler and husband, Joe Buehler; grandchildren, Ashlei M. Zavala, Paloma M. Buehler, and Nikolas J. Buehler.

May her garden in heaven be as vibrant as the love she planted here on earth.

A visitation will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, located at 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704, on December 16, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at the same venue on December 16, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service is scheduled for December 17, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at San Jose Catholic Church, located at 2435 Oak Crest Ave, Austin, TX 78704.

The committal service will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78704, on December 17, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.