Bernardo (Ben) Garza, 72, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 22, 2010, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ben was born on February 16, 1938 to Vidal and Barbarita Garza, in La Rosita, Texas. Ben was third born of six sons.

Following graduation from Roma High School, Ben attended Business College in San Antonio where he earned a degree in Business Administration. After college graduation, Ben enlisted for two years in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged. He was proud to have served in the 2nd Armored Division, stationed at Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas.

He married the love of his life, Alma, on February 6, 1960. They lived in Killeen and upon leaving the Army, moved to Corpus Christi to settle down. Ben took a position with a large discount store as a warehouse manager. He quickly rose to store manager. He remained in a managerial position until 1976, when he bought Sugar Valley Grocery in Sugar Valley, Texas. He and his family moved to Sugar Valley and Ben ran his store until he sold it in 1992. He then took a job with STP that same year, working in the mailroom until his retirement in March of 2000.

After his retirement in 2000, Ben served as a substitute teacher for Van Vleck ISD until he no longer was able to in 2009 due to his illness. He also served as a school board trustee for a period of 10 years from 1989 to 1999, finishing his tenure as president.

Ben loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also loved to work in the yard and around the house. He never was one to sit still, always working on a project or helping his children out with their projects. He also enjoyed his time as a substitute teacher, working with the faculty and students of Van Vleck ISD.

Ben is survived by his wife of 50 years: Alma Garza of Sugar Valley; son: Vidal Garza and Fiancé Delma of West Columbia; son: Ronnie Garza and wife Anabella of Corpus Christi; daughter: Lori Rohan and husband Ronny of Van Vleck; four grandchildren: Briana Garza of Austin, Ben Garza of West Columbia, Brandon Rohan of Van Vleck, and Brody Rohan also of Van Vleck.

Ben is also survived by his five brothers: Rocky Garza and wife Alice of Corpus Christi; Mario Garza and wife Marcela of Portland; Manuel Garza and wife Olga of Rio Grande City; Lee Garza and wife Minnie of Edinburg, and Chris Garza and wife Norma also of Edinburg.

His parents, Vidal and Barbarita Garza, precede Ben in death.

A special thank you to Dr. Joe Cannon, Dr. Michael Coburn and his nurse Mary Lou Kirkland of Methodist Hospital, IPH Hospice, and the VVISD administration and faculty for their love and support.

Pallbearers are Ronny Rohan, Brandon Rohan, Ben Garza, Johnny Ramirez, John Ramirez, and Simon Barela. Honorary Pallbearers are Brody Rohan and Briana Garza.

Visitation with the family will start 6:00 PM Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, and the recitation of the rosary will follow at 8:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Chaplain Thomas Lester officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.