Marta Elva Lopez

Donna- Marta Elva Lopez, 76, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2022, surrounded by her family at her home. On October 29, 1946, Marta was born in Donna, Texas, to Reynaldo and Dominga (Ortegon) Gonzalez. When Marta was a young teenager, she met her soulmate. Rufino fondly remembers the day he laid eyes on Marta and can remember every detail. It was love at first sight. Marta and Rufino were married in 1964 and spent the rest of their lives together.

Marta's devotion to Rufino was incredible. God blessed them with eight children. Marta was a loving mother and near-perfect homemaker. Marta woke up early to ensure Rufino and the kids had a home-cooked breakfast. When they arrived home, there was an amazing meal waiting for them. Marta was a great cook, but more importantly, her meals were made with love, making them extra delicious. Marta enjoyed working in her garden and kept the house tidy and welcoming. She was a highly skilled seamstress making many of her children's clothes as they were growing up.

Marta was a hard worker. When the kids were old enough, she decided to go back to school, earn her GED, and get a cosmetology license. Marta's love for children led her to work as a Paraprofessional at Rivas Elementary School. She retired from Donna ISD after twenty years of service.

Marta was a God-fearing Christian woman. She spent countless hours praying and thanking God for His many blessings, even in times of trials. Marta and Rufino put God first in their lives and marriage. They witnessed Christ to others by their example of love and devotion. In 1995, Rufino and Marta founded Fuente De Agua Viva Apostolic Church in Donna. Rufino has been the pastor for the past twenty-seven years, and Marta has been a dedicated pastor's wife, serving her church family. One of Marta's greatest joys was decorating every corner of her home and their church, especially during holidays and special events.

Marta loved sitting outdoors and watching her grandkids in the pool. Another one of her joys in most recent years was traveling. She and Rufino took cruises to Canada, Alaska, and the Caribbean and made priceless memories.

Marta is preceded in death by her parents, Dominga and Reynaldo Gonzalez, brother Reynaldo Gonzalez Jr. and sister, Guadalupe Silva.

She is survived by her sister Esperanza Hernandez from Lufkin, Texas; loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Rufino Lopez; daughters, Cynthia Escovedo of Donna, Celinda Buell of Frisco, Texas, Chandra Klumpyan of San Antonio, Julissa Burris of San Antonio, Irasema Rodriguez of Donna, and sons Rufino Lopez Jr. of Donna, Emmanuel Lopez of Donna and Jonathan Alexander Lopez of Weslaco and her 16 grandchildren.

On Sunday, May 29, visitation will begin at 2:00 pm. Minister Roel Rodriguez and Jonathan Lopez will lead the Celebration of Life Service at 5:00 pm at Fuente de Agua Viva Apostolic Church 2411 East Hooks Ave in Donna, Texas 78537.

In Lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to the Fuente de Agua Viva Apostolic Church in honor of Marta Lopez.