Hector Ruben Rodriguez

Hector Ruben Rodriguez, 86, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

A cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Hector passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and memories of those who meant so much to him. Born on March 21, 1940, Hector lived a life rich in love, devotion, hard work, faith, and family. He was a man of strong character and deep faith who took great pride in the family he built and in the values of honesty, integrity, and strong morals that he instilled in his children.

A proud member of the Martin High School Class of 1959, Hector's journey in life took him from his school years at Ursuline Academy and St. Joseph Academy to the open pastures of Texas. He was a devoted Aggies fan and proudly carried the spirit of Texas A&M with him throughout his life.

A true animal lover, Hector found happiness in the simple pleasures of life and embraced each day with enthusiasm, warmth, and a generous spirit. From a young age, Hector developed a deep love for ranch life, the great outdoors, and, especially, quarter horses. He was an outstanding horse rider, and there was a special joy in watching him work with and ride horses. His passion for horses and ranching remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

Hector devoted many years to working alongside his father at GF Rodriguez Forwarding Agency, where he learned and lived the values of dedication, perseverance, and integrity. Later in life, he owned and operated A Better Carpet Cleaning Service for more than 10 years, taking pride in his work and in serving others. Whether working alongside his father, running his own business, or caring for his family, Hector was known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to doing things the right way.

His high school sweetheart and love of his life, Rosa Maria Rodriguez, was by his side for 67 years of marriage. Together, they built a beautiful life and family founded on love, honesty, faith, and strong family values.

Sundays at the ranch were sacred to Hector. They were special days spent surrounded by family, filled with laughter, good food, and barbecue. These gatherings created countless memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

Hector also enjoyed life's adventures and cherished the time he spent with his family. He especially loved traveling to Las Vegas with his beloved wife, Rosa, and their children, where they enjoyed the excitement of gambling, making memories and sharing plenty of laughs along the way. These family trips were among the many experiences that brought him joy and strengthened the bonds he held so dear.

A man of many talents, Hector was also a self-taught piano player. Without formal lessons, he taught himself to play and found joy in making music. His curiosity, determination, and willingness to learn were reflections of the same qualities he carried throughout every part of his life.

Hector's greatest pride was his family. His love, guidance, humor, and example will continue to live on through the many generations he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe F. Rodriguez and Amelia G. Rodriguez; his sister, Nora Amelia (Pablo †) Martinez; his niece, Nora Diana Martinez, his brother, Aurelio Ramon Rodriguez, and his in-laws, Humberto G. Rodriguez & Emma V. Rodriguez.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 67 years, Rosa Maria Rodriguez; his children, Hector Ruben (Rita Maria) Rodriguez Jr., Rosa Laura “Rosie” (Alfredo) Vela, Leticia (Cesar) Soto, Deanna Amelia (Ricardo) Chavarria, and Blanca Estela (Jose Luis Jr.) Garza; his grandchildren, Hector Ruben Rodriguez III, Rita Ashley (Carlos) Garza, Vikki (Ulises) Reyes, Laura Yvette (Jose) Molina, Victor Manuel Guevara Jr., Armando Javier (Alexia) Guevara, Michael Christopher (Krystal) Guevara, Leeza Rose Guevara, C.J. (Rosie Martinez) Soto, Michael Reno Soto, Alexis Ana Chavarria (Andres) Godines, Abigail Laura (Julio) Diaz De Leon, Ricardo Javier (Jocelene) Chavarria Jr., Javier Ruben Chavarria, Emily Kristine (Javier) Rodriguez, Jose Luis Garza III, and Daniel Cristian (Leslie De Leon) Garza.

He is also survived by his beloved great-grandchildren: Samantha Alexis Guevara, Natalee Michelle Guevara, Jose Armando Molina Jr., Noah Alexander Molina, Gia Isabella Molina, Adalynn Nicole Molina, Armando Javier Guevara Jr., Aurora Lizbeth Guevara, Amelia Marie Guevara, Scarlett Battistata, Raul Manuel Gallegos Jr., Maya Hanako Molina, Scarlett Garza, Sebastian Garza, Armando Ayala, Mia Reyes, Sophia Reyes, Andres Godinez III, Alyssa Godinez, Aiden Godinez, Lucas Godinez, Ezekiel Godinez, Breanna Godinez, Reign Diaz De Leon, Aria Diaz De Leon, Ricardo Chavarria III, Loralie Chavarria, Emma Maeve Garza, Ethan Javier Rodriguez, and Elizabeth Rose Rodriguez, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and dear friends.

Hector will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on through the family he loved so dearly, the lessons he taught, the friendships he treasured, and the countless memories he created throughout his life. His legacy of love, hard work, family, faith, and devotion will continue for generations to come.

May he rest peacefully in the loving arms of our Lord.

The family will be receiving condolences Monday evening, September 14, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., where a Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday morning, September 15, 2026, departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9 a.m.

A private cremation will be held at a later date.

Pallbearers will be Hector Ruben Rodriguez Jr., Victor M. Guevara Jr., Armando “A.J.” Guevara, Cesar “C.J” Soto Jr., Michael Reno Soto, Jose Luis Garza III, Daniel Cristian Garza, and Ricardo Chavarria Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael C. Guevara, Javier R. Chavarria, and Hector Rodriguez III.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. David Cruz, Wanda, and Staff for his exceptional care and compassion.

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 Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.