Stella Lozano Rivera

Stella Rivera, 68, of Kermit, Texas, went to be with the Lord on May 6th, 2023 in Odessa, TX, after an unexpected illness. Her family is at peace knowing that she is being embraced by the Lord and is reunited with her son, Joseph Castillo. Stella was born in Pecos, Texas to Joe and Delia Lozano on October 30th, 1954. She was a loving and devoted mother to her two children, Valerie and Joseph and had a warm heart for everyone she met. Stella was a nurturing and devoted wife to the love of her life, David Rivera, whom she married in December of 2015.

Visitation will be held at Martinez Funeral Home on Wednesday May 10, 2023 from 10:00AM – 9:00PM with a Rosay at 7:00PM – At the conclusion of the Recited Rosay, The Family welcomes everyone, to come forward and speak a little of what Stella represented in your lives.

Mass will be celebrated at 10:00AM Thursday May 11, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Monsignor Robert Bush officiating. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Because of Stella’s love and care for people, she devoted her time and efforts to build a career in women’s and children’s advocacy as it pertains to domestic violence situations. She served in several capacities with numerous legal organizations throughout West and South Texas. Most recently, as an assistant coordinator for Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid in San Antonio, TX. Stella had a passion for working with children. She dedicated herself to the students at Kermit Elementary up until her untimely passing.

Stella was no stranger to parties and the casual get together, of which she was fond of hosting with her husband David, especially when the Dallas Cowboys were involved. Her joy was often found in the kitchen, preparing meals for family and friends. When she and her brother Isaac visited one another, it was all-out war in the kitchen, as they each laid claim to the title of best cook in the family. When the dust settled, Stella could be found listening and dancing to her favorite Tejano and oldies hits while enjoying a glass of pinot grigio. She enjoyed her annual South Padre Island beach trip with her daughter and family. The time spent with her grandson, Joseph, was the highlight of her life. Everything she did was for her “chiquito.” Stella was a beautiful woman, and being no stranger to cosmetics, she could be leaned on for beauty tips on anything from skin care regimens to manicure, pedicure, and hair care. We will all miss her signature red lipstick kiss on the cheek after a tight hug. She was loved by so many friends and family, including her nieces, nephews, and cousins, and will be missed and never forgotten. We thank you for loving Stella.

Stella is preceded in death by Edward Joseph Castillo, son. She is survived by her husband David Rivera of Kermit, TX, daughter Valerie (Thomas) Zamarripa of San Antonio, TX, brothers Jacob (Linda) Lozano of Odessa, TX, and Isaac (Blanca) Lozano of San Antonio, TX, and grandson Joseph Thomas Zamarripa of San Antonio, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services are entrusted to Martinez Funeral Home and Crematory.