Maria De Jesus Rodriguez

Maria de Jesus Rosales Rodriguez was born December 24, 1926 in La Haciendita, Guanajuato, Mexico. On Thursday July 21, 2022, at the age of 95, with some of her children praying the Rosary and The Chaplet of Devine Mercy our Mom entered peacefully into eternal rest at her home in Mendota, CA.

In April 1942 Maria married Juan Macias Rodriguez of O’campo, Guanajuato, Mexico and together raised 9 children. In 1945 the family that included the two oldest children moved to San Perlita, Texas and vicinity. In September 16, 1958 the family with 8 children moved to California and settled at Coit Ranch, located about 7 miles southwest of Mendota, CA. At that time, Coit Ranch was part of the area recognized as the cantaloupe capital of the world. In the early 70’s the family moved to the city of Mendota, CA.

Maria de Jesus was the consummate homemaker and was an extraordinary cook. At Christmas her tamales and atole were a memorable tradition. In her later years the family missed her cooking when she was unable to cook. She loved family gathering and provided a welcoming atmosphere.

Maria de Jesus raised the family by instilling discipline and showed her love by providing a comfortable and secure home environment regardless of the circumstances which required that she make do with less. Her excellent sewing and crocheting skills helped meet some of the family’s needs. Mom grew various vegetables in her garden, including nopales, and also grew beautiful roses and other flowering plants. During summer vacations from school Maria and her children worked as farm laborers. Mom would get up very early to make our lunches and then come home and prepare dinner and do household chores.

Her profound faith in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church defined our Mom. She lacked formal education but she taught herself how to read and write. Her knowledge of scripture compensated for her lack of formal education. The Gospels and Readings of the Mass and the Holy Bible were the foundation of her being.

Observing Holy Week and Days of obligation were days we attended church. Mom led the praying of the Rosary on a daily basis when we were growing up. In her later years Mom and her oldest daughter, Juanita, would pray the Rosary daily.

Maria de Jesus loved the game of Aggravation which she played with her children and grandchildren. She loved the competition. So whenever the grandchildren visited it was likely

that the aggravation board would be set up on the kitchen table. Father John Schmall played many games with our Mom and and he explained at her eulogy how the roll of the dice were in her favor which contributed to her many wins.

Maria de Jesus was preceded in death by her Husband of 74 years Juan Macias Rodriguez, parents Jose and Fortunata (Prado) Rosales, two brothers Isidro Rosales, Manuel Rosales, sister Raquel Rosales of San Felipe Guanajuato Mexico and two grandchildren.

Maria de Jesus is survived by her 9 children: Juanita Coursey, Teresa West and husband Tom, Antonio Rodriguez and wife Marta C., Margaret Ellis and husband Dave, Graciela Rodriguez, Virginia Rodriguez, Victoria Rodriguez, Sylvia Rodriguez-Wodyka and husband Mark S., Jose L. Rodriguez and wife Maria. 15 Grandchildren, 30 Great-Grandchildren, 5 Great-Great-Grandchildren, her sister Juanita Quiroz of Leon Guanajuato Mexico and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives.

The family would like to thank Dr.Katherine Flores, Mom’s Primary Care Physician, for providing excellent medical care with a personal touch that our Mom greatly appreciated.

The family would also like to thank Bristol Hospice, Nurse Ginger and other staff for making our Mother comfortable in her final days.

Viewing, Recitation of the Holy Rosary, and a funeral Mass were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe church in Mendota Ca on Thursday August 25, 2022. Our Mom, Maria de Jesus Rosales Rodriguez was laid to rest next to her Husband, our Dad, Juan Macias Rodriguez at Fresno Memorial Gardens in Fresno CA.

Funeral arrangements provided by Lisle Funeral Home.