Rio Hondo, TX. - Maria G. Bishop

87, passed away on Saturday July 19, 2008 in Harlingen after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the past president and chaplain of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 205.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Indalecio and Petra D. Gonzalez; son, Joe I. Alvarado; brothers, Faustino Gonzalez, Olimpio Gonzalez, Ramon Gonzalez, and Samuel Gonzalez; and grandmother, Refugia Perez.

She is survived by her husband, Clarence C. Bishop; son, Eusebio (Olivia) Alvarado; daughters, Amelia (Gregorio) Lopez, Elisa (Roy) Cavazos, and Petra (Lupe) Atkinson; step-daughters, Judy (Jim) Wagoner, and Rowena (Louis) Archer; 12 grandchildren; 2 step- grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-great-grandchild; and sister, Mercedes Gonzalez.

Pallbearers will be J.D. Cavazos, Roel Yanez, Alonzo Garza, Eusebio Alvarado, Jr, Narciso Zapata, and Al Munoz.

The family wishes to thank the staff members of the Harlingen Nursing Center for their dedicated care and support.

Funeral services will be on Monday July 21, 2008 at 2 PM at St. Helen Catholic Church in Rio Hondo.

Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the care of San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 West Hwy 77, San Benito, Texas 78586 (956) 361-9192.

Sign the guestbook at www.valleystar.com.