Elva G. Vela

Elva Vela, 90, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Family Matriarch With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of Elva Vela at the age of 90, a woman whose life was defined by love, sacrifice, and quiet strength. Elva was the devoted mother of six sons, whom she raised with grace, wisdom, and unshakeable devotion, and though her heart endured unimaginable loss, her oldest son passed at 24, and her second eldest just last year, she carried that pain with grace, never wavering in her faith or the love she gave so freely to those around her. She dedicated her life to her family, not only as a mother, but as a caregiver to her husband and her own mother until their passing. Her love new no bounds especially when it came to her grandchildren, whose laughter filled her heart and whose presence gave her life and purpose. Each of her grandchildren carries unique and cherished memories of their time with her, stories full of laughter and love. But one memory they all share is the comfort of her homemade beans and tortilla tacos, a simple yet lasting symbol of her care and the love she poured into feeding her family. Elva’s love extended far beyond her sons. She cherished her daughters-in-law deeply, calling them the daughters she never had. The bond was so special that her sons would often joke that she loved them like daughters and treated them as if they were in-laws. She’d laugh and pretend to scold them, but her smile always gave her away. Her acceptance and love were unconditional and all-encompassing. She found joy in the everyday moments, like tending to her garden but, especially, time spent with her sons on the ranch. Whether they were hard at work or simply taking a drive across the land, those moments grounded her and filled her heart. The ranch wasn’t just a place; it was part of who she was. Her home was the heart of the family, always filled with warmth, laughter, and the gentle hum of her sewing machine. She had a lifelong passion for sewing, and her creations whether an intricate dress, quilt, or a simple hem, were stitched with love and purpose. Her home was a sanctuary of comfort with the scent of a home cooked meal waiting just for you. Elva was a woman of deep Catholic faith, and that faith guided every step of her life. She trusted in God, prayed faithfully, and lived with a quiet grace that reflected her beliefs. Elva was preceded in death by her husband Eleazar Vela Sr., her sons Eleazar Vela Jr., Edelmiro Vela Sr., her parents, Nieves Garza Sr. & Maria Garza, her sister Elia Saenz, and brother Nieves Garza Jr. She is survived by four of her sons, Eugenio Vela Sr., Alberto (Rachel) Vela, Adalberto (Melissa) Vela Sr., Ricardo (San Juanita) Vela Sr., and Sandra Vela, surviving spouse of Edelmiro Vela Sr., her 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many extended family and friends whose lives she touched with kindness, laughter, and strength. Pallbearers: Eugenio Vela Jr., Edelmiro Vela Jr., Eleazar Ruben Vela, Alberto Eleazar Vela, Eriberto Alan Vela, Ricardo Vela Jr., Honorary Pallbearers: Adalberto Vela Jr. Ezekiel Santos Vela, and Blas Saenz Jr. Elva will lay in repose at Hernandez Funerals, 701 East Eisenhower St, Rio Grande City, where her family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of a woman who truly was the heart of her home and the light of their lives. “Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” — Proverbs 31:28–29

Elva G. Vela

October 31, 1934 - May 10, 2025