Idalia R. Cantu

Idalia Rodriguez Cantu, age 73, resident of Riviera, Tx, peacefully earned her wings on July 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 2, 1951, in Alice, Tx, to Onesimo L. Rodriguez and Olivia Villareal. She lived a life rich with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Idalia was a person of strong faith and love to her family and community. She enjoyed spending time at her ranch, a beloved retreat where she found pleasure in caring for her farm animals, especially her beloved goats. Her love for cooking was well known among her family and friends, who often gathered to share a meal while enjoying music and dancing, creating memorable moments. Being an only child, Idalia considered her cousins to be her siblings, creating large, loving family connections. Her best friend and chosen sister Helen Carol Rodriguez had a friendship that was the source of strength for both, sharing many memories together throughout life.

Idalia’s love for family continued to her grandchildren, enjoying countless hours watching them grow and experience the ranch and animals she had tended to and cared for, especially the cats who had a special place in her heart. During those long days on the ranch, she also let her creativity shine. She showcased her colorful and vibrant personality by painting armadillo tails, turtle shells, and working on her hand embroidery, bringing beautiful works of art into the world.

Idalia, a strong-willed woman, who battled her illness while keeping her faith. She endured for 5 years through dialysis, and for even longer diabetes. Showing her resilience and strength, was admired by many, including the ones she loved the most.

A devoted mother, Idalia leaves behind her children: Maryann (Jamie) Cantu, Arturo (Nellie) Perez, David Perez, Katherine (Ernest) De Leon, Joseph (Laura) Perez, and Michael Cantu. She was the proud grandmother of 21 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 36 great-grandchildren, whose lives she enriched with her wisdom and warmth. She also leaves behind her best friend of many years, Helen Carol Rodriguez, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Idalia was preceded in death by her father, Onesimo L. Rodriguez, her mother, Olivia Villareal, her husband, Amando Cantu, father of her children, Arturo Perez, and her grandson, Onesimo Lerma. They join her in spirit, leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue through her family.

Visitation will be held at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary in Kingsville, Texas, on July 24, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will take place at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Riviera, Texas, on July 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with interment at Vattman Cemetery following the service at 11:15 AM.

Idalia R. Cantu will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her vibrant and colorful spirit, and the joy she brought to all those who knew her. Her legacy of love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and her beautiful smile will be dearly missed.