Mary Frances Garcia Rodriguez

Mary Rodriguez, 72, of Stephen, MN, achieved her wish of dying quietly and peacefully on December 28, 2025, in the few hours her family was apart from her after spending Christmas and the following days together, in Villa St. Vincent of Crookston, MN.

Mary Frances Garcia was born on April 13, 1953, in Santa Rosa, NM, to Donato and Socorro (Seña) Garcia. Raised in a large family, Mary was a caretaker from an early age and had a love for children that lasted her whole life long. When she was just 14 years old, she spotted young Jacobo Rodriguez across the yard at a local gathering: it was love at first sight. He soon asked for her parents' permission to marry, and when that was withheld they eloped, marrying in Muleshoe, TX on May 10, 1968. Moving to Earth, TX, the young couple worked side-by-side on a cotton farm, where Mary ran the baler even when very pregnant- there was work to be done! While Jacobo was the quiet, serious advice-giver: Mary liked to be the fun one. She enjoyed dancing (whether at work, in the house, or out with Jacobo), chatting with just about anyone, and making mountains of food for family, friends, and anyone else who came into their home. Mary was a nurturer who was happy to take people in who needed help- and these people stayed “family” for life.

In 1980, the family moved to Loop, TX, and in 1996 to Stephen. She sold Tupperware, worked seasonally in potatoes, provided housekeeping for the elderly during the day, and in between was childcare for anyone who needed it. In some ways, Mary finished growing up with her own kids, as they taught her to read and write and she, in turn, taught them that you can still be playful as an adult. She loved 1950s-60s music, receiving flowers for no reason at all, and getting all dolled up with makeup and jewelry (as any former Avon lady knows how), or going out with Grandpa Jake to get her hair done. In 2010, Mary's memory began to falter, though all the things she loved remained the same. She held her grandbabies, danced in the kitchen, and laughed with her whole face and body. And even if “Gramitas” she spoke a little less English and a few more swear words as the years continued, she was happy and loving right until the end.

She is survived by ten children, Rachel Lopez of Warren, MN, Juan (Angie) Rodriguez of Lubbock, TX, Jacobo Rodriguez Jr. of Odessa, TX, Angela (Gary) Wick of Stephen, MN, David (Misti) Rodriguez of Greenbush, MN, James Rodriguez of Alvarado, Dedrick (Jennifer) Rodriguez of Warren, April Rodriguez of Fargo, ND, Irene (Rudy) Frias, and Daniel (Katie) Rodriguez both of Grand Forks, ND; 28 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brother Don Garcia of Clovis, NM; and all those who considered her a part of their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Jacobo “Jake” Rodriguez; her parents; seven siblings; three infant children; and five grandchildren.

May the angels lead her into paradise.

 

FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:30 AM, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Warren, MN.
VISITATION: One hour before.
A RECORDING may be found here: Mary Rodriguez Funeral Service
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery of Warren, MN.