Janie Garza Gonzales, born December 10, 1938, in Placedo, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and a life lived with openhearted joy. Known for her gentle spirit and loving nature, Janie embraced every day with curiosity and courage. She traveled widely, welcomed new experiences, and never met a stranger—only friends she had yet to discover.

Her laughter and generosity touched everyone around her. She approached life with a fearless willingness to try new things and a deep appreciation for the beauty in people and places.

Those who knew her will forever remember her as someone who loved fully, lived brightly, and made others feel cherished simply by being herself.

Janie was preceded in death by her parents, Teodoro and Maria del Refugia Garza; her husband, Emil Leos Gonzales; her daughter, Debra Ellen Valverde; her sisters, Antonia Meneses,Frances Plata, and Guadalupe Rivera; and her brothers, Manuel Garza and Joe Garza.

She is survived by her children, Joseph (Sandra) Gonzales, Peggy Ballin, and Isaac Gonzales; her grandchildren, Leslie (Jason) LaRubbio, Jonathan (Lauren) Adams, Cody Adams, and Chad Davis; and her great-grandchildren, Diem and Max La-Rubbio and Jane and Irene Adams. Each of them carries forward her spirit of love, resilience, and joy.

Janie lived a life of faith, strength, and perseverance— qualities reflected in the Scripture she embodied.

Her life was a gift to all who knew her. Her memory will continue to inspire and comfort her family and friends, and her vibrant spirit will remain forever in the hearts

she touched.

Services for Janie were held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation took place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.

Burial was at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Ganado, Texas.

Pallbearers are Jonathan Adams, Cody Adams, Jason LaRubbio, David Nava, and Christopher Magallan.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave.

Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Or online www.alz.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221. www.oaklawnfhednatx. com