Maria De Lurdis Franco Ibarra, also known as "Mary," passed away on March 30 ^th , 2022.

Born in Fort Stockton Texas on July 13 ^th , 1940, she was one of seven siblings. Having graduated from Sul Ross State University on May 15 ^th , 1974, and after receiving a teaching certificate, she embarked on a journey that would touch so many lives young and old for 33 years. As a language arts teacher, she instructed students to read, speak, listen, and write, making reading and writing her pastime well after retirement. After having lived in Fort Stockton, Texas most of her life, she, and her husband Manuel D. Ibarra Jr. moved to Sun City in Georgetown, Texas to be closer to their kids and grandkids.

She loved every holiday and represented it throughout the year. Christmas, however, was her favorite time of the year, she loved to display her many one-of-a-kind Santa Clauses and any ornamentation that represented Christmas, including ornamentations commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. She was a devout Catholic, a true believer of her faith in God and his divine grace.

Mary was predeceased by her father Froilan Valencia Franco, mother Elvira Sinez Franco, brothers Guillermo Franco, Crescencio Franco, Froilo Franco Jr., Jose "Joe" Franco, and sister Margarita Franco Hernandez.

Mary is survived by her loving husband Manuel D. Ibarra Jr., her sons Ruben Franco Ibarra (wife Sharon, and daughter Olivia), Alfredo Franco Ibarra (wife Rhonda and sons Ian and Nek), and Joe "Flip" Urias, sister Jesusita Franco Calderon (husband Sam, son Sam Jr, and daughter Tara), and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations can be made to the "Friends of the Fort Stockton Public Library," Fort Stockton Texas. Your contribution will make it possible to sponsor literacy programs and activities for children, teens, and adults. www.fort-stockton.lib.tx.us

Or

"Literacy Council WILCO," a nonprofit that began in 1985 at the Round Rock TX. Public Library. The founders were library volunteers who became aware of the need for adult education services in the community. www.literacycouncilwilco.org

A graveside service is scheduled at 11:00am Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.