Cecilia Herrera Ayala

Cecilia H. Ayala was born on November 20, 1934, in McAllen, Texas. On Friday, August 28, 2026, God opened the gates of Heaven and gently called His beloved daughter home.

Cecilia passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. Though her passing leaves a deep emptiness in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, we find comfort knowing that she is now at peace and resting in the loving arms of God.

Cecilia was a loving, caring, and devoted woman whose life was centered around her family. She gave love freely, cared deeply, and created memories that will remain in the hearts of her loved ones forever. Her strength, wisdom, kindness, and unconditional love touched many lives. She will always be remembered for the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the beautiful memories she left behind.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Francisca and Jesus Herrera; her sons, Ricardo Ayala, Gerardo Ayala, and Jesus Ayala; and her daughters, Aida Zapata and Criselda Lozano.

She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory in their hearts forever: her sisters, Celia Cobos and Petra Ramirez; her daughters, Maria Ayala, Roberta Tavarez (Monica), and Monica Ayala; and her son, Michael Ayala (Lori).

She is also survived by her grandchildren, including Tita Martinez, Edward Jimenez, and Andrew Moreno; her great-grandson, MJ Ayala; her great-great-granddaughter, Alaia Martinez; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were blessed to know and love her. She also leaves behind her dear friend, Yoli Tavarez, who held a special place in her heart.

Cecilia’s family was her greatest treasure. Her love will continue through every child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and every person whose life she touched. Although we cannot see her anymore, her love will remain with us—in our memories, in our stories, in the lessons she taught us, and in the love we continue to share with one another.

Today, we do not say goodbye forever. We say, “Until we meet again.” Her earthly journey is complete, but her love and legacy will live on forever.

May she rest peacefully in the presence of our Lord, reunited with those who went before her, and may Heaven welcome her with open arms.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.

Te quiero mucho, madrecita linda. Me vas a hacer mucha falta.

Tu hija, Robbie

Salmo 23

El Señor es mi pastor; nada me faltará.
En lugares de delicados pastos me hará descansar;
junto a aguas de reposo me pastoreará.
Confortará mi alma;
me guiará por sendas de su nombre. Aunque pase por quebradas muy oscuras, no temo ningún mal, porque tú estás conmigo; tu bastón y tu vara me protegen. Me sirves a la mesa frente a mis adversarios; con aceites tú perfumas mi cabeza y llenas mi copa. Me acompaña tu bondad y tu favor mientras dura mi vida; mi mansión será la casa del Señor por largo, largo tiempo.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a Rosary to be held at 7:00 pm at Rivera Funeral Home in McAllen. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 1:00 pm at St, Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow to La Piedad Cemetery in McAllen. 
 

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

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