Isabel O. Contreras

With heavy hearts and tearful eyes, we announce the passing of a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Isabel O. Contreras. At the age of 92, Isabel peacefully departed from this world on December 24, 2023, surrounded by the warmth of his family in the embrace of his Sabinal home.

Born on November 29, 1931, in Sabinal, Texas, Isabel was the cherished son of Concepcion (Ortiz) and Jose Contreras. His journey through life was marked by unwavering dedication, hard work, and an enduring love for family. Isabel attended the Trio School in Sabinal, where he walked miles to attain an education, displaying resilience that defined his character.

As the eldest boy in a family of migrant workers, Isabel's sense of responsibility blossomed early. His parents' commitment to provide for the family compelled him to leave school at the sixth grade, stepping into the workforce to support his parents and siblings. Their journey as migrant workers took them as far as Montana and Wyoming, about 50 miles from Canada, leaving an indelible mark on Isabel's understanding of responsibility and hard work.

At age 15, back in Sabinal, Isabel encountered the love of his life, Hermila Leos. However, at 22, duty called, and he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Serving from May 19, 1953, to April 30, 1955, with the 7th Infantry Division, Isabel was stationed near the Czechoslovakia border in an Armored Tanker Unit. His sacrifice for his country was met with honor and dedication.

Returning to Sabinal, Isabel and Hermila were married on April 29, 1956, a union that would endure for a lifetime. He continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves for seven more years. Isabel then found employment with Mr. Al Rehm, working with heavy equipment in Sabinal and later clearing land for an oil rig company in Pearsall, Texas. His strong work ethic led him to start a hay-hauling business that lasted for two decades.

In the late 1970s, he purchased acres of land outside Sabinal, fulfilling his love for agriculture. In the 1980s, he joined the Uvalde County, fixing county roads with the caterpillar maintainer until his retirement at the age of 71. Even in his later years, Isabel's commitment to hard work persisted.

Isabel's life was a testament to his devotion to family. Retirement did not mark the end of his labor; to him, work was a lifelong commitment instilled in him from a young age. Despite health challenges, he overcame them by the grace of God, continuing to dedicate his life to his family.

He reveled in travel and attending sports events to support his grandchildren, his pride evident in every smile.

Isabel O. Contreras is survived by his children, Ramiro Contreras and wife, Sally of Uvalde, Texas, Vulmar Hernandez and husband, Joe of San Antonio, Texas, Junior Contreras and wife, Stacy of Katy, Texas, and Rita Ann Lopez and husband, Raul Lopez Jr. of Sabinal, Texas; three sisters, Elujia “Lula” Reyes of Sabinal, Texas, Linda Gonzales of San Antonio, Texas, and Olivia Barroso, Gainesville, Texas; two brothers, Mauricio Contreras, of Sabinal, Texas and Guadalupe “Lupio” Contreras of Sabinal, Texas; seven grandchildren, RJ Contreras, Noah Contreras, Joey Hernandez, Silvanna Herrera, Jay Contreras, Ashley Contreras, and Rhianna Lopez; two great grandchildren, Javier Contreras and Scarlett Contreras.

He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister, Seferina C. Gonzales; three brothers, Santiago Contreras, Sr., Elias Conteras and Jose C. Contreras, Jr.

Visitation will commence on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary in Sabinal, Texas, followed by a rosary. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with interment at Sabinal Cemetery.

Isabel O. Contreras will be remembered not just for the years he lived, but for the love he shared, the sacrifices he made, and the indomitable spirit that touched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in eternal peace.