Maria Espinosa Garces, 91, of Mathis, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on March 4, 1935, in Orange Grove, Texas, to Gilberto Espinosa and Micaela Flores Espinosa.

Maria was raised and educated in Mathis, Texas, where she developed the skills and values that would shape her life as a devoted homemaker. On July 20, 1952, she married the love of her life, Benicio P. Garces, in Mathis, beginning a lifelong partnership centered on faith, family, and love.

Maria’s greatest calling was her role as a mother and grandmother. She dedicated her life to caring for her children and grandchildren, always placing their needs above her own. Her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and unwavering support.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Maria was a devoted member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She found great joy in sharing her beliefs and spent much of her time in service, preaching the word of Jehovah. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she lovingly instilled those values in her family.

Maria also had a remarkable gift for gardening. Her home was adorned with vibrant hibiscus plants that welcomed all who visited. With her green thumb, she could nurture life in even the simplest of things, a talent she proudly passed down to her children.

Known for her kindness and generosity, Maria never met a stranger. She was the heart of countless family gatherings, where no one ever left hungry and everyone felt at home. Her love was expressed through her cooking, her laughter, and the way she made each person feel seen and cherished.

Maria is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benicio P. Garces; son, Norberto Benicio Garces; grandchildren, Milton Galvan, Michael Galvan, and Nadia Renae Galvan; parents, Gilberto and Micaela Espinosa; and siblings, Hortencia Espinosa Bautista, Lupe Espinosa Sandoval, Ignacio Espinoza, and Sulema Espinosa Garces.

Maria is lovingly remembered and survived by her children, Norma (Reynaldo) Garces Barajas, Noel (Alta) Garces, Nelda (Camilo) Garces Barajas, Norina (Christobal IV) Garces Ochoa, and Noemi (Randall) Garces Smith; grandchildren, Adrian Pena, Norberto Benicio Garces Jr., Tiffany Gaitan, Efrain Pena, Marco Nicholas Garces, Lorelei Garces, Bianca Galvan, Valerie Gutierrez, Marcus Garces, Melody Martinez, Victoria Ochoa, Vanessa Ochoa, Ariana Barajas, Micaela Garcia, Veronika Ochoa, and Christobal Ochoa V; 43 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Family will be receiving friends at 10 AM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. A Memorial Talk will begin at 11 AM that same afternoon. Interment will follow at Descanso Eterno Cemetery II.

Those with the honor of being a pallbearer are as follows: Adrian Pena, Efrain Pena, Marco Nicholas Garces, Marcus Garces, Christobal Ochoa V, and Jaxton Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Camilo Barajas and Christobal Ochoa IV.

Maria’s legacy is one of faith, love, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

For those who wish to express their condolences, you are welcome to send flowers or sympathy gifts directly to the family using the button provided below. Additionally, you may share your heartfelt condolences with the family below by adding an entry on the online guest book below.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home. 361-547-3224 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com