Maria Mendoza Morales, 90, from San Benito, Texas entered into eternal rest on February 14, 2021. Born on September 1, 1930 in Guadalcázar, San Luis Potosí, she immigrated from Mexico at the age of 17 to work in San Benito. Years later she adopted this county as her own and became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Eventually, Maria became a wife, mother and protector of her family. As a wife, she was loving and devoted to her husband, Juan. As a mother, she devotedly looked after her children and was parent, nurse, disciplinarian, counselor and spiritual advisor to all of them. She made sure to instill respect, honor and responsibility in all her children. After the death of her husband, around the same time she became an empty nester, she found herself with less to do around the house. Undaunted, she began pursing interests she otherwise had not been able to while being wife and mother. She became active in St. Benedict’s Church and volunteered her time for its fund gathering events, joined the De Colores group and, with a small circle of fellow parishioners, would visit the sick and elderly on weekends. A major accomplishment, much to the astonishment and justifiable concern of her children, was learning how to drive; obtaining her driver’s license at the age of 59. She also joined a group of retirees which allowed her the opportunity to travel and see sights ranging from the Aztec pyramids in Mexico to Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota and all places in between; accumulating thousands of miles of travel and countless memories to last a lifetime. In her later years, she mingled with Amigos del Valle and on more than one occasion was coronated Queen of the local Chapter. Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Juan Morales, Sr., daughter, Gloria Morales, son Pedro Morales, sister; Flora Perez, Amparo Mendoza and brother Leon Mendoza. She is survived by her children: Juan (Lucy) Morales, Jr., Harlingen, TX; Oscar (Sandy) Morales, Stafford, TX; Carmen Arizmendi, San Antonio, TX; Albert Morales, San Antonio, TX; Dora (Edgar) De Jesus, Katy, TX; Daniel (Rebecca) Morales, New Braunfels, TX; sister Maria Luisa Guevarra, Chicago, Il.; and 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will held be held Wednesday February 24, 2021 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas. Chapel service will be held at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home,395 S. Sam Houston Blvd., San Benito, TX 78586 at 10:00am on Thursday February 25, 2021. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, TX. Pallbearers are Juan Morales III, Eric Morales, Julio Arizmendi, Michael Morales, Juan Morales IV and Richard De Los Santos. Honorary pallbearers are Esteban Morales, Joe Morales, Eric Morales Jr., Andres Arizmendi, Anthony De Jesus, Richie De Jesus, Anthony Don and Jeremiah Don. The Family would like to extend its gratitude to Araceli Costeño personal caregiver, the team from Kindred Hospice and the staff at Sunshine Haven where she only spent one full day. Special thanks to Lucy for caring for her mother-in-law this past year; lovingly providing and tenderly caring for her as she would have for her own mother. Due to current restrictions, this establishment will follow the 50% occupancy limit and all persons shall institute social distancing of a minimum space of 6 feet apart. All individuals must wear face coverings or masks. (May include bandanas or sewn or cloth face coverings). You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Maria Mendoza Morales at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.