With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life and legacy of Mercedes Garcia Mata, who peacefully entered eternal rest on June 22, 2026, at the age of 81.

Mercedes was born on June 17, 1945, in Nueva Rosita Coahuila, Mexico, to the late Conrada Lorta Garcia and Jose Guadalupe Garcia. She was raised with strong values of faith, hard work, generosity, and love for family qualities that would define her throughout her life.

Mercedes was a woman of many talents and endless energy. She was known throughout her family and community for her remarkable baking skills. Countless birthday celebrations, quinceañeras, weddings, and special occasions were made sweeter by the beautiful cakes she lovingly created. For many family members, some of their fondest memories include gathering around one of her homemade cakes, crafted with care and decorated with pride.

When she was not baking, Mercedes could often be found behind a sewing machine. A gifted seamstress, she lovingly made school clothes for her daughters and completed sewing projects for neighbors and friends. Her reputation for quality work spread throughout the neighborhood, and many sought her expertise and creativity.

Mercedes was also a talented hairdresser who delighted in styling hair and creating elegant updos. She took pride in her appearance and was known for keeping her hair beautifully colored. She often joked that although she was a grandmother, she had no intention of walking around with gray hair.

For 28 years, Mercedes faithfully served as a custodian at Moore Elementary School. She took tremendous pride in her work and approached every task with excellence. Her commitment to cleanliness extended beyond her workplace and into her home, where everything was kept spotless. She was always moving, always working, and always finding ways to care for those around her.

Above all, Mercedes was a woman of unwavering faith. Every morning before beginning her day, she faithfully read two pages from her Bible. She trusted in God’s goodness and constantly encouraged her family to pray and maintain a personal relationship with the Lord. Whenever a loved one left her home, she would lovingly say, “Dios te bendiga” which translates to “God bless you.” Those words became a lasting expression of her faith and her love.

Mercedes possessed a generous spirit that knew no limits. She would give her last dollar to someone in need or share her final few tamales to ensure someone else had food to eat. She believed that everyone should be cared for before she cared for herself. Her home was always open, her table was always welcoming, and her heart was always ready to help. Even when language barriers existed, her kindness spoke louder than words. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome, loved, and valued.

To know Mercedes was to experience warmth, compassion, laughter, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, generosity, and devotion to family that will continue to inspire generations.

Mercedes is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Ruben Mata; her daughters, Esther Mata (Kendrick Staten) and Margarita Mata Calvillo (Isaac Calvillo); and her cherished granddaughters, Liliana, Faith, Mia, and Sophia.

She is also survived by her sister, Margarita Salinas, and her children, Angel, Waldo, and Mercedes.

Mercedes leaves behind her beloved first cousin, Margarita Farias, and family members Nancy Rodriguez, her husband Michael Rodriguez, and nieces Bryanna, Maryssa, and Alyssa.

She is further survived by numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, including Rene and Tere Mata, Lucas and Francisca Mata, Emilio and Micaela Mata, Artemio and Maria Mata, Cruz and Joel Gonzales, and Herminia and Hilario Galván, along with a countless number of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.

Mercedes was also a loving stepmother to her husband’s children and is survived by Martina Mata Cano and her husband Oscar Cano and their children; Ruben Martin Mata and his children; Dora Lee Mata and her children; and Lupita Mata and her daughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Conrada Lorta Garcia and Jose Guadalupe Garcia; her brother, Francisco Martinez; and her stepson, Daniel Mata.

Though our hearts are saddened by her passing, we rejoice in knowing that she has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Her life was a testimony of faith, love, sacrifice, and kindness. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

“Dios te bendiga, Mom. Until we meet again.”