Hortencia “Tencha” Zepeda Guerra, age 98, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, in Kenedy, Texas, surrounded by her loved ones. She departed this life just as she lived it—with quiet strength, grace, and dignity.

Born on March 14, 1927, Tencha carried nearly a century of rich stories and history. She was the last surviving sibling of the twelve Zepeda children. She married Federico “Fred” Vela Guerra on May 18, 1945, and together they raised a large, loving family.

Tencha was preceded in death by her husband Fred and their children: Sylvia Guerra Gonzales, Lisa Guerra Morin, Harold Guerra, Efrain Guerra, Olivia Guerra Arenal, and Concepcion “Chuche” Guerra Garza, along with several beloved grandchildren.

She is survived by her devoted children:  Linda Guerra Gonzales (and husband Jorge Gonzales), Martha Aranda (and husband Fidencio Aranda), Fred Guerra (and wife Judy Guerra), Mary Guerra (and partner Johnny Puente), Augustina Moya (and husband Edward Moya), Rosa Guerra, and Cruz Cuellar.

She also leaves behind a vast and cherished legacy of nearly 200 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Tencha was raised on a small ranchito in Campbellton, Texas. Her Zepeda and Leal ancestry traces back to the early Canary Islander settlers and Spanish presidio soldiers who helped establish San Antonio in the 1700s. She later moved to Kenedy, following her brothers who worked on the pipeline, and began working at the Azteca Café. There, she met Fred Guerra, the café owner and a widower with six children. Together, they had 7 more children and built a life and a family, raising 13 children in total.

In 1979, Tencha and Fred opened Guerra’s Café, which quickly became known for its extra-large tortillas, hearty tacos, and authentic Tex-Mex flavors. Tencha never cooked from a recipe—she cooked from the heart—and she nourished not only her customers but also her family with her food, warmth, and love.

After retiring from the café, Tencha bravely battled and survived breast cancer. She later devoted herself to caring for her husband during his fight with colon cancer. Despite experiencing profound loss, including the passing of her husband and multiple children, she never lost her deep faith in God. She was a devoted prayer warrior for her family and left behind a legacy rooted in faith, love, and resilience.

Her grandchildren remember her best for her welcoming embrace, delicious food, thoughtful treats, and unshakable love. Her strength, compassion, and devotion to family will be remembered for generations.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of John Paul II Nursing Home for their care, kindness, and compassion during Tencha’s final days.

She was our matriarch, our heart, and our guiding light. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church starting with a public viewing from 10am to 10:30am, followed by a holy rosary to be recited at 10:30am and the funeral mass to be held at 11am. Followed by interment at Loma Alta Cemetery and then back to the church for fellowship.

Pallbearers will include:  Raul Santos, BeBe (Ubaldo) Sanchez, Alfie Gonzales, Joseph Hernandez, Alex Guerra, and Danny Aranda with honorary pallbearers:  Mark Guerra, Frederick Guerra, and Roland G. Santos.