Maria Elena Chestnut passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at a nursing home in Marquette, Kansas at the age of 84. She was born on February 18, 1940 to Genovevo Benavidez and Guadalupe Bazan Benavidez in Falfurrias, Texas. Maria worked as a Statistician with Levis Strauss & Co for many years. While living in Amarillo, Texas, Mary was a member of San Jacinto Baptist Church, where she was a member of The Ladies of San Jacinto group, before moving to Kansas.
She enjoyed embroidering, completing puzzle books, and the countless motorcycle travels with her husband William. She loved reading and spending time with her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Lewis Chestnut; brothers, Genovebo Benavides, Jr., Febronio Benavidez, Valentine Benavidez, and Juan Diego Benavidez; sister, Francisca (Eloy, Sr.) Chapa and brother-in-law, Pablo Barrera.
Maria is survived by her siblings, twins Genovevo (Eloisa) Benavidez, Jr. of Bushton, KS and Lupita Barrera of Falfurrias, Texas and Cynthia “Cyndi” (Bert) Villarreal of Falfurrias and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Pallbearers will be Luis Arredondo, Faustino "Tino" Aleman III, Mario Morones, Phillip Morones, Humberto Villarreal III and Ben Joe Benavidez.
Funeral Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Falfurrias.
Donation memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or towards Mary’s funeral account at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams.
