Juana "Celia" Rivera

Juana “Celia” Rivera, a beloved homemaker and cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully at her home in Weslaco, Texas, on May 29, 2025, surrounded by her devoted children. Born on June 24, 1936, in the close-knit community outside of Mercedes, Celia lived a life defined by love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Celia met the love of her life, Ruben, as a young teenager at La Plazita Park in Weslaco. From that moment on, their lives were beautifully intertwined. Together, they built a loving home and a growing family, multiplying their joy with each new generation

A pillar of strength and compassion, Celia dedicated her life to creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she nurtured generations with grace and patience, teaching by example the values of kindness, humility, and care for others. Her home was a safe haven—a place where every child felt treasured, and where her gentle presence offered comfort and joy.

Celia’s sense of humor was as enduring as her spirit. Her infectious laughter and quick wit brought light to those around her, and her joyful energy was a gift to all who knew her. She had a deep love for gardening, taking delight in the beauty of blooming flowers and thriving plants. Her green thumb mirrored her nurturing soul. Celia also enjoyed spirited games of bingo, loteria, and the countless trips to the casino. She never missed an episode of her favorite novelas—each pastime a reflection of her vibrant personality and love of life.

Celia took great pride in her family, and every gathering was a source of joy, laughter, and cherished memories. Holidays held a special place in her heart—especially New Year’s, when her beloved tradition of serving buñuelos and hot chocolate brought everyone together in warmth and celebration.

To know Celia was to experience generosity, grace, and unwavering love. Her absence leaves a profound void, yet her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched. Celia’s life was a testament to the quiet strength found in nurturing others and embracing joy in the everyday. Above all, her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life—steadfast and deeply personal. Her lifelong walk with the Lord became a living testimony to those around her, radiating hope, humility, and the peace that comes from trusting in God’s promises.

Juana “Celia” Rivera leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will continue to inspire her family and friends for generations to come.

Celia is preceded in death by her parents, Greg Ayala and Maria Maldonado, her husband, Ruben Rivera, her sons, Ruben Rivera Jr. (who died as an infant), Johnny Rivera, and his wife, Tammy, her brother, Raul Quintanilla, and her grandson, Ruben Villanueva.

She is survived by her children, Maricela Villanueva (Luis), Sylvia Rivera, Nellie Ramirez, Stella Ebarb (Rene Hinojosa), Melva Palacios (David), Ruben Rivera, Olga Rivera, Mari Bloomquist (Kevin), Fernando “Nando” Rivera, and Santos Rivera, her siblings, Gregorio Ayala (Maria), Juan Patillo (Maria), Ramona Rivera, Paula Ayala, Maria Matamoros (Ramon+), and Samuel “Sammy” Maldonado (Juanita), grandchildren, Haley Rivera, Fernando Rivera (Michelle), Brittany B. Gonzalez (Freddy), Blake Bloomquist (Gabriela), Brock Bloomquist, Idrona Rivera, Wally Ocañas (David), Noland Ramos, Jamie Ramos, Kayla Montanez, Tony Montanez, Melissa Martinez (Jeremy), Clarissa Reyes (Eric), Daisy Solis (Hector), Johnny Rivera (Emily), Tia Lopez (Joel) Daniel Rivera (Joanie), Eric Ebarb (Al), Erin E. Garcia (Jaime), Eriel Ebarb, Bonnie Braxton (Bill), Ila Villarreal (Vero), Anel Quiroga (Pete), Yesenia Elizondo (Robert), Julie Zavala (Javier), Luis Villanueva, Nellie Villanueva, and Sally Fuentes (Miguel), sixty-five great and great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life at 7:00 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home. A celebration of life will continue on Sunday, June 1, at 10:00 a.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home, lovingly led by Kirk Bloomquist. Celia will be laid to rest beside her soulmate, Ruben Rivera.

Serving as pallbearers will be Luis Villanueva, Eric Ebarb, Tony Montanez, Blake Bloomquist, Brock Bloomquist, and Fernando Rivera.