Guadalupe (Lupe) (Ruby Jean) Rodriquez

Guadalupe Guevara Rodriquez, beloved and devoted wife and mother, in the prayerful presence of her adoring husband of 57 years and her adoring children said goodbye as she left on the wings of eagles to her eternal resting place of peace and salvation with our heavenly Father. Amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

Lupe was born to Francisco and Francisca Guevara on May 15, 1937, in Ballinger, Texas. A day vividly recalled by a 6 year old boy named Simon Biera Rodriquez as he walked past her home after school. Simon and Lupe celebrated the sacrament of holy matrimony on June 16, 1955.


Beginning as a 12 year old child and for 5 years, Lupe traveled to Plainview and Lubbock with her parents, brothers and sisters picking 50 lbs of cotton daily before being allowed to play. After marriage, she worked at Ballinger Memorial Hospital. In her career, La Chula Lupe was best known for being an on air personality with El Feo Simon on La Hora Mexicana, a Spanish language radio show broadcast on KRUN AM 1400. La Hora Mexicana began as a 15 minute show, which grew to a 5 hour Sunday program they hosted for 30 years.


Grandma or Nana as her
grandchildren lovingly called her, dedicated her life to raising her children in the spirit of our Lord and Savior and she radiantly basked in the presence and joy of her grandchildren. Grandma was an active and life-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

As part of Nana’s religious calling and service as a layperson, she was a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and Cursillista. Lupe was the founding president of Our Lady of Guadalupe Society in Ballinger in 1977. As Lupe’s physical limitations began to challenge her, she continued to serve the Lord by singing in the Spanish Choir. Grandma rejoices in the gift of her devout Catholic faith she provided to her children by the life she led through the example of her active gifts of Christian Love, Compassion and Forgiveness.

Guadalupe is greatly missed by her ever faithful and loving husband, Simon, who knows his beautiful wife will prepare their heavenly home for their family. “…Arise my beloved, my beautiful one and come!...” (Song of Songs 2:10).

Mom’s physical and spiritual beauty is forever engraved in the hearts of her grateful children, Nina Rodriquez of Ballinger, Texas; Kenneth Rodriquez of Austin, Texas; Richard (Dickie) and his wife…Nana’s second daughter Dee Dee of Austin; Frankie and his wife Camille of Richmond, Texas and Simon Jay of Edingburg, Texas.

Grandma’s later stage of life was nourished by the joy, pride and love she has for her grandchildren. Nana’s physical presence has left a hole in her grandchildren’s heart which will be healed by her engulfing, spiritual presence. Grandma’s adoring grandchildren are Trisha of Austin; Maggie and Nicholas of Austin; Clare Guadalupe and Richard Simon of Austin; Celani, Silas, Alexandria, Zacharia and Matthew (preceded her in passing) of Richmond.
Lupe was the last surviving sister of Henry and his wife Linda Guevara of San Angelo, Texas, who provided immeasurable help and support during the medical challenges of the last four months. Aunt Lupe is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends who are pillars of inconceivable strength and support for her husband and children.

Guadalupe was preceded in her journey to heaven by her sisters Cruz, Maria, Isabelle and her brothers Jose and Daniel. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12)

Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, March 18 at St. Mary Church with Rev. Hugh Wade officiating. Burial will follow in the Latin-American Cemetery.