Maria DeJesus Tovar

Maria DeJesus Tovar, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 62. 

Maria was born on January 20, 1964, in Villa Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to Jose and Felicitas Aranda (Alvarado). She was preceded in death by her parents.

For those who knew Maria, her presence brought warmth. Her laugh was contagious. She had a kind, loving spirit and a heart with no room for judgment. In her family, she was the voice of reason, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering faith during life's hardest moments. Her favorite reminders were simple yet powerful: “Keep the faith, Mija,” and “Everything is going to work out.” To Maria, luck did not exist—every blessing was a gift from the Lord.

Maria spent her life caring for others. She worked tirelessly. She often spent long days at work before coming home to prepare meals, tend to her home, and care for her girls and Viejo. Her greatest joy was not found in material things but in the people she loved. Whether gathered around a kitchen table, sitting on her chair in the living room, celebrating milestones, or simply spending time together, family was the center of her world. Her home brought warmth, comfort, laughter, and unforgettable meals.

Even during her illness, Maria stayed focused on loved ones. Months before her passing, she watched her greatgranddaughter Della play soccer and softball. Weeks ago, she celebrated Camila's graduation from Temple College and cheered for her great-grandson Julian at his t-ball game. Maria rejoiced in Crystal's accomplishment in becoming a nurse and shared Angela's excitement as a mother-to-be. She took immense pride in her children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's accomplishments. Her face lit up with each call she had with her sisters. Whether celebrating milestones or comforting in disappointments, she believed in others' potential and always found the good in people. Her kindness extended beyond family: she never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with warmth, grace, and compassion.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Alfonso Tovar; brothers, Margarito Alvarado (Martha Alvarado), Jose Natalio Aranda (Gloria Aranda), and Alejandro Aranda; sisters, Mariana Alvarado (Roberto Castro, deceased), Maria Aranda (Julio Martinez), Yolanda Aranda (Fernando Martinez), and Maria Olivia Aranda (Arturo Perez); daughters, Crystal Tovar, Angela Marie Tovar, Camila Isabel Tovar, Melina Ball (Jeremy Ball Sr.), Ana Lilia Cardoza, and Lucy Dalia Tovar; grandchildren, Destiny Andrews (Colby Andrews), Erica Garcia, Jeremy Ball Jr. (Emily Ball), Antonio Reyes, Abel Reyes, Daniel Cardoza, Adrian Reyes, Andrew Reyes, and Ariel Reyes; great-grandchildren, Peyton Andrews, Ever Andrews, Lilia Garcia, Della Ball, Nathaniel Reyes, Noah Cardoza, Julian Hernandez, Luna Ball, Elena Reyes, Justin Garcia Jr., and Ellie Reyes; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were touched by her love.

Though her family mourns her passing, they find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and has found peace in the presence of the Lord she trusted so faithfully throughout her life. Her family invites family and friends to join them for a visitation on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple, Texas. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Temple, Texas. Her burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery following Mass.