Harlingen, TX- Rafaela G. Gutierrez, passed peacefully at the age of 97 at Harlingen Nursing Center on April 26, 2010; she was born on October 24, 1912 in Cerralvo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roberto Gutierrez; her daughter, Sulema Mendoza; her son, Roberto Gutierrez, Jr.; a grandson, Rafael Gutierrez; her parents, Marcelo and Genoveva Gonzalez; sons-in-law, Humberto Rodriguez, Juan Mendoza, Arturo Rodriguez and Joaquin Rodriguez; a daughter-in-law, Tonia Gutierrez; and all her siblings. Rafaela is survived by her sons, Marcelo (Cata) Gutierrez, Santos (Tina) Gutierrez and Sergio (Alicia) Gutierrez; her daughters, Genoveva Rodriguez, Helen Rodriguez, Andrea (Aurelio) Rodriguez and Rosalinda Proenza; 25 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitations were held Tuesday, April 27, 2010 from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M.; visitation will continue Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.; with a Chapel Service to be held at 2:00 P.M. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito. Interment will follow to Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito. Rafaela was a very strong woman who loved her family very much; may she rest in peace with her heavenly Father. Words of comfort can be sent to the family of Rafaela G. Gonzalez at www.thomaegarza.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S Sam Houston, San Benito, TX (956) 399-1331.