Minerva Castanuela Perez, age 74, of Bangs passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at home surrounded by her family.
Funeral Services for Minerva will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 20, 2017, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Frances Njoku officiating; burial will follow at Bangs Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5-7 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Minerva was born on December 14, 1942, to Jesus and Josephina Castanuela in Melvin, Texas. Minerva married the love of her life, Rogelio Perez, on February 20, 1960 in Melvin. Minerva was affectionately known as “The Tamale Lady”; she made and sold tamales for over 40 years. She loved to cook, play Bingo, play cards with her sisters, and traveling, but most of all she loved her family.
Minerva is survived by her husband of 57 years, Rogelio Perez of Bangs; children, Grace Perez of Bangs, Roger Perez and wife Dana of Arlington, Joe Paul Perez of Springtown, Mark Anthony Perez of Arlington, Adam Perez and wife Mary of Brownwood, Angie Powell and husband Wes of Bangs; 17 grandchildren, Monica, Tyler, Zoe, Amy, Rachel, Roger III, Gracie, Selena, Alex, Tristan, Vanessa, Marissa, Gabe, Kolby, Sally, Destiney, and Jonas; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ricardo Castanuela and wife Judy of Cross Plains, Elisa Sandavol of Melvin, Celia Fernandez and husband Daniel of Melvin, Ruben Castenuela and wife Maria of Wisconsin, Ernesto Castanuela and wife J.P. of Colorado, Alex Castanuela and wife Linda of Eden, Sam Castanuela and wife Mary of Eden, Esther Flores of Menard, Delia Roman and husband Ruben of Menard, Rogelio Castanuela and wife Marilyn of Melvin, Ramiro Castanuela of San Antonio, Irma Rodriguez and husband Albert of Brady, and Manuel Castanuela of Menard. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of family friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mike Perez; daughter, Sally Mathews; and brothers, Juan Antonio Castanuela and Jessie Castanuela.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Tia Irma and Bing Recolizado. Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.