It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a fierce and loving soul, Rita Montes, age 86, of Corpus Christi, Texas, who was welcomed into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. A woman of profound strength, resilience, and boundless love, Rita leaves behind a legacy of devotion and enduring compassion that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Born on April 28, 1939, in Kingman, Arizona, Rita was the cherished daughter of Ben Sanchez and Luz Caldero Zavala. Her life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of love. A proud graduate of Del Mar College, she earned her Associate's Degree in Cosmetology in May 1993, bringing joy and confidence to countless lives by helping people discover not only their outer beauty but also the light within themselves.

Rita's greatest pride and joy, however, was her family. As a devoted mother to seven children, she poured her heart and soul into raising them with unwavering love, strength, and wisdom. Her children—Leonard Henry Montes, Michael (Lydia) Montes, Rachel (Howard) Webb, Loretta Myers, Debbie (Jaime) Ortiz, Maria Radke, and David (Anna) Sanchez—were the sparkle in her eyes and the fire in her heart, and her legacy lives on through them. She instilled in them the same resilience and determination that defined her own remarkable journey.

A woman of vibrant spirit, Rita embraced life's pleasures with enthusiasm—whether dancing the night away at a club, doing her hair and makeup with her daughters, or sharing laughter with her beloved grandchildren. She had an unmatched ability to light up any room with her presence, offering warmth, strength, and unconditional love to all who crossed her path. Her selflessness knew no bounds; she gave freely to anybody who came to her door, loved deeply, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.

Rita's memory will forever be cherished by her children, grandchildren— Chelsea & Emilee (Leonard Henry), J.B., Angela, Meagan, Michael (Mikey), Leonard Rene, Alexis Rene (Michael Montes), Justin (Rachel Montes), Ashley, Joshua, Johnny, Pilar Jr. (Pilo)(Debbie Ortiz), Neil, Randy, Ryan, Rudy(Loretta Myers), and Jesse (Maria Radke)—as well as her many great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends. Though she has left this earthly realm, her spirit now rests in the Kingdom of Heaven beside our Heavenly Father, reminding us to live with joy, loyalty, courage, and unshakable love.

Services to Honor Rita's Life:

Visitation: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 5:00pm at Saxet Funeral Home (4001 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408)
Holy Rosary: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Saxet Funeral Home
Burial: Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 10:00am at Rose Hill Cemetery (2731 Comanche St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408)
As we bid farewell to our beloved Rita, we take comfort in knowing that her love, laughter, and legacy will endure forever. May she rest in eternal peace, dancing among the angels, surrounded by the same beauty she brought to this world.