Dates
Maria Guadalupe “Lupita” Villarreal, 65, of Del Rio, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, in San Angelo, Texas, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.
Born on September 24, 1959, in Del Rio, Maria lived a vibrant and joy-filled life, always bringing light, laughter, and music wherever she went. A proud Catholic and a woman of strength, Maria was known for her radiant smile, her deep love for family, and her passion for dancing, singing, and enjoying the little moments in life—especially those spent by the Rio Grande River at her cherished property lovingly known as “The Lots.”
Maria is survived by her beloved husband, Oscar Casares; her children Josue E. Soto, Eristea Hernandez, Gilbert Villarreal Jr., Melissa M. Villarreal, and John Anthony Hernandez; and her treasured sisters Patricia Garcia (husband Juan), Gracie Molly (husband Carl), and Sandy Ibarra. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Domaniq, Christopher, Brianna, Joey, CJ, Drake, Christopher Rey, Anderson, Christian, AJ, Allyssa, Alliyah, Alleena, Austin, and Allianna. She was also a deeply loved great-grandmother to Aayden, Adrian, Paulina, Ariella, Nehemiah, Aston, Desmond, Romeo, and Xavier.
She is preceded in death by her parents Pedro “Daddy Pete” and Guadalupe “Mama” Hernandez, her sister Veronica “Betty” Norris, her granddaughter Andrea Janae Hernandez, and her nephew Elias “E.T.” Torres III.
Maria was the life of every gathering—always singing, always dancing, and always making sure everyone around her felt loved and welcomed. Her warmth, humor, and kindness left an impression on everyone she met.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas. A funeral service will follow on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Her legacy of love, joy, and resilience lives on through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.