On June 16, 2021, our beloved mother, grandmother, and wela passed away peacefully at the age of 94 after a brief illness.

She was born and raised in Sanderson, Texas, to Alberto and Octavia Fuentes on Sept. 10, 1926, where she lived her entire life. She was married on April 15, 1951, and for 69 years to the love of her life, Eutimio Rodriguez, until his passing on Dec. 9, 2020. 

She is survived by her siblings Enrique Fuentes and Alberto Fuentes, Jr., of Fort Stockton, Texas; Arturo Fuentes of Sanderson; children Rolando Rodriguez (Mary Alice) of Sanderson, Mary Munoz (Bob) of Bakersfield, Calif., Yolanda Garza (Apolinar) of Eagle Pass, Texas, and Rita Rodriguez of Sanderson; 12 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Eutimio Rodriguez; parents Alberto, and Octavia Fuentes; siblings Jose Fuentes, Carmen Fuentes, Francisco Fuentes, Amelia Sanchez of Sanderson, and Rita Gonzalez of Fort Stockton. 

Our mother was a full-time, stay-at-home spouse, and the central figure in the lives of her children. She was the oldest of nine siblings, and the anchor of the family. She was well respected and loved by all for the warm and caring person she was. She was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church, always ready to help. She was a gambler at heart, and an incredibly lucky one too. She loved going to casinos, and playing bingo and the lottery. 

She enjoyed cooking and baking for all of us, and she was the best! Tavita always looked forward to Starbucks around the table with family members and friends. Her daily relaxation time was sitting in front of the TV watching Family Feud with none other than Steve Harvey. 

There are no words to express the special love in her heart that she had for her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will miss her dearly, and will forever hold her close to our hearts.

Our sincere appreciation to home hospice and the medical attendants from Odessa Medical Hospital who tended to her needs with so much care and respect, and allowed us to be with her to the end. A special thanks to Ronnie Fuentez for her loving companionship. 

We grieve her loss, but take comfort knowing that Mom and Dad are together again. 

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at              heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.