It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Armandina Esperanza Perez Garza on September 21, 2026. Born on August 12, 1945, she was beloved by all. She instilled her love of people, travel, and Golden Nugget into her children and grandchildren. Fiercely independent with a loving heart, she loved corridos, caring for others, and dancing. Throughout her life, she held a deep reverence for the Catholic faith, and could be found reading scripture and in prayer. Armandina loved friend and family gatherings, so much so, she was surrounded by loved ones in her final days. She was a staple of the Rio Grande City area, with an infectious smile and ever present personality at Friendly Meat Market, the grocery store and restaurant run by her and her loving husband of 60 years, Julian.
She is survived by her husband, Julian Garza; sisters: Irma Aguirre, Elma Perez, and San Juana Garcia; children: Alejandro Garza, Armandina (Ronald) Pratt, and Melissa (Javier) Enriquez; numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren; and grandchildren: Ashleigh (Noemi) Pratt, Jaime Julian Guzman, Amber (Thomas) Pratt-McBeth, Alejandro (Alejandra) Garza, Andrew Pratt, Jenilee (Nathaniel) Enriquez, Amanda (Roberto) Garcia, and Jackilee (Nathan) Enriquez. Armandina was blessed with four great-grandchildren -- Aleanna, Kaiden, Aleynna, and Rynlee -- who brought lots of love and life to her final years. She has been reunited with her mother, Conrada G. Perez, sister, Olga Montalvo, and beloved son, Adrian Lee Garza.
Services will be coordinated by Rodriguez Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 25 from 12pm to 9pm, with rosary services starting at 7pm. Saturday September 26 from 8am to 11:30 am, Mass will be held at 12:30pm at St. Paul Catholic Church and with burial to follow at La Puerta Cemetery.
