Benita Rangel

Benita Martinez Uribe de Rangel, 96, passed away peacefully in her home on May 20, 2013. Family and friends were by her side. Benita was born in San Ygnacio, Texas, on Sept. 17, 1916 to Espiridion and Benita U. Martinez.
"Beni," as she was known to many, will be remembered for her enthusiasm, high spirits, and boundless energy in all aspects of her life. The diminutive lady will be remembered for her contagious cheerfulness. She dedicated much of her life to helping others, both as an educator and through her volunteer work. Her career as an educator began in 1958 when she opened a little school in her home offering pre-primer and kindergarten classes. She appropriately named the facility Tiny Tots School. Fifty-nine children enrolled that first year. Within a few years, enrollment increased to 162 students and Benita added first and second grade to the school.
Benita touched the lives of thousands of children who passed through the doors of Tiny Tots School. Long after the school was closed, she regularly encountered former students in all walks of life who remembered her and fondly recalled attending Tiny Tots School.
After 27 years as an educator, Benita closed her school in 1983 and immediately joined the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, which later became the Laredo Medical Center Auxiliary. Benita proudly remained a life-time member of the Auxiliary until her death.-She often said that her volunteer work gave her a genuine appreciation for the many blessings in her life. The more than twenty-eight thousand service hours spanned over 26 years of her volunteer work. Those hours, she said, gave her life a sense of fulfillment. Benita served in numerous leadership roles in the Auxiliary, including First Vice-President six times throughout the years. In addition to her service as an Auxilian, Benita contributed time and energy to other worthy causes as well. She was a member of various organizations such as the Catholic Daughters of America, Christ the King Altar Society, Texas Association of Retired Teachers, American Association for Retired Persons, and the LMC Senior Circle, among others.
Benita was preceded in death by her parents, Espiridion and Benita Uribe Martinez; her sister, Belia Martinez DeLeon; and, her sister-in-law, Beatriz Martinez.
She is survived by her three sons, Hector Manuel (Lucila) of San Antonio, Texas, Victor Manuel (Connie), of San Antonio, Texas, and Jose Manuel (Yolanda) of Austin, Texas; four granddaughters, Jennifer R. (Dave) Garcia of Austin, Texas, Ginger R. (Ki) Kleypas of New Braunfels, Texas, Kassie Rangel of Dallas, Texas, Cristina E. Rangel Uribe of Austin, Texas; two grandsons, Mike Rangel of Dallas, Texas, Carlos A. Rangel Uribe of Chicago, Illinois; one brother, Espiridion "Speedy" Martinez, Jr. of Alice, Texas; three great grandchildren, Grayson, Cole, and Reagan of Austin, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.