Ms. Emma De La Garza Alaniz of Kenedy TX, passed away peacefully on Friday March 22nd, 2024 at the age of 86.  She was born in Coy City, TX on October 10, 1937 and was the youngest daughter of the late Seraprio and Petra De La Garza.  She is preceded into death by her parents, siblings Elena DeLeon, Eva Salas, Minnie Friesenhahn, Pedro “Pete” De La Garza, Israel De La Garza and Adam De La Garza.  She is survived by her children Michelle Alaniz of Kenedy, Sandra Villanueva (Domingo) of Kenedy, Rudy Diaz (Sylvia) of Hebbronville, and Larry Diaz (Linda) of Karnes City.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Larry L. Diaz of San Antonio, Derek Villanueva (Cheryl) of Corpus Christi, Jillian Quintanilla of San Antonio, Jeremy Villanueva (Shawna) of Floresville, Jenna Dziuk (Kory) of Falls City, Megan Rahmes (Lawrence) of Austin and 11 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by Isidro Alaniz of Kenedy. 

Emma was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.  She grew up in Coy City and eventually began raising her own family in Kenedy.  Later she spent time living in Alabama, Iowa, and Illinois, and ultimately ended up back in Texas.  She worked various roles throughout her life which consisted of being a server at Leicke Drug Store, teacher aide at Kenedy Head Start, and nurse aide at Kenedy Hospital.  The work that she was most proud of was her role as a Social Worker for the Texas Department of Human Services overseeing Karnes and Wilson County where she dedicated 25 years of service.  This role led her to residing in Floresville for a number of years.  She was parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Floresville as well as a member of the Guadalupana Society.  Emma loved to volunteer her time with The Sacred Heart St. Vincent de Paul Society to help those in need throughout Floresville. In her free time she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, watching novellas, shopping, and attending dances with her daughter Michelle. In her final days, she was a resident of John Paul II Nursing Home, where her family extends their gratitude for the care that she received.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday March 26th at 5:00pm followed by the Rosary at 7:00pm at Eckols Funeral Home.  The Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday March 27th at 10:00am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy.  She will be laid to rest at Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy.  Paul bearers serving are Derek Villanueva, Jeremy Villanueva, Darren Villanueva, Domingo Villanueva, Larry L. Diaz, and Lawrence Rahmes.