Elvira Acuna Biera

Elvira Acuña Biera, 93, of Merkel, Texas, passed from this Earth on April 1, 2024, in Abilene, TX.

Elvira was born in a boxcar in Pyote, Texas, to Jose Acuña and Rafaela Garcia on July 19, 1930. At the time of her birth, her father was a railroad employee. She attended Trent schools until the 6th grade. She married Juan C. Biera in Abilene, Texas, on March 5, 1946. Despite her limited educational background, she instilled the importance of schooling in her children. All 10 of them have graduated from Merkel High School, with several pursuing further degrees in higher education. The majority of her schooling came from hands-on experience. She faced adversity early in life, losing her mother at 13 and taking on the responsibility of caring for her siblings. She married at 15 and became a mother at the tender age of 16. Until her death, she lived and cared for herself at home. She worked for Merkel ISD in the food service department for 23 years. Elvira enjoyed volunteering at the Loving Care Ministries in Merkel, where she met many and was a friend to all who came in contact with her. She enjoyed watching her “novelas” and sharing stories from her past and spending time with her family. She was a longtime member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. The impact she left on her family and friends by her example is immeasurable. She was strong, wise, smart, loyal, hardworking, honest, and committed, along with other traits. She was an amazing lady, funny, witty, and probably the best cook in town. Her commitment to her family, work ethic, and strength were evident until the end. She wore the name Mom, Grandma/Buela/Suegra with great pride. Her home wasn’t fancy or large but always inviting, and you never left hungry.

Elvira was preceded in death by her husband, Juan C. Biera, daughter Vicki Rodriguez, son Joe Chris Biera, son-in-laws Robert Rodriguez and Frank Rodriguez, parents Jose and Rafaela Acuña, sister Socorro Rosas, brother Jesse Acuña, and her sister-in-law Ida Acuña.

Elvira is survived by her children Angelita Rodriguez of Abilene, Juanita and (Luis) Valdez of Abilene, Liria “Kika” (Ruben) Graciano of San Marcos, CA, Christine (Dan) White of Abilene, John Biera of Phoenix, AZ, Rudy Biera of Merkel, Rosie (Russell) Lucas of Sweetwater, Joe Biera (Rick McManemon) of CO, and Steven (Laurie) Biera of Sweetwater. Grandchildren and spouses, Monica (Mitchell) Kelley of Castroville, Michelle Mendez of Mansfield, Ericka (James) Parker of Hillsboro, Anthony Valdez of Abilene, Gabriel Graciano of Vancouver, Washington, Marie Graciano of San Marcos, CA, Zack Rodríguez of Waxahachie, Nic Rodríguez of Bedford, Jon Chris (Angela) Biera of Lubbock, Alex Biera of San Antonio, Jacob (Ale) Biera of Liberty Hill, Leslie (Santos) Valadez of Abilene, Tyler (Michaela) Lucas of Abilene, Ryne (Emily) Lucas of Sweetwater, Tucker (Kaylie) Lucas of Abilene, Avery Biera of College Station, and Lauren Biera of Sweetwater and bonus grandchild Brannon Stegemoeller. Great-grandchildren Zoe Mendez, Jacob Parker, Anthony and Karina Valdez, Anissa and Xavier Biera, Leo, JR, and Vickie Biera, Cooper, Parker, and Hattie Lucas, Lee Castro Lucas, and two more great-grandsons on the way. Siblings Fernando Acuña of Oceanside, CA, Mary “Goose” Biera of Abilene, Felix (Carmen) Acuña of Merkel, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Anthony Valdez, Nic and Zack Rodriguez, Gabriel Graciano, Jon Chris Biera, Jacob Biera, Tyler, Ryne, and Tucker Lucas.

Visitation will be 5-6:30 pm, Friday, April 12, 2024 with Rosary to follow at Starbuck Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Merkel. Burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

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