Fantina Ayala

In Loving Memory of Fantina Hinojosa de Ayala

1929 – 2025

With deep sadness, we say goodbye to our beloved matriarch Fantina Hinojosa de Ayala. At the age of 96, Fantina completed her beautiful journey and passed peacefully surrounded by family. The memory of her legacy and devotion to her family is felt deeply by her five children: Gilberto Ayala, Dinora Ayala, Javier (Diana) Ayala, Jorge Ayala, Deyanira (Jorge) Reichel; ten grandchildren: Dalia, Javier, Melissa, Jorge, Vanessa, Diana, Christine, David, Nicole, Megan; four great-grandchildren: Emma, Sara, Renata, Emilio; her sister Dalia Hinojosa; and countless family members & friends whose lives she touched deeply. Preceded in death by her husband Jose Ayala and her parents Edelmiro and Farmelisa.

Born with a sharp mind, quick wit, and independent spirit that never dulled, she lived an extraordinary life across two countries she called home. From Parás, Matamoros, Monterrey, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, and eventually Houston - she made her mark on the world while taking care of her family.

She found joy in all of her experiences, from cheering for the L.A. Dodgers and Tigres "UANL", playing Lotería, trying her luck at casinos, and indulging in her favorite sweets. We will remember all the trips to the ranch, where she helped take care of the property, livestock, and the many guests who enjoyed their time there. She could always make you laugh, surprise you with a clever comment, or offer wisdom wrapped in humor.

You can taste the memories spent together making pumpkin empanadas, enjoying homemade tortillas de harina, and eating machacado, avena, or huevito con frijoles for breakfast. Her breakfasts were humble, simple and like no other.

She was a woman of remarkable strength and determination, always ready with a caring word and a life lesson - whether it was how to manage finances, play games in the casino, or even fold a fitted sheet. Fantina taught by example on what it means to live fully and love deeply.

Her family will remember her as a guiding light, a source of laughter, and a teacher of both big and small lessons. Fantina's presence will be missed tremendously, but her memory will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Grandma, we will miss you sitting outside, listening to the birds, checking on your roses; we will miss you talking about your trips, watching you make breakfast; we will miss you caring for us. All those little moments that made up our days together - they are now treasures.

We thank you for everything you have done for our family legacy. We are going to miss you every single day. May you rest in peace, remembered always with love and gratitude.

Love you, always.