Mercedes Garza-Larralde was born on April 3, 1943 in Mexico to Silvester Ozuna Garza and Sarah Martinez (Garza) Garza. Mercedes is survived by her father, Silvester Garza, her sons Rene Garza of Shafter, Ismael Garza of Texas and Isidro Larralde of Shafter; brothers, Eleno Garza of Shafter and Pablo Garza Minnesota; sister, Rosa Garza of Texas. Mercedes leaves behind 7 grandchildren and one great-granchild. Mass of the Christian Burial, under the direction of Peters Funeral Home, was held for Mercedes Garza-Larralde, age 65, who passed away in Bakersfield, on October 14, 2008 at St. Therese's Church in Shafter. Fr. Pedro Umana officiated and interment followed at Shafter Memorial Park. Visitation was held at Peters Funeral Home on October 13, 2008 with the recitation of the Holy Rosary.