Mary Pallarez

Mary Pallarez, 76, of Merkel went to her heavenly home, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Mary was born October 8, 1946 in Sinton, Texas to Jesus and Anita Adame. She spent her early childhood in Odem, Texas until the family settled in Merkel where she attended school. Mary married her one true love, Patricio (Pat) Pallarez on April 24, 1965. They welcomed a son, Randy Lyn, September 22,1967 and then a daughter, Bridget Marie, June 11, 1969.

Mary loved being with her family. She loved to watch Randy paint, ride his dirt bike and play his guitar. His talents always amazed her. Mary enjoyed years of being Bridget’s softball coach, Girl Scout leader and shopping buddy. She became Memaw in October 1992, when Bridget welcomed a daughter, Gabby. She continued that role in December 1993, when Bridget welcomed a son, Patrick and again when Randy welcomed a son in July 1997, Chaz. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. Watching them in sports, school activities and traveling with them filled her heart. Mary welcomed her first great grandchild, Finley, in November 2014 and a second, Lainey, in June 2019 and her world was near perfect. She called them the “loves of her life” and had the most precious relationship with them. To say she adored them would be an understatement. They will always be reminded of how much she loved them.

Mary worked for many years as the Activity Director at the Merkel Nursing home. She loved working with the patients as well as working alongside her Mother and Aunt. She decided to pursue a nursing degree in 1982 at TSTC School of Nursing in Sweetwater, Texas. All while taking care of her family, she received her license to be an LVN and returned to continue caring for her patients at Merkel Nursing Center, but in a different role. She loved being a nurse, but truly loved to be outside enjoying the sunshine and gardening or playing with the great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Pat, her parents, and two brothers, Juan Ramirez and Gabriel Ramirez.

Mary is survived by her son, Randy Pallarez of Abilene, daughter, Bridget Cochran and husband Brad, of Merkel, granddaughter, Gabby Campbell and husband Brad, of Merkel, grandsons, Patrick Austermann, of Abilene, and Chaz Pallarez, of Lafayette, LA. The two youngest loves of her life, Finley and Lainey Campbell, of Merkel. Also her brother Calletano Ramirez of Florence, Tx and many special cousins, friends, nieces and nephews. 

Pallbearers - Patrick Austermann, Chaz Pallarez, Brad Campbell, James Grimes, Trey Grimes and David Casper

Thank you to Dr. David McCain for the many years of care and Hendrick Hospice for the wonderful care during her final hours.  

Visitation will be at Starbuck Funeral home Monday, March 13, 2023 at 6 p.m. with the Rosary starting at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Merkel on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 2 p.m. with burial following at Rose Hill Cemetery.

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