Petra A (Avalos) Vasquez

Petra was born in Elgin, TX on May 17, 1937. Surrounded by her children, family, and friends, our gracious Lord chose to call her home on August 16, 2023.
Born to Jose and Simona Avalos, Petra then married Antonio Vasquez on February 14, 1954. They moved to and settled in the Lawn community in the early 60's.
Preceded in death by her husband in January 1970, Petra was left to raise, single-handedly, their 7 children. She was also preceded in death by her oldest child, Maria Louisa Rodriguez in 2002; her parents, 8 sisters, 3 brothers, 1 grandchild, and 1 great grandchild.
Petra is survived by her 4 daughters, Virginia (Richard) Ochoa of Lawn, Lupe Rodriguez of Lawn, Anita Vasquez of Abilene and Rosalinda (Ciriaco) Rojo of Miles; 2 sons, Antonio Jr (Belia) of Tyler and Gilbert of Lawn. Petra had 15 grandchildren, including Becky (Miguel) Suniga-Hernandez whom she raised as a daughter, 33 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren; 3 sisters of Elgin, Sofia Navejas, Rosa Alvarez and Louisa Cordova; numerous nieces, nephews and beloved extended family members.
While her health permitted her, she could always be found outside working in her yard tending to her flowers, especially her beautiful roses that she was so proud of. Her yard was always immaculate and she truly enjoyed being outdoors. Up until not too long ago, she would still get out and mow her yard herself because only she knew "exactly" how she wanted it done.
She will always be remembered by her children as the woman who was both Mom and Dad, who loved them all equally and most importantly instilled and expected nothing less than honest hardworking ethics, good morals and honest values, and above all, love and compassion.
Petra will be deeply missed by many for she made a tremendous impact on not just her children, 5 generations of love and admiration of a great woman, but on all those whose lives she touched. Your job is done, Mrs Petra, It's time to rejoin your husband, daughter and many other loved ones. The ones left behind now have a beautiful guardian angel to watch over them.
Special thanks to all for everything done for her, and to the gentlemen who will carry her to her final resting place: Reuben Rodriguez, Kris Rodriquez, Miguel Antonio "Gordo" Hernandez, Ricky Ochoa, Michael Ochoa and Chacho; all beloved grandsons. Honorary pallbearers: grandson Zane Vasquez and special long time friend Daniel Garza.
Services directed by Fry-Smith Funeral Home at 502 Kent Ave, Tuscola, Texas. Visitation will be on Monday August 21st from 5-7 with a Rosary to follow at the funeral home. Graveside services will be at Tuscola Cemetery, Tuesday at 10:00 am.
In Lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to her favorite charity, St. Judes Children Hospital.