Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hillcrest Funeral Home - Littlefield on Dec. 10, 2025.
Israel 'Chow' Garza, 24, of
Littlefield, Texas, entered eternal life on December 06, 2025, in
Littlefield, Texas. He was born on July 22, 2001, in
Levelland, Texas, to Valerie Ann Cristan.
Israel's life was far from easy, but he always tried to make the best of it. He had the ability to find something funny in anything. He never wanted to see anyone upset or sad. With a few simple words he could change the way your day was going. He loved his siblings with all of his heart and made an effort to always make sure that they were okay and had what they needed. He loved his mother. Israel loved his two nephews, Alexander and Elias, and enjoyed spending time with them. He was an illegitimate brother to many. His heart was huge, and he also made sure to check in on everyone. Israel dedicated time to the people that he loved, and they loved him more than he could ever know. He knew his company was more special than anything else. He enjoyed collecting action figures and often running up the bids on his most favorite uncle after showing him things he wanted.
He was a loyal Cowboys fan. He loved Batman and often referred to himself as Batman. He enjoyed arguing with his uncle that Batman could beat Superman. He enjoyed game night with friends and family. They always had a blast. At one time he would imitate a T-Rex and play/make the noise of a whale to his sister to make everyone laugh. When asked later on to do it, he would refuse stating he had "grownup." Throughout his high school career, he was referred to by many as Chow. He was a really good person that had every reason not to be, but he refused to let the life that was dealt to him change that. Israel was determined to give himself a better life and nothing could stop him. He was never shy to ask for advice and guidance when he found himself in tough situations. His laughter, his joy, his ridiculous jokes and offhanded comments, along with his presence, will be missed. Israel has left a void that can never be filled. He was one of a kind that brought light into everyone's lives. Israel Garza was a loving brother, son, nephew, cousin, and friend to many.
Those left to cherish Israel's memory are his mother, Valerey Cristan of
Littlefield, Texas; two brothers, Joseph Garza of
Littlefield, Texas, Joey Jr Canada of Lubbock, Texas; two sisters, Jasmine Garza of
Levelland, Texas, Erma Linda Garza of
Littlefield, Texas; two nephews, Alexander Morin and Elias Morin of
Levelland, Texas; grandfather, Ignacio Leos; aunts, Veronica Salinas and spouse Paul of
Littlefield, Texas, Monica Duran and spouse Casey of
Littlefield, Texas, Gina Hernandez and spouse George of
Littlefield, Texas, Keeley Cristan and Joe Paul of
Littlefield, Texas; uncle, Anthony Cristan and Brenda of Oklahoma; and numerous cousins and extended family members and friends. Israel was preceded in death by his grandparents, Betty Leos, Ernest Gonzales, and Erma Cristan.
Funeral services for Israel 'Chow' Garza will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Grace Chapel within Hillcrest Funeral Home in
Littlefield, Texas. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Grace Chapel within Hillcrest Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers will be Joseph Garza, Shawn Cristan, AJ Cristan, Drake Duran, Noah Duran, Bryan Perez, Isaac Perez, and Tyson Cristan. Interment will be in Littlefield Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in
Littlefield, Texas.