

Rosie was born on July 14, 1944, to Pete and Eudelia Buentello in the small town of Rice’s Crossing, Texas. She graduated from Taylor High School and went on to earn her nursing certificate, dedicating many years to caring for others as a nurse in medical facilities throughout Taylor and Austin. In 1965, Rosie married Henry Cantu, with whom she had three children: Diana, Hank, and James. Their marriage was filled with love and cherished memories until Henry’s passing in 1981. Following his death, Rosie devoted herself fully to raising her children, demonstrating remarkable strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment as the matriarch of her family, inspiring all who knew her.
In 1985, Rosie met and married her soulmate, John Machuca. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Rosie and John played an active role in helping raise their first grandchild, Michael, during his early years, followed by the arrival of their second grandchild, Jaeson. Throughout her life, Rosie worked in various fields, including retail, banking, and service, before retiring from her position with the City of Austin in 1995. After retirement, John’s employment relocated them to Shreveport, Louisiana, where they enjoyed going to casinos and hosting frequent family visits. In 1997, they returned to their original home in Austin, Texas, where Rosie welcomed additional grandchildren: Ashley, Kelsey, James, and Elizabeth, and a great-granddaughter: Zoey. She was devoted to each of them and remained actively involved in their lives, attending school functions, sporting events, and family activities. Rosie deeply cherished her role as “Mamo,” a name lovingly given to her by her grandchildren. In addition to her devotion to family, Rosie enjoyed crafts, pottery, crocheting, greyhound racing, dancing, casino games, bingo, shopping, watching game shows, completing word searches, and engaging in meaningful conversation. Rosie also enjoyed traveling with her family. She visited 25 of the 50 states, creating a lifetime of loving family memories.
Rosie was a woman of deep faith who believed firmly in the power of prayer and lived as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Her generosity, compassion, and service to others leave a lasting legacy. The family she lovingly raised will honor her memory in their hearts forever.
Rosie is survived by her husband, John Machuca; her children, Diana Millard (David), Hank Cantu (Nicole), and James Cantu (Rebecca); her grandchildren, Michael Millard, Jaeson Millard, Ashley Cantu-Weinstein (Ilon), Kelsey Cantu, James Cantu, and Elizabeth Cantu; her great-granddaughter, Zoey Millard; and her nieces, Melissa Buentello Reyna (Eliseo) and Daniele Phillips.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete Buentello and Eudelia Buentello Saenz; her brothers, Arthur Buentello and Ruben Buentello; her sister, Raquel Alderate; and her first husband, Henry Cantu.
Pallbearers will be Michael Millard, Jaeson Millard, James Cantu, David Millard, Ian McPherson, and Justin Clebowy.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 4:00-8:00 pm with the Rosary starting at 7:00 pm at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, located at 14501 N. Interstate Highway 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.
Funeral services will be on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the same venue. Committal service will follow at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, also at the same location above.
PALLBEARERS
Michael Millard
Jaeson Millard
James Cantu
David Millard
Ian McPherson
Justin Chlebowy
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