Maria Otilia Hernandez

Maria Otilia “Tile” Soto Hernandez, 77, succumbed to illness on April 16, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her parents Julio Soto and Maria del Refugio Benavides Soto of Laredo, Texas;brother, Cruz Alejandro Soto of Richmond, Virginia.

Tile is survived by  her brothers, Ramiro (Gloria) Soto and  Julio (Argelia) Soto; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Soto; sons, RC (Jenny) Hernandez Jr. and Mark (Rocio) Hernandez; grandchildren, Jace Anthony, Karalee Marie, Cayden Nicolas, Alerik Jacobi Hernandez; nieces & nephews, Diana (Alejandro) Cisneros, Cesar (Leticia) Soto, Julio Soto Jr, Marco Soto, Daniel Soto,  Laura (Gilbert) Magana, Ramiro Soto Jr., Araceli (Dennis) Ortiz, Grace Soto, Christy Soto (Douglas) Morissette, & many loving extended family members and friends

Tile had very strong faith & read the bible on a daily basis. She would often say “Thank You, Jesus” during meals or “Thanks to God” when imparting or listening to good news. As a young woman, Tile was very hard working, riding the bus to & from work.  Later, she cared for her children & served as the primary caregiver to her parents & grandparents through old age & illness. She modeled kindness & generosity for her children as she frequently offered rides, food or other necessities to those less fortunate. As a single mom during a large part of her sons’ lives, she had to be both mother & father and was very strong, having grown up as the only girl surrounded by three brothers.

Tile adored children, had a very giving and generous nature, & loved socializing. She enjoyed entertaining & always offered guests food & drink.  She was very energetic & outgoing. When she was a single working woman, she would tell her niece & nephews to be good so she could bring them a surprise. She would instruct them to wait for her to get off the bus from work & she always had something special for them. One of her favorite pastimes was to sit in the “galeria”, or porch, to have an afternoon snack, visit, & sing songs to her nieces and nephews. This tradition was carried on with her boys & later, with her grandchildren. Tile’s laugh was infectious as she played games & listened to music. She could often be heard singing “Cielito Lindo” & “Lindo Pescadito”. She also had an exuberant spirit & enjoyed playing board games, watching “Novelas”, & collecting novelty items, such as animated toys. Around her home, visitors would find: porcelain dolls, the “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” Chihuahua, a motion sensored chirping bird in a cage, or a clock with a unique bird sound for every hour.

She will be missed by many, but her spirit will remain with us.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2020, from 5pm to 9pm at Gamez & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, 1029 Bob Bullock Loop, 78043, where a liturgical service will be celebrated at 7:00pm. In accordance with city ordinance, only 10 people will be admitted in the building at a time. Please feel free to wait in your vehicle for a turn.

Funeral services are under the arrangement of Gamez & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, 1029 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, Texas 78043.

For more information regarding service times and dates please call our office at (956) 701-3459, or you can view service information, sign the guestbook and pay your condolences to the family online at www.gamezandsons.com.