She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Ray Negrete, son Roy, her brothers Jesus and Al Almendarez, parents Clotilde and Pasqual Ayala; Aunt Viola Rose Galvan; Grandparents Gabriela and Jose Garnica.
Surviving her are sons; Tommy (LaVerne); Refugio “Kookie” (Mary); 7 grandchildren: Lisa Negrete; Tommy Negrete; Timmy Negrete; Jenny Negrete-Fry; George Negrete; Kerry Negrete and Benny Negrete. Also, 20 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
She worked at the Texas Highway Department for over 32 years and retired as a district secretary.
She served as a Parliamentarian, serving in several national positions as well as President of Flonnie Mae Larimer Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians. She served in conferences throughout the U.S. She was also a member of the Professional Secretaries Association.
Together with her husband, Ray she was a member of Son's of Herman.
Throughout their years of marriage, she and Ray loved to go dancing, even competing in ballroom dancing. Together they traveled extensively with friends including numerous cruises. She loved to sew, making quilts and some embroidery work, Later at her senior living community she joined card and domino groups and enjoyed them very much. She had learned how to play bridge and at her death, was in a caligraphy class.
Mary attended mass weekly throughout her life. She supported several veteran organizations, including: disabled veterans, and the VFW. Two of her son's and brother are veterans.
A visitation will be held for family and friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2019 in The Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home.
