Ruperto "Hector" Garza Jr.

Ruperto “Hector” Garza Jr., age 77, of San Benito, Texas, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes. Services are pending and will be announced when available. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Hector’s obituary page, viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Hector was born on April 17, 1949, in Rio Hondo, Texas, as the firstborn child to Ruperto Sr. and Olivia (Cortez) Garza. He attended school before entering the workforce, beginning a lifetime defined by determination, generosity, and devotion to those he loved.

He married his first wife, Andrea Alvarado, with whom he welcomed four children: Annie, Ruperto III, Rachel, and Anna. Hector later married Terecita “Teresa” de Jesús Vargas Hernandez in 1971 and became a stepfather to Jorge Martin Vargas. Together, they had three children: Hector Carlos, Margarita, and Diana. Hector met Cynthia Louise Schmidt and the couple married on April 4, 1997. To this union, he became a stepfather to Jeremy Schmidt.

Hector moved to Nebraska in 1977, where he made his home for many years, raised his family, and built a life through dedication and perseverance. He was a hardworking man who spent twenty years working for Community Action Services in Gering, Nebraska. Hector returned to his home state of Texas in 1998, where he spent an additional twenty years working for Harlingen Water Works. He retired in 2016 at the age of 67, but retirement did not mean slowing down for Hector as he continued helping others in the way that came most naturally to him. He worked as a handyman for several people throughout the Rio Grande Valley, using his practical skills and willingness to assist throughout the remainder of his life.

He had a knack for fixing just about anything. Family, friends, and neighbors knew they could turn to him when something needed repairing, building, or simply figuring out. Hector was dependable, resourceful, and generous with his time, earning a reputation as someone who could always be counted on. He was an easygoing and modest man who enjoyed the simple things in life. Hector was a dedicated Nebraska Cornhuskers and Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed cheering on his favorite football teams. He also had a special place in his heart for animals, befriending stray cats in his neighborhood and caring for many dogs throughout the years.

Above all else, Hector loved his children, siblings, and their families. His family was an important part of his life, and the time he spent with them will remain among their most treasured memories. He will be remembered as a humble and devoted man who spent his life providing for his family, supporting others, and making a difference through everyday acts of kindness. His practical skills were one expression of his generous spirit, but his greatest legacy was the love he gave to his family and community.

To those who loved him most, he was a husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, cousin, and Papa. The things he repaired and built may be remembered, but the relationships he nurtured and the life he shared with others will endure. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and will be deeply loved and forever missed.

Survivors include his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Garza; children, Annie, Rachel, Anna, Hector Carlos, and Margarita Garza, and Diana Reinholt; stepsons, Jorge Martin Vargas and Jeremy Schmidt; grandchildren, Aragon and Dorian Garza, Sadishia, Isaiah, and Elijah Blanco, Wesley Wilkerson, Avery Wheeler, Adonis Talees, and Sloane Reinholt; step-grandchildren, Alex and Adrienne Vargas; great-granddaughter, Khalia Havranek; step-great-grandchildren, Adan, Aylah, and Adrielle Vargas, and Adric Sanchez; siblings, Belma (Jose) Villarreal, Robert (Ana) Garza, Ramiro (Irma) Garza, and Roger (Blanca) Garza; along with many other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruperto Sr. and Olivia Garza; former wife, Teresa Garza; siblings, Rodrigo, Rudy, Ranulfo, Jessie, and Marivel Garza; and son, Ruperto Garza III.