Petra Rodriguez

Brothers and Sisters, we gather today to celebrate the homecoming of a faithful servant, Petra Rodriguez, who ascended to her eternal reward on October 29, 2024. Born on the fourteenth day of June in the year of our Lord, 1927, in the humble town of Lopeno, Texas, Petra's journey of 97 years began as the cherished daughter of Antonio and Ramona Lopez.

Petra, a beacon of light and love, departed from this earth in the warm embrace of Edinburg, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family and the grace of God. She was a virtuous woman, one who wore the armor of faith and wielded the sword of compassion in every aspect of her life. Petra was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend; her life a testament to the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

Our dear Petra was preceded in departure by her beloved husband, Benito G. Rodriguez; her steadfast son-in-law, Richard Hinojosa; and her brothers, Raul, Alberto, and Lauro Lopez, who no doubt welcomed her with open arms at the gates of Heaven. Petra's sisters, Ofilia De La Garza, Primitiva Mandujano, Eva Sanchez, and Delia Ponce, alongside her parents, Antonio and Ramona, have now been reunited with her in the Kingdom of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy of love are her four children: J. Humberto (Norma) Rodriguez, Becky Rodriguez, Ricardo Rodriguez, and Benny (Rosie) Rodriguez. Petra's life was further blessed with thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, each one a shining star in the constellation of her love. Her spirit lives on through the countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched.

Petra, alongside her husband, laid the foundations of Benny's Dry Goods, a cornerstone of the community for over 42 years. Her entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by her commitment to service, as she poured her heart into volunteering at Catholic Churches and engaging in community service events.

A lifetime member and founding member of the Catholic Daughters, Petra's faith was her guiding light. She served as a steadfast volunteer at the Comfort House Services and was an active member of the Hidalgo County Rainbow Club. Her dedication to Holy Family Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister was a profound expression of her devotion to the Lord.

The highlight of Petra's spiritual journey was marked by her role as a Eucharistic Minister during the historic visit of St. John Paul II to San Antonio, Texas. This moment, etched in her heart, was a reflection of her unwavering faith and service to the Church.

Petra Rodriguez was the embodiment of a faith-filled life. Her loving nature and thoughtful deeds were the fruits of her unwavering belief in the goodness of our Lord. Her presence was a sanctuary of warmth and her actions a sermon of love.

As we bid farewell to our beloved Petra, let us not mourn her passing but instead rejoice in the knowledge that she has been called home by our Heavenly Father. She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith. Now, there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her on that day.

In her memory, let us walk in the path of righteousness and love that she so beautifully laid before us. May we embrace one another as she embraced us, with open arms and a heart full of God's grace. Rest in peace, dear Petra, until we meet again in the glorious kingdom of our Creator. Amen.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Luna, J. Humberto Rodriguez II, Bill Guerra, Rick Rodriguez II, Joseph Rodriguez, Benjamin Rodriguez, Abraham Rodriguez and Brian Starks.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, Monday, November 4, 2024 at Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations 1300 N. I-69C Edinburg, Texas. Funeral mass will be at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church 1302 E. Champion in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, family asks that you make all contributions to Holy Family Catholic Church in Edinburg. 

Funeral services are under the direction of Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations in Edinburg, Texas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Petra Rodriguez, please visit our floral store.