Lydia R Yanez

Lydia Yanez, 94, passed away on May 2, 2024, at her home in Rotan, Texas with her loving children surrounding her.  A visitation of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home Chapel, Rotan, Texas, from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.  A celebration of Lydia's life will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church, Rotan, Texas, under the direction of Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home   

Lydia, also known as Lile, was born on June 22, 1929, in Rotan, Texas to the late Isaias Rodriguez Sr. and Petra Lopez Rodriguez.   She married Eluterio Yanez on August 2, 1947, in Rotan.  She gave life to five children as well as raising Eluterio’s three children.  She opened her generous heart to several other children as well.

Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Eluterio Yanez; her parents Isaias and Petra Rodriguez;  sisters Maria and Petra as well as brothers Rufus, Santiago, Samuel, Daniel, Isaias and sons Felix and Manuel.  

She is survived by her sister Rachel Martinez of Moreno Valley, California, children Luther Yanez (wife Argentina) of Rotan, Patsy Perez (husband Lupe) of Tempe, Arizona, Santiago Yanez of Abilene, Lydia Perez (husband Primo) of Abilene, Emilio Yanez of Clarendon, Richard Yanez (wife Janie) of Midland and Luiz Garcia (wife Lupe) of Rotan.  She had eight children, twenty-six grandchildren, seventy-three great grandchildren, and twenty-two great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

She experienced many life changes during her long life.  She remembered going to their church in Hamlin in a wagon with her siblings.   Theirs was a large family, gathering often after church every Sunday.  Religion was her comfort during all those years, believing sincerely in God, forgiving others for hurts given unknowingly or consciously.  She was steadfast in her belief that God is forgiving and loving always.

Many will remember Lile with affection and respect because she never met a stranger, emulating her mother Petra in regard to treating others as Jesus would treat them.  She always participated in church functions, providing food, and assisting in many other projects as long as she was able.  She loved mission work and made many mission trips to Mexico with her church or friends.  At her home, her door was always open for coffee and burritos for friends and family.    As her family can attest, she made perfect tortillas.  She was often seen traveling around Rotan, visiting shut-ins, singing to them while playing the accordion or bringing them food.  The world has lost a fine example of a good Christian.