Alicia Ballesteros

After a long life of hard work and absolute devotion to her family, Alicia Guadalupe Rodriguez Ballesteros peacefully entered into her eternal and well-deserved rest on Sunday, October 21, 2018, at the age of ninety-seven. Once the pillar of the family, she will now be a guiding light beaming from Heaven, where she’s gone to reunite with her beloved husband, three of their children, her parents and all of her siblings.

Alicia grew up in her parent’s ranch in Colombia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, in a time of scarce conveniences but never saw their way of life as an burden; rather, she, along with her siblings, selflessly helped their parents with the arduous labor necessary for their livelihood, which shaped her into the humble, courageous, capable lady she grew up to be. In fact, among her many chores she found a special delight in milking their cows and eagerly learned to cook delectable panes de maiz, a skill that was later passed on to a couple of her children. Another of her talents was quilt making and throughout the years she created an array of lovely quilts that received a lot of practical uses in her home and will now be eternally treasured.

In 1942 she married Ricardo Ballesteros and by 1947 they immigrated to Laredo, Texas, where they resided for the rest of their lives; years later, she became a U.S. citizen. Alicia went on to bring ten children into the world, eight of whom survived. Although they were a family of very humble means, it was never an impediment to keeping them well-cared for and thriving with her delicious, creative meals meticulously made from scratch. She raised her children with strict rules and tough love that instilled in them principles, modesty and pride in their work. When one of her young sons was left disabled after contracting polio, she dedicating herself to affectionately and patiently caring for his needs, a commitment she continued well into her nineties. The same level of support and affection extended to her other children into their adulthood as well, proving that a mother’s work is never done.

Despite the challenges and heartaches, her vivacious spirit and faith in God never wavered; she valiantly forged ahead and found joy and fulfillment in her family and home life. She sustained a close bond with her brothers and sisters throughout and enjoyed sharing birthdays and other celebrations with them. Strong-willed and relentless until the last months of her life, she endured and defied all odds until her angel wings were finally ready.

She will be remembered as a loving, loyal daughter, sister, wife, grandmother and most of all, the best mother and protector her children could’ve wished for. She leaves behind an imprint of her wisdom, kindness, indelible inner strength, sacrifices and never-ending love in all who knew her.

Ms. Alicia Ballesteros was preceded in death by her dear husband of 60 years of marriage, Ricardo Ballesteros; their children Amador Ballesteros (I), Alicia Ballesteros and Oscar Ballesteros; daughter-in-law Rosa I. (Rodolfo) Martinez Ballesteros; parents, Jose Rodriguez De Leon and Maria Luisa Martinez Rodriguez; siblings Manuel Rodriguez, Olivia Guevara, Juan Rodriguez, Jesus Rodriguez, Socorro Rodriguez, Jose Rodriguez, Hortencia Mora and Lile Gomez.

She is survived by her adoring children Rodolfo Ballesteros, Amador (Ana) Ballesteros Sr., Ruben (Nora Medina) Ballesteros, Aurora B. (Juan Jose) Gomez, Javier Ballesteros, Maria Elena B. (Francisco Jr.) Ruiz, Rosa B. (Gilberto) Ramos, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to the following: the dedicated caretakers she had during the last years of her life, Paulina, Margarita Berhyer, Nabsele Del Rosario, Beatriz Ortiz and Lupita Ruiz; her doctors, Dr. Eduardo Canova and Dr. Octavio Guzman; CIMA Hospice, nurses and providers.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services on Jacaman from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. In lieu of a church service, a prayer vigil will be held by Chaplain Gerardo Morales starting at 6:30 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel. On Monday, October 29, 2018, a rosary will be held at 10 a.m. The procession will depart after prayer service for interment at the City of Laredo Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Juan Chavez, Francisco Ruiz Sr., Francisco Ruiz III, Javier Ballesteros, Amanda Ballesteros, David Ballesteros Sr., Brian Ballesteros and David Ballesteros Jr.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Road, Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.