Celedina M. Garza was born in Wharton, Texas to Juan Jimenez and Rita Reyna Jimenez Benitez on April 24,, 1941. She spent her school years in Victoria, Texas. She married BMC (Ret) Ralph Garza Sr. on May 19, 1964 in Victoria, Texas and was able to travel throughout the United States as a military spouse. She enjoyed being a stay at home wife and Mother. She volunteered at several military bases as part of the U. S. Navy’s Wives Welcoming Committees, tasked with assisting families adjust to their new assigned duty areas. Worked as a store manager and interior decorator after her husband’s retirement. She was a self-taught hair dresser, liked making ceramics, house remodeling, working in the yard and participating in church activities. She always knew how to throw great holiday parties. Especially loved to sing to Mariachi music, we can hear her belt out those gritos.
Celedina is preceded in death by her spouse Ralph Garza Sr., Father Juan Jimenez, Mother Rita Reyna Jimenez Benitez, eldest sister Julia Cantu, brothers Antioco Jimenez, Juan Jimenez Jr., Norberto Jimenez, Jesus Jimenez, Jose Jimenez, John Christopher Jimenez and Candelario Benitez.
Celedina is survived by her daughter Debra Garza Facundo, son Ralph Garza Jr., daughter Synthia Muñiz and favorite son-in-law Juan Pablo Muñiz. Grandchildren Andrea M. Upton and husband Paul, Synthia M. Rowe and partner Matthew Hernandez, BM2 Cruz S. Garza USN, Juan P Muñiz II and Synthia N. Muñiz. Great grandchildren Caitlin E. Hutchinson, Clara R. Upton and Auguste Hernandez. Siblings Selestino Jimenez, Sylvestre Jimenez, Benjamin & Lupe Jimenez, Rufino & Carolina Jimenez, Maria & Noe Mares, Esperanza Kraft & late husband John, Sylvia Benitez widow of Candelario, Ruben & Dalia Jimenez, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Louis & Claire Jimenez, Mary Jane Jimenez Chapman & late husband Hoyt, Dora Linda & Chuck Wright and Francis & Alfredo Martinez. Extended family includes numerous devoted in-laws, cousins, several generations of nephews, nieces and dear friends.
Pallbearers: Boatswain’s Mate Cruz S. Garza, Juan Pablo Muñiz II, Joey Rosas, Ruben Jimenez, Wayne Castillo and Kenneth (Keno) Ramos Sr.
Honorary Pallbearers: Marissa Jimenez, Nathan Mays and Nolan Mays.
Celedina’s family wish to extend their sincere thanks to family and friends. We know she lives on in each memory you hold close to your heart.
