Genoveva "Genie" Leal Villanueva, 58, was born on Oct. 29, 1955, in Mathis, Texas, to Israel and Anita Leal. She was called to her home in heaven on Monday, Aug. 17, 2014. Genie was married to Jose Luis Villanueva. Genie was preceded in death by her parents, Israel Leal and Anita Games Leal; and her brother, Israel David Leal. Survivors include her daughters, Irmalinda and Pete Talamantes, Genie and Aldo Maldonado and Jennifer "Jenna" Villanueva; her seven grandchildren; her siblings, Juan Manuel and Anita Leal, Sandy and Freddie Ontiveros, Amando Leal and Delfie and Eddie Flores; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 Viewing will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels/Knickerbocker. Service will follow at 3 p.m. Family will gather at 5 p.m. at Mejor Que Nada.

Refujia “Cuca” Torres Meza was born on September 24, 1922 in El Remolino Municipio de Zaragoza Coahuila Mexico. She was called to her home in heaven on August 17, 2014. Refujia married Pedro Meza Sr. on June 2, 1942; they were married for 62 years. In 1959 Refujia and 7 of her 8 children left their home in Mexico and traveled to the United States, to join her husband in Sanderson Texas where he had been working for numerous years. The family
moved to San Angelo in 1964, where they settled and raised their family.

Refujia was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Pedro Meza Sr., her eldest child Pedro, her grandsons Raymond Meza Il, Jaime Sanchez, Daniel Ortiz and by her 11 brothers and sisters. Mrs. Meza is survived by her children Rosa Sanchez of Spade Texas, Pedro Meza Jr. and wife Maria, Delfina Ortiz and husband Rolando, Vicente Meza and wife Tony, Jose Luis Meza and wife Nora, Robert Meza and wife Delia, Raymond Meza and wife Norma, Sylvia Martinez and husband Federico. Also surviving Mrs. Meza are 18 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

As an old Mexican tradition it was expected that the eldest or the youngest of the family would care for the parents in their old age. However in this family the wish of Mr and Mrs Meza to stay in their home until the end was fulfilled by all of their children. The primary caregiver of the children was their youngest daughter Sylvia. For the past 20 years Sylvia ensured that the
needs of her parents were taken care of. After the passing of Mr. Meza 10 years ago, the needs of caring for their mother became greater and Sylvia incorporated the help of her brothers and sisters.

Mrs. Meza took comfort in seeing her children on a daily basis. Her sons and daughters dropped in on her morning noon and night, one was always coming or going. Refujia was a devoted wife and mother and took pride in raising her family. Ask any member of her family and they will each swear that she made the BEST tamales in the world.

Pall bearers will be Vince Meza, Timothy Meza, Joe Meza Jr., Joe Sanchez, Jaime Sanchez Jr. James Prater, and Hilario Gonzales.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to Margarita Guerrero, Margarita Sandoval, and a special niece Maria Gonzales for the loving care they provided to Mrs. Meza and the Meza family. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Walter Hewell and Kathy Osborne with Gentiva Hospice.

Rosary will be at 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Robert Massie Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Thursday, August 21, 2014 at St Joseph Catholic Church with Father Emilio Sosa officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are with Robert Massie Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Raymond Torres Meza Il Memorial Scholarship. Donations can be mailed to San Angelo Area Foundation, the Raymond Torres Meza Il Memorial Scholarship, 221 S. Irving, San Angelo, and TX 76903.

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