Martha Rivera: 1944-2023

Martha Garcia Flores Rivera, 79, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away surrounded by family on February 28, 2023, at Shannon Medical Center following complications associated with a delayed diagnosis of stage 4 cancer.

Martha was born in Sanderson, Texas in 1944. She married her late husband, Ruben Bustos Rivera, on July 11, 1960, in Sanderson, and raised 7 children on a ranch in Terrell County. Martha raised her children to be hardworking individuals through living and working on sheep ranches in Terrell, Brewster, and Pecos Counties.

Martha taught all of her children that anything is possible through honesty and hard work, no matter your social status, education, or upbringing.

In 1980, Martha ventured out on her own and moved to San Jose California, as a single mother of 7 children. In 1986, Martha moved to San Angelo and began her new venture by cleaning houses for individuals. She then bought her first home and property, while working in food services for the San Angelo Independent School District. Martha always loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. Later in life, Martha retired from San Angelo ISD, to spend time with all her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. When Martha wasn't spending time with her family or church, you could find Martha at the local bingo hall. Martha not only enjoyed the game of bingo, but loved all her friends and acquaintances that she met through the game of bingo.

Martha is preceded in death by, her late husband, Ruben Rivera of Sanderson, her father Valeriano Flores of Sheffield, and her mother Eliza Garcia Lozano of San Jose, California.

Martha is survived by her 7 children, Joe Rivera and wife Lile of San Angelo, Alma Rivera and her husband Juan Baez of San Angelo, Robert Rivera and wife Pat of Sanderson, Cecila Rivera of San Angelo, Ruben Rivera Jr. and wife Connie of San Angelo, Linda Rivera and spouse Javi, and Santiago Jimmy Rivera of San Angelo; and survived by her Stepmother Mary Flores of Sheffield, Texas. Martha is also survived by several brothers and sisters in the West Texas and San Jose California areas. Martha is survived by her 21 Grandchildren, 37 Great Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.

A rosary service will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023, 7PM at Harper Funeral Home, 2606 Southland Blvd, San Angelo, Texas, 76904.
A funeral service will be held Friday, March 3, 2023, 10AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 301 W 17th St., San Angelo, Texas, 76903
Rev. Bala Anthony Govindu, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, will be officiating both rosary and funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to your favorite animal rescue organization in honor of Barney, Barney Jr., and Cujo, or to the Grape Creek Volunteer Fire Department, PO BOX 1021, San Angelo, Texas 76902.