Maria Elva Garza

Maria was born on June 11, 1942. She was born to Ramon and Eusebia Garza. She was the first born and was followed by Francisco, Steven, Elsa, Raymond, Ramon, Rene, Yolanda, and Raul.

Her life began in Charlotte, Texas. She met and married Arturo Balderama while still residing in Texas. It wasn't long before their oldest daughter Diana was born. Shortly thereafter, Maria and Arturo re-located to Seattle, Washington.

It wasn't long before Lynda, Racheal, Angela, and Margaret, were born. Maria had thought she might deliver a boy but was often not surprised to find a baby girl placed in her arms each time she had a child.

Maria and Arturo divorced in later years and Maria re-married.

Her marriage to Valentino Martin produced yet another daughter and again, Maria was not surprised to see another baby girl placed in her arms. They named her Delia.

She had her hands full with all of her daughters while juggling work and home. She did it with grace and each of her daughters could tell you the many jokes and stories she told them while serving dinner.

She was always busy with one craft or another. Sewing was one of her favorite things and a Hancock Fabrics or a Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Store were places that would bring stars to her eyes. She was happy when creating anything from scratch. It never ceased to amaze her daughters that she could cut a pattern out of newspaper and be wearing a new outfit the next day.

Although she was passionate about sewing, the love she had for each of her daughters surpassed it.

Later in life, she became a teacher for young children and positively impacted their lives. Again, she would come home and share stories with her daughters and have them giggling until their sides hurt.

Maria is survived by her Children, Diana Rivera, Lynda Balderama, Rachael Moody, Angela Balderama, Margaret Balderama, and Delia Urrea coupled with 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her Siblings, Ramon Garza, Yolanda Ortiz, and Rene Garza.

Her services will be held at Yarington's Funeral Home on January 15, 2014 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Reception will follow at the home of Delia Urrea.

Private graveside services will be held at Riverton Crest Cemetery on January 17, 2014.

The family would like to thank everyone involved in ensuring that Maria will rest easy on her journey into everlasting life.

"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it ~ ~ ~ Isaiah 25:8"