Evangelina B. Zarate

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Evangelina B. Zarate, affectionately known to many as Tia Bita or Bibis. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Bita entered into eternal rest at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas, embraced with the love of her daughter, at the age of 81. She was born June 2, 1944 to Rev. Eusebio Benavides and Aurora Bazan Benavides in Falfurrias, Texas. She married the love of her life, Alejandro Zarate, and together they raised their beautiful daughter, Martha.

It’s hard to put into words the depth of love and quiet strength that Evangelina carried through every day of her life. She was the very definition of selfless - always giving, always caring, and never once asking for anything in return. She was a caretaker not just by role, but by nature. Whether it was her own child, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or any child who found themselves in her presence, she welcomed them with a warm heart and an open door. She had an incredible way of making everyone feel safe, seen, and loved.

Her house was more than just a place - it was a home. It was where delicious meals were always cooking, where the scent of fresh baking lingered in the air, hot coffee ready to serve, and a quiet hug or soft smile was always there when you needed it most. Her family especially loved her tamales, buñuelos, hot chocolate, empanadas, tortillas, and pan de polvo.

In the rare moments she wasn’t taking care of someone else, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life like word-find puzzles and reading a good book before bed. She also gave so much of her time and energy to her church community, never hesitating to step in and help with any fundraiser or activity. As a lifelong seamstress, she was known for making cloth dolls for the annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection that spans around the world. Her faith in the Lord was strong, just like her. From a young age she knew her final destination was set for glory with Jesus.

Bita was never one to speak loudly or seek attention. She lived with a quiet grace and endless patience that most of us could only hope to emulate. There truly wasn’t a mean bone in her body. She taught us, not with lectures, but by example: in how she loved, how she listened, and how she served.

Though she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

It brings comfort to know she is rejoicing in Heaven with her parents; husband; brothers, Jacinto and Marcos Benavides; sister, Lydia Arredondo, and many more family members.

Evangelina is survived by her daughter, Martha Lee Zarate of San Antonio; brother, Homer (Lucky) Benavides; sisters, Rev. Esmeralda (Daniel) Rodriguez, Amanda B. Garza, and Criselda (Corry) Escalante all of Falfurrias and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Pallbearers will be: Faustino "Tino" Aleman III, Javier Aleman, Luis Arredondo, Abram Jacinto Benavides, Isaac Benavides, Caiden Escalante, Phillip Morones, and Riccardo J. Rodriguez.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Benavides Family Cemetery in La Copita, Texas in Duval County.