Maria (Garcia) Rodriguez

October 21, 1947 – May 4, 2025

Maria (Garcia) Rodriguez was born on October 21, 1947, in Brownsville, Texas, to Juan Garcia and Maria (Ortega) Garcia. As one of sixteen children, Maria faced adversity early in life. She didn't learn to walk until the age of seven—but when she did, it marked the beginning of a remarkable journey defined by strength, determination, and unwavering resilience. From those

first steps, Maria taught herself how to rise, stand tall, and face life with unmatched courage and purpose.

Maria grew up in Brownsville, Texas, where she spent her early years surrounded by the love and energy of a large family. As a young adult, she eventually made her way to Ohio, where she met the love of her life, Sergio Rodrigue z. It was there, through family connections, that their paths crossed—and where their love story began. They later married on July 14, 1965 , in Norwalk, Ohio , and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and devotion.

Together, they raised five children:

Maria Guadalupe Sewell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Rosalinda Rodriguez of Elk City, Oklahoma

Sergio Rodriguez Jr. of Elk City, Oklahoma

Cristina Rodriguez of Elk City, Oklahoma

Isabel Rupp and husband David Rupp of Elk City, Oklahoma

Each child carries a unique part of Maria's legacy—a living testament to the way she loved and the values she instilled.

Maria the eldest, often received her mother's daily accidental phone calls—affectionately referred to as "butt dials"—usually rotating between her and her sons, Marcus and Christopher. Even in those unintentional moments, Maria would never miss the opportunity to remind her daughter of a lesson she held sacred. It became a foundational value for maria in shaping the way she raised her own children and approached life with reverence, patience, and heart.

Rosalinda shared a cherished tradition with her mother known as "Menudo Sundays." Every week, she picked Maria up for Kingdom Hall services, followed by a hearty lunch of menudo and a Walmart trip. Those shopping excursions often turned into playful cart races down the aisles—laughter echoing between them like childhood friends. Through these joyful routines, Rosalinda learned to honor faith, embrace joy, and treasure time with loved ones.

Sergio shared a deep and motivating bond with his mother—one that extended into a shared commitment to health and self-improvement. Together, they inspired one another to pursue better health, not only for themselves but for the lives and future they envisioned. Their health journey was a testament to mutual love and encouragement, a silent promise to keep going, for each other. Still, they knew how to enjoy life's little indulgences—on their cherished cheat days, Sergio would bring home Chinese food, and the two would settle in for movie nights filled with laughter, comfort, and togetherness. Through this balance of discipline and joy, Sergio learned that true strength is built on consistency, care, and shared purpose.

Cristina was her mother's personal stylist and beauty confidant. She ensured Maria always looked and felt her best, turning regular hair appointments into moments of love, affirmation, and connection. It wasn't just about hair—it was about care. From this rhythm, Cristina came to understand the quiet power of making someone feel beautiful, valued, and seen.

Isabel shared a profound bond with her mother through their monthly trips to the city for

doctor's appointments. Those drives became sacred spaces of connection, filled with deep conversations, shared laughter, and quiet companionship. Each lunch after a visit turned the ordinary into something meaningful. Through these moments, Isabel learned the depth of devotion and the grace that comes from simply being present.

Maria was a proud grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother to 24. Her love for her family knew no bounds. She had a rare and profound intuition—the ability to sense when someone was in need, often without a word being said. Her response was always the same: compassion, patience, and understanding.

Maria was the foundation of her family—a rock, unwavering and strong. Yet beneath that strength was a heart full of warmth, generosity, and light. She believed in being true to yourself, in fighting for a better future, and in lifting others every step of the way. Her life was rich—not in possessions, but in kindness, wisdom, and an unshakable faith in the goodness of people.

She is also survived by many beloved siblings Carlos Garcia, Francisca Garcia, Juan Garcia, Raul Garcia, Silvia Garcia, Hector Garcia, and Ernesto Garcia

She was preceded in death by her cherished siblings Jesus Garcia, Ramon Garcia, Roberto Garcia, Felipa Garcia, Roberto Garcia II, Manuel Garcia, Julia Garcia, and Ricardo Garcia, whose memories she carried in her heart every day.

Maria Garcia Rodriguez, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 3:52 p.m. at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, surrounded by the love of her family.

A memorial service to honor her life will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m . at

Whinery Funeral Home Service & Cremation Center in Elk City, Oklahoma .

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is deeply loved and will be forever missed.

Paul Bearers : Sergio Rodriguez Jr., Christopher Sewell, Christopher Sewell Jr., Marcus Sewell, Taylor Binion, and Donaven Rupp