Alice – Delma Villanueva Morantes, known affectionately as “Mema,” departed her loving family on January 22, 2022, at the age of 80 following a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. Delma was born July 8, 1941, in Alice, Texas, to Reyes B. and Anita Bazan Villanueva. She was the eldest of seven children
Delma worked for over 10 years at the Retama Manor Nursing Center in Alice, Texas, as a dietitian assistant – a job she truly loved. She was known as an excellent cook and always made sure no one left her home hungry. She loved indulging on some of her favorite snacks, including butter pecan ice cream and chocolate-glazed donuts. When not watching Lifetime and Hallmark movies or enjoying periods of relaxation, you could often find her listening to her favorite singer, Vicente Fernandez.
She will be remembered fondly for her cheerful, positive, and generous spirit. Over the years, her home became the center for gatherings and visits, including several holiday celebrations. She was a great listener and counselor, and many cherished the opportunities they had to share stories, seek advice, and simply laugh in abundance with her. Her family was her pride and joy. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those she loved. As you lift Delma up in prayer, the family asks that you reflect upon the personal, uplifting memories you shared with her and treat others with the compassion and understanding that she brought to every encounter with others.
Delma is preceded in death by her parents and son, Daniel Morantes III.
Left to cherish her memories are her spouse of 61 years, Daniel Morantes, Jr.; her daughter Tina Morantes (James) Hebert of Stafford, Texas; her son, Arnie (Sonia) Morantes of Wylie, Texas; her siblings, Lydia Gonzales, Anita (Joe) Salinas, Jose Reyes Villanueva, Jr., Ruben (Espie) Villanueva, Norma (Juan) Perales, and Nora (Johnny) Perez; her grandchildren, Jason (Nhi) Pena, Kristine (Robert) Zepeda, Dylan Morantes, Tessa Morantes, Matthew Morantes, and Sophia Morantes; her great-grandchildren Brielle Zepeda, Ariana Zepeda, and Lexi Pena; a close nephew, Michael Villanueva, in addition to several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, and many dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Rosas Funeral Home with a Holy Rosary and eulogy at 11 a.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at New Collins Cemetery.
The family requests masks be required, and handshakes and hugs will be strongly discouraged.
“No time to cry, so don’t shed a tear. I am with God, and in spirit I am here. I kept the faith. My spirit is light. I am at peace now, and I fought the good fight.”
“I haven’t really left you even though it may seem so. I have gone to my Heavenly home and am closer than you know.”
Arrangements are under the care of Rosas Funeral Home.
