Stella Ward

July 29th, 1928 † June 13, 2023 

By the grace and love of God, Stella Garza Ward born July 29th, 1928 was reunited with her savior on June 13, 2023.  Stella was the oldest of eleven children, born to Lazaro Garza Garcia and Guadalupe Olivarez Garza in Salineno, Texas.  She was raised by her beloved aunt, Alicia G. Salinas in Rio Grande City, Texas. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her aunt, and her loving husband William C. Ward, her firstborn grandson Alex B. Hornung, her stepchildren John Ward and Sonja Ward, her brothers, Humberto E. Garza, Lazaro E. Garza, Heron I. Garza, and her baby sister Maurita. Also sisters-in-law, Selenia S. Garza, Frances Z. Garza, Adeline R. Garza, Bertha R. Garza and brothers-in-law Encarnacion Lopez, Frank Ward and Robert Ward.

Stella is survived by brothers, Arturo O. Garza, Hector G. Garza, Homero Javier Garza (Lilia), sisters Maria Graciela G. Lopez, Isaura G. delaCruz (Israel), Maria Luisa G. Uribe (Omar), Also sisters-in-law; Elvira L. Garza, Maria Del Refugio Garza and Cheryl Spindler (Keith). Brothers-in law; Paul Ward (Thao), Robert Ward (Gayle) and Stephen Ward (Marilyn).  

Her children; C. Phillip Eastman (Mitzi), Diana G. Eastman (Rick Barnum), and her grandchildren A. Blake Hornung, Angela M. Harr (Adam), Max Eastman and Tori Vozzo (Jon).  Also her great-grandchildren, Alex Hornung, Jacob Hornung, Hunter Leonard, Stella M. Hornung, Adam Hornung and Peyton Harr.  Also, grieving are Heather Zupancic (Marshel), Brandee Ward and Katherine Ward.

Stella graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 1945.  She worked in civil service for over thirty years; Ellington Air Force Base, NASA, and retiring as an auditor for Internal Revenue Service.

She was a lector and eucharistic minister in The Woodlands, Texas; an active member of  Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rio Grande City, assisted with RCIA instruction. and she was also a member of Serra Club. 

Stella’s vigil is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21st from 4pm to 8pm, Rosary will be recited at 6pm, Sanchez Funeral Home. Funeral Mass officiated by Rev. Eduardo Ortega, will be at 9am on Thursday, June 22, 2023, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church followed by graveside service at Rio Grande City Cemetery, Fairgrounds Rd.

RIO GRANDE CITY~ESTELLA WARD, 94,  WAS CALLED TO BE WITH THE LORD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE. SANCHEZ FUNERAL HOME OF RIO GRANDE CITY WILL TAKING CARE OF HER FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT.