Raul "Rudy" Alcala Mena, 69, was called home to be with Our Lord on Monday afternoon, July 25, 2016.
Rudy was born October 1, 1946 in Laredo, Texas to Maria De Jesus Canales. He was the second of nine children. Rudy graduated from W.B. Ray High School. He earned his Associates Degree in Culinary Arts from Del Mar College.
On March 18th, 1966 he married the love of his life, Susie Lydia Hewitt. They were married 49 years. Their marriage was strong in faith, love and passion. Rudy loved to go dancing, singing to his family, making people laugh, cooking with his family, watching his grandchildren play sports, and watching his Houston Astros. Rudy worked for Trailways and Greyhound for over 30 years until his retirement. Rudy and Susie owned La Cocinita Mexican Restaurant for 10 years. He was an active member at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church serving in the David Hewitt's Men & Women's Club and ushering at the 8:00 am mass on Sunday's.
Rudy was a devoted Catholic, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father in law, brother, brother in-law, and uncle. He was loving, kind hearted, funny, giving, and a humble man. He wanted nothing more for his family than to provide for them, to be happy and together.
Rudy is preceded in death by the love of his life Susie H. Mena, mother, Maria De Jesus Canales, brother Xavier Canales, and in-laws, David and Ofelia Hewitt
Rudy is survived by his loving and devoted daughters Ofelia Mena of Corpus Christi, Texas, Sylvia (Daniel) Ramirez of Corpus Christi, Texas, Carrie (Henry) Perez of Cypress, Texas; grandchildren: Miranda (Matthew) Novosad, Henry Perez III, Daniel Ramirez, Melanie Rodriguez, Kathleen Ramirez, Malorie Rodriguez, and Keagan Alec Perez; great-grandchild: Alayla Novosad; siblings: Arthur Mena, Rose Mena, Blanca (Arthur) Munsell, Benny (Janice) Canales, Mario (Tita) Canales, Yolanda Rendon, Gracie De Russe, Uncles: Rafael Alcala, ArturoSarli, Alejandro Sarli, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation for Rudy will be held from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, August 1, 2016 with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm that same evening at Guardian Funeral Home & Crematory. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Rudy will be laid to rest at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Serving as Pallbearers: Henry Perez III, Daniel Ramirez, Fred Ruiz, Jacob Flores, Richard Rodriguez, and Locker Munsell. Honorary pallbearer will be his grandson Keagan Alec Perez.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the physicians and staff at Kindred Tomball Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital