Elena G. Ramirez, 94, of San Antonio passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2022. She was born on August 18, 1927 in Ben Bolt, Texas to Ines and Maria Garcia. She lived most of her life in Alice, Texas, where she and her husband, Joe Ramirez, raised four children. She was known for her love of life and people and, especially, for her bright and joyous smile. She had a keen interest in others and was always eager to lend a helping hand.
She was a loving and supportive helpmate to her husband, both at work and in his political endeavors when he was Mayor of Alice. For many years she worked alongside him at the Trailways Bus Station, where he was the manager and she kept the books, ran the snack bar, and operated a Western Union office. After his death, she succeeded him as the manager. In her retirement she worked parttime with H&R Block and with Western Union and was active in her church, singing in the choir and working with the altar society.
In later years, she moved to San Antonio to be with her daughters and enjoyed a rich and full life there. She was warmly embraced by neighbors and by staff at Judson High School, where her daughter was a teacher. She worked at H&R Block, served as a eucharistic minister at her church and joined a Senior Citizens Center. Her cheery demeanor and friendly nature caught the attention of the Center management, who then asked her to become a Sunshine Lady. She flourished in this role as she met many people, made many friends, and enjoyed being of assistance to them, She had many interests. An excellent cook, she often delighted others with much welcomed food gifts. She was known for her delicious carrot cakes, tamales, chili, rice, enchiladas, and many other dishes. A sports enthusiast, she loved to attend games of the Judson football team and of the San Antonio Spurs. In her free time she also loved to play games and often pulled out dominos and cards to play with visitors. A lover of travel, she toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and enjoyed taking cruises. Her pets, very loved and very spoiled, also played an important part in her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two children, Alejandro and Linda, who passed away early in life, two brothers, Abel and Vidal Garcia, five sisters, Adela Garcia, Ines Pena, Fabiana Mansilla, Frances Salazar, and Beatrice Gonzalez.
She is survived by her sons, Joe (Anita) of San Antonio, Rolando Rene (Viola) of Humble, her daughters Ernestine Ramirez and Rachel Heideman, both of San Antonio, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A rosary for her will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Antonio at 9:30 a.m. on May 16,2022 , followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are through Porter Loring North Funeral Home in San Antonio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www. porterloring.com