Corpus Christi, TX – Ruth Garcia Pérez, 89, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, educator, loyal friend, and a beacon of kindness to all who knew her, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 15, 1935, to Reymundo C. and Manuela A. Garcia.. Ruth dedicated her life to uplifting others. Her gentle presence and patient spirit left a lasting impression on her wide circle of friends and family.

She graduated from Roy Miller High School in 1955. She began her career at the Corpus Christi Army Depot as a typist and upon receiving her bachelor's degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas, began teaching reading and art at Elizabeth Street Elementary (now known as T.G. Allen) and South Park Jr. High, nurturing creativity and a love for reading in her students. A lifelong learner and educator, she touched countless lives through her extensive career of 35 years in the Corpus Christi Independent School District.

Driven by her passion for helping others, Ruth earned her master's degree at Corpus Christi State University (now known as Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi) and became a dedicated school counselor. She served with distinction at Martin Jr. High and Haas Jr. High School, where she provided invaluable guidance and support to students during pivotal moments in their lives. Her colleagues and students remember her as a compassionate listener and a tireless advocate for every student's potential.

Outside of her professional life, Ruth cherished the joys of life. She found great pleasure in traveling abroad with her lifelong friends, helping others with her creative talents like making center pieces, bows, decorations for celebrations and her holiday card gift boxes. She enjoyed watching YouTube episodes on haciendas, music by Antonio Lorenzo, or videos of various performances by mariachis, but her favorite to watch on TV was her grandson playing baseball for the University of Houston. Above all, she most treasured the time spent with her family and friends, whether that be at golf tournaments or baseball games in her younger years with her grandson, painting with her granddaughter, going for a meal at a restaurant, shopping at Hobby Lobby (her favorite store to buy ribbon), thrifting, people watching at the mall, driving around town to see Christmas decorations, sitting around the table sharing the day's stories while sipping coffee with pan dulce, watching movies in the living room while petting her two dogs Ducky or Lani (mind you she didn't like dogs ☺), and coming together as a family for celebrations of all sorts.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Illia Marie (Martin) Andrade and her son, Charles Efrem (Lisa) Pérez; her grandchildren, Martin Anthony (Angelica) Andrade, Xavier Amadeo Pérez, and Amarilisa Mia Pérez; her three great grandchildren Andrew, Adela, and Martin III; her sister, Pauline Alvirez, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A special thank you to Sabrina Rodriguez, her private caretaker and confidant for the last 3 ½ years.  Ruth and Sabrina shared many great memories together! In addition, a huge thank you to her niece Susan Gonzales and great-nephew Christian Gonzales for assisting and being at her side through the last few weeks of her life!

She is preceded in death by her husband Xavier Efrain Pérez; parents, Reymundo C. and Manuela A. Garcia, her brother, Reymundo Garcia, Jr. and her sister Elisa Garcia Sinks.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 5-8pm and a holy rosary will be held at 6pm on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Guardian Funeral Home, 5922 Crosstown Expressway.

A holy funeral mass will be on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 10:15am at Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 3210 SPID, Corpus Christi, Texas.  Burial will follow at 11:30am at Rose Hill Memorial Park, 2731 Comanche St.

Serving as pallbearers will be Martin A. Andrade, Xavier Amadeo Pérez, Amarilisa Mia Pérez, Andrew Recio, Christian Gonzales, and Ray Garcia.

A reception will be held following funeral services at Guardian Hall located at 5813 Ayers St.

Services dates and times are also listed below.