Our Mother, Anita Rodriguez passed away peacefully on August 7, 2023 at the family ranch outside of Charlotte, Texas, at the age of 82 after a 5-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born October 26, 1940 in Pleasanton, Texas to Phillip and Telefora Ochova. She was the youngest of 4 children, her family consisted of Jose, Frank, Rafaela, and Anita. Her mother, Telefora died of stomach cancer when Anita was 15 years old, which cause such trauma and hurt that Anita stopped going to school and only completed 6th grade.  Her brothers and sister were a lot older, and they had families of their own, which left Anita alone with her father in a small home in Pleasanton, Texas. Anita was totally devoted and adored her father (Phillip), so much so that several times throughout this illness you could hear her say "my daddy is calling me, I really need to go to him."

In 1960, Anita worked as a maid for several prominent residences in Pleasanton where she learned to cook, clean, and sew. No one could cook like her, even if she gave you the recipe, it was never the same. On March 3, 1962 she married the love of her life, Margarito Rodriguez, a very handsome fellow that had just got out of the Army, but he was from the farm and Anita did not know much about that kind of life. After their wedding, they made their home outside of Charlotte at the Rodriguez Ranch and began their family. Jo Ann was born in 1963 and Diane followed in 1968, two girls, and that was more than enough for Anita. She assisted Maggie, the nickname for her husband, in running a cattle/farm and raising her girls. There were many struggles through the years of farming and ranching but together they made it work.  Anita would handle the vegetables, packing and washing the squash, and taking it to market. While Maggie planted peanuts, various other crops, and raised cattle. This lifestyle continued and through the years the vegetables were no longer planted, and Anita found herself keeping books for their cattle farm and babysitting.  Grandchildren Michael, Little Ricky, Phillip, Reynaldo, and Julianna were all raised by Anita, she did this to help her two daughters. She wanted her daughters to focus on their careers which were very important to her, she was always taking care of her girls and she would often say "thank goodness there are only two"...

Anita was a lucky lady and loved to go gambling. She and Maggie were regulars at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, she was always so excited when they were planning their weekend trips and she always came back a winner. As in life, she was a winner, our "Shining Star". Our Mother was the "Matriarch" of our family and she kept everyone together whether we liked it or not, we had to do what Mom said, there were no other options. She leaves a legacy of love and wisdom that will follow everyone that was fortunate to have her in their lives.

The Rodriguez family would like to extend gratitude to all of those that have supported our family during this time, with a special thank you to Sandra Montenegro for all her love and support.

Anita leaves behind her husband of 61 years, Margarito Rodriguez; two daughters Jo Ann (Ricky) Guerra and Diane (Miguel) Luna; grandchildren, Michael (Samantha) Carrasco, Little Ricky Guerra, Phillip Guerra, Miguel Luna III, Reynaldo Luna and Julianna Luna and 3 great grandchildren, Trippy, Harper and Maverick.

All services will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton on Saturday, August 12, 2023 beginning with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; reciting of the rosary at 12:00 p.m. and funeral service at 12:30 p.m.  Interment will follow at Amphion Cemetery.