Maria De Jesus Rodriguez December 18, 1911 – August 3, 2008 Maria was born December 18, 1911 in Mission, Texas to Andrea (Vasquez) and Jacobo Mendez. She married Luciano Rodriguez in 1941, they raised five children. She looked forward to attending all church activities and enjoyed sewing and crafts. Maria was loved by many and will be missed immensely. She is survived by her sons Emmanuel and wife Rachel Rodriguez of Bakersfield, Luciano and wife Ava Rodriguez of Texas; daughters, Bilha and husband Saul Provencio of Arizona, Andrea and husband Elias Mendoza of Watsonville and Hilma and husband Manuel Castro of Salinas; 23 grandchildren, 33 great grand children and 3 great-great grand children. She is also survived by her sisters Eva Cantu, Rebecca Ortiz and Ester and husband Ruben Gonzalez all of Texas. Maria was preceded in death by her husband Luciano Rodriguez who passed away in 1978; parents Andrea and Jacobo Mendez; brothers Patricio Mendez and Manuel Mendez; sister Maria Anita DeLa Garza. A viewing will be held on Thursday August 7, 2008 at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter from 2:00 to 5:30pm and service to follow at 6p.m. Pastor Eziquiel Pulido of Primera Iglesia Bautista of Shafter will officiate. A special thanks to the Odyssey Hospice Organization for all their help and support. Especially, RN Kami.