Dina Ponce Duran

Dina Ponce Duran
March 14, 1926 – July 6, 2023

Dina Ponce Duran was called home to her Savior Jesus Christ on July 6, 2023. She was the eldest born to the late Antonio Ponce & Celia Olivarez on March 14, 1926. Dina was a loving and nurturing wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be terribly missed by her family as well as her friends.

Dina is preceded in death by her husband Efrain Aurelio Duran, her sons; Efrain Aurelio Duran, Jr. and George Xavier Duran, parents Antonio Ponce and Celia Olivarez, her brothers; Antonio Ponce, Jr., Rolando Ponce and Roberto Ponce.

Dina married her soulmate, Efrain Aurelio Duran in the Spring of 1943. She enjoyed traveling with her
husband and serving the community alongside him. Their love paved the path and gave example for their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and will remain for the following generations. It was that example of love between Efrain and Dina that led Rio Grande City to name the street that leads to the Efrain A. Duran Water Treatment Plant after her. All because two people fell in love, the Efrain and Dina generation as of today includes: 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great- grandchildren.

 Left with a heavy heart to treasure and share her memory are her children: Maria Dina Cantu (Raul), Santiago Humberto Duran, Maria Cristina Rodriguez (Jose), Efrain Aurelio Duran II, Noel Ruben Duran (Patricia), George Xavier Duran+ (Lydia) and Eduardo Carlos Duran. And also her only sister Delia P. Sanchez.

Dina was regarded by all who knew her as one who loved to serve others. She volunteered her time at Starr County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Dina was one of the founding members of the Mr. and Mrs. Club, she was a member of the Women’s Sewing Club. She was a devout Catholic and volunteered at the Immaculate Conception Church and School. She was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer advice. Dina brought joy to all who were blessed with her presence with her witty sayings, jokes, laughter and unconditional love. Her family will always cherish the memories spent at their ranch playing Bingo and cards.

A celebration of her life will take place on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sanchez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City, Texas with a Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm. Family and Friends are invited to gather at Immaculate Conception Church on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10:00 am for a Funeral Mass. Interment will follow at Rio Grande City Cemetery.

RIO~DINA PONCE DURAN ,97, WAS CALLED TO BE WITH THE LORD ON JULY 06, 2023. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE. SANCHEZ FUNERAL HOME OF RIO GRANDE CITY WILL TAKING CARE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.