Martha Jane De La Garza

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Martha Jane De La Garza, a beloved member of the Normangee community. Martha Jane was born on March 28,1943 and departed this world on February 17, 2024, at her home in Normangee, Texas. She passed away peacefully at the age of eighty years.

Martha Jane was born March 28, 1943 in Bryan, Texas to parents, Milton Robert & Lillian Kimbell (St. John) Martin. Graduating from Normangee High School in 1961, she went on to further her education at Sam Houston State Teachers College, where she followed her academic pursuits and was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority from 1962 to 1965; a tradition that has been kept alive through two of her granddaughters' involvement in the same sorority.

Martha Jane was a cherished member of the Normangee Methodist Church, where her parents and grandparents were before her. Having relocated back from Houston in 1985, Martha Jane had deep roots in Normangee. Her passion for education was evident in her forty-year career as a teacher, where she touched the lives of countless students and their families. She took a brief pause in education to own and operate MJ's Kitchen here in Normangee but her love of teaching soon brought her back to the classroom. She was most proud that she was able to teach, not just one, but several generations of a single family during her career in Normangee. Retiring in 2020 was bittersweet for Martha Jane, as she often expressed how much she adored her profession and the connections she forged with her students.

Aside from her dedication to teaching, Martha Jane valued the simple pleasures in life. She adored her dogs and found joy in driving around town, soaking in the sights and sounds of her beloved community. Martha's presence will be deeply missed, not only by her family but her beloved community, as well.

Martha was preceded in death by both of her parents; husband, Juventino "Tino" De La Garza; daughter, Elisa De La Garza; and grandson, Corey Dale Ranton.

She will be forever missed by daughter, Samantha De La Garza (Michael Luebbert) of Omaha, NE; son, Andres De La Garza (Tammy) of Normangee; brother, Robert Martin (Betty) of Normangee; grandchildren, Emily Ranton, Niko Luebbert, Axel Luebbert, Hayley De La Garza, Ethan De La Garza, Adriana De La Garza, and Riley De La Garza; nephews, Wyatt Martin (Erin) of Katy and Waylan Martin (Jeany) of Normangee; great nieces & nephews, Megan Martin, Brandon Martin (Jaclyn), and Hannah Longoria (Austin); a new great-great nephew on the way; and special cousin, Mary Jane Hartley (Dennis) and their children, Jeffery Hartley and Alice Reed (Mike). She is also survived by special caregivers, Lynette Carlisle and Hydia Brooks.

To honor Martha Jane's legacy and celebrate her life, a funeral service will be held at Normangee Methodist Church at 10 A.M., Saturday, February 24, 2024, with Reverend Kelley Sexton and Reverend Waylan Martin officiating. Following the service, Martha will be laid to rest in a burial ceremony at Hopewell Cemetery, Normangee, Texas. A time of visitation will take place Friday, February 23, 2024 from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the Normangee Methodist Church.

Pallbearers: Andres De La Garza, Ethan De La Garza, Wyatt Martin, Brandon Martin, Erick Díaz De La Garza, Joe Brooks

Honorary Pallbearers: Niko Luebbert, Axel Luebbert, Andres Díaz De La Garza, Juan Luis Díaz De La Garza, Carlos Díaz De La Garza

Martha De La Garza's spirit will continue to live on through the memories she created and the lives she touched. May she rest in peace, knowing she made a lasting impact on those around her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the Normangee High School Music & Band Program. This was a group that Martha Jane felt passionate about and felt that all students needed music in their life.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.