Hope Garcia

Posted

(Dec. 5, 2006)

After 67 exuberant years of life, Hope Garcia died peacefully at Billings Deaconess Hospital Tuesday, Dec. 5 in Billings, Mont.. She was surrounded by her adoring family, to whom she was the angel of Hope.

She was the daughter of Frank P. Villegas and Juanita Rivas. She was born at the family home on Oct. 31, 1939. Since that day she devoted her life directly to her close knit family.

In June of 1959, Hope married her soul mate, Pete Garcia. Together, Pete and Hope were blessed with four children: Pete Jr. Garcia (deceased), Ray Garcia (deceased), Delia Lackey and Jane Showalter. These four children further blessed Hope with 11 grandchildren.

Her grandchildren gave a level of purpose to Hope's life. There was never a T-ball game, basketball game, football game, or choir concert that Hope did not attend in support of her grandchildren. Along with her strong Catholic faith, Hope was also an amazing horticulturist who could grow any plant from seed or rescue any plant that was near withering away. Hope was a dedicated baseball fan. In the summer when there was a Pioneer baseball game to be played, Hope was in the crowd with her support.

During her life she endured several losses. Hope was preceded in death by her sons, Pete Jr. and Ray Garcia; her brothers Salvador and Ernest Villegas; as well as her parents, Frank and Juanita Villegas. By persevering through these unfortunate situations, Hope was shaped into an understanding and loving woman.

Hope lived a full life. In the short time that she graced this earth, she impacted so many people. Whenever you needed a shoulder to cry on, Hope was waiting with open arms. If you needed an honest supporter at a school event or athletic game, Hope would be sitting in the crowd cheering you on. Hope was the unique kind of woman who wouldn’t just give you the shirt off her back, she would give you the shoes off her feet and the keys to her home. She gladly went out of her way to help any person.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 9 at 9 a.m. at St. Barbara's Catholic Church. Rosary will be said Friday, Dec. 8 at 8:15 p.m. at St. Barbara's. Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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