Mary E. Riojas

Mary was known for her loving, selfless nature. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend to all, and, most importantly, a child of God.

Mary E. Riojas, 82 of Freer, TX, died in New Braunfels, TX on March 24, 2026, while battling Alzheimer's Disease.

Mary was born in Falfurrias, TX, in 1944, to Casimiro and Gertrudis Naranjo, as 1 of 5 children.

Mary attended Falfurrias Public School, where she was active in many school events and excelled academically. She was the salutatorian of her high school class and graduated with honors. Following graduation, she enrolled at Southwest Texas State University (SWT) in San Marcos, TX, and became involved in university scholastic events. During her time at SWT, she received recognition and accommodation for her academic achievements, earned a bachelor's degree in education, and became a public-school teacher. While in college, Mary met Herbert Riojas, who would later become her husband.

Mary taught for 36 years in several school districts, and Freer I.S.D. was her last. During that time, she developed a reputation as a loving and caring person who strived to put her students first. She served as a mentor to all. Education was an important part of Mary's life, and she was passionate about helping others fulfill their dreams through education.

Mary and Herbert met at a SWT University dance held in the student recreation center. After their relationship developed throughout college, they married in 1969, beginning their 56-year marriage and family. Mary and Herb were a loving couple who always supported each other and did everything together, reflecting the strength of their bond.

Mary and Herbert couldn't wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Mary was the mom of twin sons (Fred and Ted). As a mother, she provided love and encouragement and instilled family values and religion. She was a provider who cooked meals, helped with homework, and attended her son's athletic events. As her sons grew up and began their own lives, she constantly told them how much she loved them and how proud she was of them.

Mary was the grandmother of three amazing grandchildren (Tyler, Alexa, and Julia). As a grandmother, she loved babysitting and spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren. She instilled the same family values and provided a loving environment. She was her grandchildren's biggest fan and would do anything for them. As a former teacher, she always had a lesson to teach her grandchildren, and there is no doubt that they were loved.

Mary had many friends and was a "friend to all." She truly knew no strangers and showed respect and love to all she met. Over the years, she took trips with her friends or visited them by phone.

Mary was taught the importance of God and was a devout and loyal Catholic. God was the center of her life, and she always put God first. Every Sunday, Herb and Mary would be in church. Grace was said before meals, and family prayers were said every morning and night. Mary exemplified the true meaning of the Beatitudes and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. She had a loving, caring, compassionate heart that strived to put others first by providing for them.

Mary was the official "Gate Girl" on the 4R Ranch. Daily, you could find Mary on the ranch helping Herb raise registered Brahman cattle, opening gates, working cattle, and feeding livestock. She was not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get into the corrals to help halter-break cattle. She would "talk" to the heifers and young bulls and used her calming demeanor to put them at ease.

During hunting season, Mary could quickly spot wildlife, often before Herb did. She was Herb's hunting partner and stayed awake while he took naps in the blind. However, if she tried to find her way back to the barn, she would get lost on the ranch.

Mary loved to feed the wildlife on the ranch. She would even feed the neighborhood's stray dogs and cats. They were all her pets, and she was a steward of the land. She had a passion for nature and loved to look at the flowers as they bloomed on the ranch.

Mary will always be remembered as a child of God who displayed a loving, caring personality and put others before herself. We were blessed to have Mary with us and see firsthand what unselfish love looks like. She was the best wife to Herb, mom to the twins, and grandma to her grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Casimiro and Gertrudis Naranjo, and her brothers, Robert Naranjo and Casimiro Naranjo.

Mary is survived by her husband, Herb Riojas, and twin sons, Fred (Jill) and Ted (Elizabeth). Also, her three grandchildren, Tyler, Alexa, and Julia. Brother George Naranjo and sister Corina Molina.

A Rosary for Mary will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Freer, Texas. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Freer, Texas. A private burial will take place on a later date.