Maria Elena Leal Torres of Runge, Texas, passed away peacefully in the early hours on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

She was born in Helena, Texas, on July 21, 1945, to Pedro and Paula Lopez Leal.

Maria graduated from Runge High School at the age of 16.

She was a beloved wife, the mother of seven children, grandmother of 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Maria was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Runge.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Guadalupe Moreno Salazar, Mickela Moreno Gonzales, Sulema Leal Barron, and Eulalia Leal Martinez.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ramiro Torres, and their seven children:  Mary Rios (Fernando) of Runge, Ramiro Torres Jr. (Melissa) of Runge, Rudy Torres (Julie) of Pawnee, Irma Nail (Chuck Morris) of Poth, Gilbert Torres (Priscilla) of Pettus, Grace Rodriguez (Jaime) of Pettus, and Jimmy Torres (Presila) of Yorktown.

She is also survived by her sisters Sofia Leal Mendoza of Crawford, TX, and Janie Leal Miller of San Marcos, TX.

Maria was a beautiful soul. She will be dearly missed, but her memory and love will remain in the hearts of those she touched.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. with memorial services and the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 101 East Arenoso St., Runge, Texas.

The funeral mass will be Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Runge with Rev. Robert Ploch officiating assisted by Deacon Guadalupe Cantu.

Serving as Pallbearers:  Christopher Torres, Dylan Torres, Ramiro Torres III, Derek Torres, Kevin Torres, Johnathon Torres, Triston Torres, and Jacob Rodriguez.  Serving as Honorary Pallbearers:  Chase Torres, Landon Torres, and Andrew Rico Jr.

She will be laid to rest at the Runge Latin Cemetery with arrangements by Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas.