In Loving Memory of Mary Alice Garza

Selfless. Kind. Generous. Loving. Faithful.

These words only begin to capture the essence of who Mary Alice Garza was. Born in Edinburg, Texas, on July 1, 1936, she is survived by her devoted husband, Ruben Garza, and their three daughters: Anna Garza Clinton and her husband, Eddy Clinton; Yolanda Garza Murray and her husband, Kevin Murray; and Mari Garza Bird and her husband, Mark Bird.

Mary Alice also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Thomas Andrew McCleary and his wife, Ashley McCleary; David Michael McCleary; William Dwayne Murray; and Apryl Murray Burns and her husband, Scott Burns. She was further blessed with six great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Eceves and Adrianne Crow, and her brother, Joe Ramirez.

Mary Alice now reunites in eternity with her parents, José Martin and Isabell Ramirez, as well as her brother, Omar Ramírez, who preceded her in death.

From a young age, Mary Alice stood out as a bright light. A proud graduate of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, she was known for her intelligence, leadership, and unwavering kindness—qualities she carried with her throughout her life. Initially aspiring to follow in her Tía Lila's footsteps as a department manager at the JC Penney on the Edinburg Square, her counselor saw more potential—one filled with science, mathematics, and greater purpose. She enrolled at Pan American College and did just what her counselor suggested, "Take all the math and science classes you can." One year of her studies was completed in Monterrey, Mexico and as usual she was undaunted and successfully completed her coursework in Spanish. After one year in Monterrey, she returned to Edinburg and graduated from Pan American University, majoring in both Chemistry and Mathematics, with a minor in Physics, graduating with a 3.8 GPA. Later, she earned her Master of Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University, a true reflection of her insatiable curiosity and open mind.

Mary Alice's college counselor advised her that she really only had three options for a career - research scientist (too dull she thought), a nurse (too bloody, she thought), or a teacher. So in 1958, she graduated and took her first teaching position in her home district, Edinburg. As though starting her teaching career wasn't exciting enough, she married her one true love, Ruben Garza August 7, 1959. They hosted their wedding reception at the famous Edinburg Echo Hotel (their first of so many fun, lively parties!). Their life's journey first took them to Austin, but after a few months, they moved to El Paso, TX as Ruben was stationed at Ft Bliss and Mary Alice continued her teaching career.

Over a career that spanned 29 years, she poured her heart into educating her students. She was passionate about teaching her students to be problem solvers, critical thinkers and above all to have self-confidence. Even when met with resistance—from administrators or parents—Mary Alice remained undeterred. Her integrity and belief in her students led her to stand up for her actions, her classroom instructional strategies, and her belief that all kids could learn. She even successfully challenged an unjust action by a school administrator. Despite the fallout, she never harbored resentment, continuing to champion public education with her signature grace and fierce loyalty.

After 29 years of teaching secondary math and science, Mary Alice retired to start her second career, working with her husband, Ruben, Co Owner and CEO of Geo-Marine, Inc. She was quickly put in charge of managing the contracting department, which she did with precision and excellence. During her tenure at Geo-Marine, Mary Alice won many business awards, including The Plano Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, a recognition given to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to empowering women in their personal and professional lives. That was who Mary Alice was - always lifting up and empowering others to be better. She was also featured in the Who's Who Directory of American Executives and Businesses, further cementing her legacy of excellence. Mary Alice worked side by side with Ruben at Geo-Marine until they sold the company in 2009.

But it wasn't her schooling or her career that defined Mary Alice. Her true identity was rooted in her profound faith and lifelong service to God. A devoted United Methodist, she served on nearly every committee imaginable—especially those focused on missions.

She helped the North Texas Conference launch The United Methodist Hispanic Committee, as well as the First United Methodist Church Plano Hispanic Ministries. She taught English to non-English speakers for years and worked with Amnesty International to aid aspiring US citizens. She was involved in the Walk to Emmaus program, where she sponsored many and served often. Additionally, she was happy to volunteer her weekends to the Kiros Prison Ministry, bringing the incarcerated to have a relationship with God and realize they would receive redemption and life-everlasting. Mary Alice served on the International Kiros Ministry Board of Directors. Mary Alice also passionately served on The United Methodist Anti-Racist Team, earning a Powers of Justice Award for her efforts to uplift the marginalized.

Mary Alice also gave tirelessly to her Plano community. She was an active member and officer of the Plano Chamber of Commerce and answered a call from Mayor Pat Evans to help organize the Plano Multicultural Outreach Roundtable—a pioneering initiative promoting civic engagement from all who resided in Plano. She helped establish Plano's Day of Prayer, participated in the annual MLK Breakfast, served on the board of the Plano Junior League (despite never formally joining), and led as an officer for The League of Women Voters since 2011. She was also a founding member and board member of LULAC Council 4537 for over 30 years. Mary Alice also helped organize the Plano Day Laborers program. Mary Alice gave her time to The City of Plano Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee, the Collin County Homeless Coalition Board, and many more—too numerous to name, but all deeply impacted by her presence.

Mary Alice shared a "fantastical" life with the love of her life, Ruben. They got to travel the world and build a life together that lasted only 3 months shy of 66 years. They served their church and community together. She was so proud of her family and how her children and grandchildren have all developed their own devout relationship with God. Mary Alice's enduring faith, boundless energy, and belief in the goodness of people shaped every chapter of her life. Her legacy is one of unwavering devotion, fearless leadership, and immeasurable love. She prayed for everyone—yes, even those who challenged her—and all who knew her are undeniably better for it!

Mary Alice now breathes celestial air, standing shoulder to shoulder with her heroes of faith, singing with the angels, free of every earthly burden.

We invite you to attend her Celebration of Life Service to be held on Friday, May 16th at 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church Plano, 3160 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX, 75074. At Mary Alice's request, please refrain from wearing black. Please don your favorite, colorful party attire!

In lieu of flowers, Mary Alice requested gifts of remembrance be sent to First United Methodist Church Plano, earmarked for Hope Restored Missions or the FUMC Plano Missions Committee.