Stella Garza's Obituary
Stella Garza, age 97, passed away on July 30, 2024, in Carrollton, Texas. She was born February 20,1927, in Dallas, Texas, the second of three daughters to Juan Ramirez and Beatrice Perales. She and her sisters, Corinne and Evelyn, spent their early childhood in the Little Mexico section of Dallas.
Stella graduated from Holding Institute, a Methodist boarding school, where she met her first husband, Edward Martinez. They married and had three children, Cynthia, Claudia, and Edward.
She worked as a billing clerk for trucking companies for many years and was a proud member of the Teamsters Union. As a working mother in the 1950’s she raised her own children and helped raise her nieces, Regina, Melanie, and Tina.
In 1987 Stella married Jose Romeo Garza, a widower and longtime family friend. They enjoyed over 20 years together, traveling and spending time with family and friends, until his death in 2010. They were both faithful members of the Methodist church. She was an effortless hostess and a wonderful Mexican cook whose tamales were legendary.
She was predeceased by husband, Romeo, her parents, Juan Ramirez and Beatrice Vasquez, her stepfather Daniel Vasquez, sister Evelyn Castillo, niece Regina Ramirez, son-in-law Rick Bennetts, and her first husband, Edward Martinez. She is survived by her sister, Corinne Martinez, daughters, Cynthia Bennetts, Claudia Martinez, son, Edward Martinez and daughter in law, Georgia Tripplett, grandson, Daniel Bennetts (Michelle Pushard), granddaughter, Rachel Bennetts-Wu, and her husband, Kevin Wu, and granddaughters, Brynlee Stella and Keira Wu, nieces Janet and Mitzi Martinez, Melanie Castillo, Tina Dipane, Priscilla Ragsdale, nephew David Ragsdale, great nephew and niece, Taylor and Amelia Ragsdale and many other beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the staff at Atria Carrollton where she spent her last years. She kept everyone entertained with her stories and her infectious laugh. She had a lively personality and a love for dance.
Services will be held at the Restland Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at 9:00 am on Monday, August 12 in the Wildwood Chapel, followed by a memorial service at 10:00 am. A graveside service will follow.
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