Maria Florencial Botello Gomez Lopez
Maria Florencial Botello Gomez Lopez was born on February 23, 1939, to Francisco Gomez Govellan and Isidora Hernandez Botello in Tortugas, San Luais Potosi, Mexico. Maira was raised by her maternal grandmother Andrea and her partner Papa Timotheo growing up in ranch raising chickens and pigs.
In 1962 Maria applied for and received her U.S. Residence Immigration card allowing her work in Brownsville Tx. It was during her application process at the U.S, Consulate Embassy in Matamoros, Mexico where Maria met Arcadio Cuellar Lopez her future husband, but rumor has it that Maria found Arcadio crying one night hugging a lamp post that she felt sorrow for him and took him home.
In 1963, Maria and Arcadio moved to Kerrville Tx. and welcomed their newborn child Lionel who was followed by daughter Mary April in 64, Xavier in 65, Rodolfo in 67, Ruben in 68, and Alfred in 71. In 1969, Maria and her husband Arcadio moved their family to Bandera Tx. Maria raised her children and when opportunity arose Maria would work in hospitality where she would always find her way to helping the kitchen staff. In the years of 1969-70, Maria would cook for Willie Nelson and his band as they played the local scenes (Willie and his band were staying at Lost Valley Ranch where Arcadio was grounds keeper).
In mid to late 70’s Luther James hired Maria to help in hospitality at the Purples Sage Ranch owned by Conoco Inc. This was a blessing as this opportunity gave Maria job security until retirement in the mid 90’s.
Maria enjoyed life after retirement with Arcadio who preceded Maria in death on Sept 07, 2020. Maria left us to join our Lord and Savior Jesus and Arcadio on Dec 20, 2022.
Maria is survived by: Siblings Francisca and Ricarda. Sons and daughter Lionel, Mary April Sikes, Xavier and wife Diana Gaspar Lopez, Rodolfo and grandson Alexander, Ruben, and Alfred. Sons from previous marriage Arturo, wife Lucia, grandchildren Juana, Fabiola, Sonia, and Maria. Jesus, wife Francisca, grandchildren Ofelia, Diana, Jesus, Great grandchildren Sandra, Jesus, and Fernando.