Aracelia Ayala Carlson

Our beloved mother Aracelia Ayala passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on January 13, 2025. She was a devoted Catholic who was deeply grounded in her faith and joins her daughter Michelle Torres, parents, and sisters Elsa Ayala, María Irma García, Josefina Franz, Antonia Ayala, Francisca Ayala, and Seledina Ayala in Heaven. 

Born to Lazaro Ayala and Guadalupe Rios-Ayala, Aracelia is survived by her children Chon Torres, Lazaro Torres, and Aracelia Torres-Ruppert; her grandchildren Payton Isabella Ruppert, Parker Gabriella Ruppert, Lourdes Rebecca Torres, and Sean Leonardo Torres; son-in-law Kelly Ruppert; daughter-in-law Sofia Lopez-Torres; siblings Eva Gudiño, Antonia Cantú, and Valentin Ayala; godson David Garcia, several nieces, nephews, additional relatives, and an abundance of friends.  

Aracelia graduated early from McAllen High School and briefly attended the University of Houston before returning to the Rio Grande Valley. She would eventually achieve her dream of obtaining her degree in Nursing at the University of Texas-Pan American. She was passionate about helping others through her role as a nurse and would spend the majority of her professional career working at Texas Oncology in McAllen and Austin, TX before retiring. 

Her biggest passion was reserved for her children, grandchildren, and family. Aracelia was a constant fixture in the lives of her family and would attend as many activities and family gatherings as possible. She loved her family unconditionally and remained a nurturing maternal figure until her passing.

A viewing will be held on Thursday January 30, 2025 from 4:00-8:00pm with the Rosary from 6:00-7:00 pm at Rivera Funeral Home at 1901 Pecan Blvd McAllen, TX 78501. Funeral service will be held on January 31, 2025, at 10am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 208 East Camelia Ave Hidalgo, TX 78557. Interment will follow at Hidalgo City Cemetery. 

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aracelia Ayala Carlson, please visit our floral store.