RITCHEA-GONZALES FUNERAL HOME
Family Owned & Operated Since 1978
Manuela G. Cantu
Manuela G. Cantu passed away peacefully at her home on May 25, 2024. She was born June 4, 1945 to Jesus P. and Marta G. Garcia in Odem, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Dora Aviles and Elia Garcia; her first husband, Jose S. Montemayor; and her father and mother-in-law, Hilario and Micaela Cantu. Manuela was a generous soul who never knew a stranger. She had a green thumb and loved gardening with her favorite flower being yellow roses. Her tremendous Catholic faith in our beautiful Lord carried her throughout her life. She dedicated many years to Sacred Heart of Jesus in Odem, serving as a CCD teacher, Director of Religious Education, lector, and Bingo committee member. In addition, she served several years at Sacred Heart in Sinton as a lector. During her retirement, she loved her time as a bus monitor and game worker for Sinton ISD. Manuela enjoyed visiting the elderly at nursing homes and counseling the sick in the hospital.
She is survived by her loving companion of many years, Jose Aureliano Garza, Jr.; her children, Melissa (Sammy) Villarreal, Sonya (Julian) Alcalá, Emelda Cantu, and Roel Benitez all of Odem; her children by marriage, Frank (Delma) Cantu, Michelle (Jerry) Villarreal also all of Odem; her grandchildren, Joseph (Lanie) Micalea and Josiah Villarreal, Julianna and Julisa Alcalá, Matthew and Andrew Cantu, Aaron and Noah (Gabrielle) Villarreal and one great granddaughter, Analeia Jae Villarreal; and a great grandson on the way, Azekiel Villarreal; siblings, Olga (Erasmo) Martinez of Mathis, Jesus G. (Maria) Garcia of Odem, Lydia (Johnny) Lerma of Odem, Ray (Diana) Garcia of Corpus Christi. Manuela is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved their " Tia Meme". Manuela was very loved and will be missed dearly. Manuela worked for over 35 years for the US Post Office, serving the community of Odem. She was a dedicated daughter, mother, sister, wife, aunt, daughter-in law, grandmother and friend.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024 from 2 PM to 9 PM with a holy rosary being recited at 7 PM at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday, May 28,2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Odem with Father George as celebrant. This will conclude the services.
