Maria Elva McNeill

Elva was born and raised in McAllen, Texas, on July 4, 1942, to Ezequiel Sloss Rincones and Socorro Muro. She was a loving wife, devoted homemaker, and caring mother and grandmother. On October 9, 1961, she married the love of her life, John Edward McNeill, Jr. in McAllen, Texas. Throughout their marriage, Elva lived in and traveled to several countries, embracing new cultures and making lasting memories along the way. As a dedicated Army wife for over 30 years, she faced the challenges of military life with toughness, resourcefulness, and unwavering loyalty to her family.

Elva was feisty, strong-willed, and never afraid to speak her mind. She enjoyed bowling, playing softball, listening to her favorite Hispanic music, going to Tejano dances, and creating beautiful ceramics. She also loved sneaking away to watch Spanish telenovelas or read her favorite Nicholas Sparks book. She treasured time spent with friends and made countless cherished memories with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Retired SGM John Edward McNeill, Jr.; daughters Kelly McNeill Bush and Lloret Marie McNeill; five granddaughters: Sophia Maria Jackson (Zac), Isabel Ruby Gilbreath (Marshall), Josephine Coco Bush, Zoey Marie McNeill, and Lola Jean McNeill; and great-granddaughter Ruth Carmen Gilbreath. She is also survived by her twin sister, Maria Melva Schulz, and brothers, Ezequiel Rincones, Ramiro Rincones, and Ricardo Rincones.

Elva was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joel Rincones, and her beloved daughter, Debra Jean McNeill.

Family and friends are invited to a come-and-go visitation honoring Elva at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Ft. Hood Rd, Killeen, TX 76542, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A funeral and prayer service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) in Elva’s honor.

A visitation for Maria will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 765421654. Following the visitation will be a committal service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542.