Rafaelita Cardenas

Rafaelita Cardenas, 90, of Bishop, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, in Kingsville. She was born on July 23, 1935, in Bishop, Texas, to Lazaro "Peewee" and Elida Garcia. A lifelong resident of Bishop, Rafaelita was deeply rooted in the community she loved.

Rafaelita dedicated over 40 years of service as a banker with First State Bank of Bishop, where she was known for her kindness, professionalism, and warm smile. She was a devoted and faithful member of St. James Catholic Church, where her faith guided her throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lazaro "Peewee" and Elida Garcia, and her sister, Esther Gonzalez.

Rafaelita leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory: her devoted husband of 51 years, Santiago "Jimmy" Cardenas Sr.; her three sons, Rolando (Delma †) Garcia, Santiago (Rita) Cardenas Jr., and Jaime F. (Christina) Cardenas; her cherished grandchildren, Corrina Garcia, Rolando Fidel Garcia, Cody James Lerma, Laura (Manuel) Santibañez, Ruby (Brandon) Limas, Sydney Garcia, Eric Garcia, Royal Garcia, Abygail Marie (Raziel) Soliz, Santiago Cardenas III, Jaime Cardenas Jr., Jennifer Marie Cardenas, and Javier Cardenas; her beloved great-grandchildren, Rachel, Hector, Audriana, Eden, Hayden, Jazlynn Rae, Raziel Ezekiel, Zaira Marie, Azalee Mae, Blake Anthony, and Adrianna Elizabeth.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home, with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, with Father Sebastian officiating. Burial will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery.

Rafaelita's legacy of love, faith, and dedication to her family will live on through them and all who were blessed to know her.