Dora Elia Rodriguez, 74, of Killeen, Texas, passed away on September 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Dora was born on October 24, 1951, in Del Rio, Texas, to Ramon P. Garza and Virginia Moreno Garza Duran. Born and raised in Del Rio, she lived a life filled with love for her family, her faith, and her community. She graduated from San Felipe High School in 1970 and, just three months later, married her high school sweetheart, Mario G. Rodriguez.

Together, they began a grand military adventure that took them around the world. They lived everywhere from North Carolina to Germany and Korea before eventually returning to Texas and making Killeen home. Along the way, they were blessed with three children, Gilberto, Regina, and Ray. Dora was truly the heart of her home and a constant source of love and support. She proudly served as the quintessential “Team Mom” for her sons’ sports throughout their childhoods and was always there cheering them on.

Dora had a heart for serving others and generously gave her time to St. Joseph’s School, the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store, and numerous local nonprofit organizations. She lived life with vibrant energy and found joy in so many things. She loved all types of music, loved to dance, and had a special place in her heart for Elvis Presley. She also found peace and happiness in her garden, especially while tending to her roses.

She dearly cherished her monthly lunches with her “lady group” and held those friendships very close to her heart. Dora also had a wonderfully goofy and fun-loving sense of humor. She was always ready with a ridiculous face, the funniest side eye, or a clever quip. Those who knew and loved her will forever carry a lifetime of funny stories, laughter, and special memories with them.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents, Ramon P. Garza and Virginia Moreno Garza Duran; her brother, Ramon Garza Jr.; and her sister, Emeregilda Garza Kanney.

She is survived by her children, Gilberto Rodriguez and wife, Becki Rodriguez, Regina Rodriguez, and Ray Rodriguez and wife, Melinda Rodriguez; her grandchildren, Gabryel, Zenobya, Ricardo, Kai, Erianna, and Elias; and her great-grandchild, Chloe. She is also survived by Celia Schockley and family; Leticia Garza and family; Francisca Finch and family; Maria Virginia Rhodes and Lloyd F. Rhodes and family; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Foundation.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, Optus Care in San Antonio, all of Dora’s caregivers, and the many friends who cared for and supported her.