God opened His arms and whispered her name and Angels carried her home. Odilia A. Perez, lovingly called “Nana O” by her grandchildren, went to be with our Lord on Friday, December 7, 2018. She was 83 years old. Rosary will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 A.M., December 11, 2018, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Interment will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons: Robert John Rivas, Diarmid Campbell, Richard Paul Rivas, Dallas Rivas, Ryan Rivas, and Raymond Rivas. Odilia was born on February 19, 1935, in Melvin, Texas to Anestacio and Felipa Perez. She married Lino G. Rivas and together they had eight children. Odilia was devoted to her family and took great pride in her children’s accomplishments. She had a rewarding and successful career at Ethicon, retiring after 23 ½ years of service. She enjoyed traveling and a warm meal could always be had at her table. She will be remembered for her strength, determination, and independence. Odilia was preceded in death by her parents, various brothers and sisters, and a daughter, Odie Martinez. She leaves behind many beloved family members and friends including her children: Rachel English; Marie Aguirre and husband, Trinidad; Robert Rivas and wife, Tina; Richard Rivas and wife, Violet; Rosalinda Tafolla and husband, Wayne; Jaime Martinez; Lino Rivas; Michael Rivas and wife, Brenda; all of San Angelo. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of which she loved dearly.
Odilia’s children wish to offer a special “thank you” to Caregiver, Rosalinda Arocha; Kidney Connection, Melanie Baumgartner and staff; and Senior Care Nursing Home staff, for providing mom much comfort, love, and care up to the very end.
Bells are ringing, a choir is singing. Trumpets herald the way. A ray of sunshine lights my path and Angels take my hands. As I walk into His outstretched arms, I know my waiting’s done.
