Modesta Adames Rosales, born February 24, 1937, in Santa Anna, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at her home in Coleman, Texas, surrounded by family.
She grew up in Coleman County and attended local schools. On June 2, 1951, she married Octaviano Diaz Rosales, beginning 74 years of love, hard work, and partnership. As a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Modesta was the heart and strength of her family—fearless in spirit, wise in counsel, and never afraid to speak her mind. She treasured her lifelong friends, cherishing the laughter, stories, and joy they shared over the years.
At home, Modesta took pride in caring for her family. Her pot roast and arroz con pollo were legendary favorites, remembered fondly by all who enjoyed them. She had a green thumb and filled her home with vibrant plants, especially roses, her favorite flower. Once her children were grown, Modesta carried her determination and work ethic into the community, owning a boutique of Mexican imports, running a local bar for several years, and later operating a coffee shop—each reflecting her independence, resourcefulness, and connection to the people around her.
Modesta was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Over the years, she was active in the Guadalupanas and the Cursillistas, and her Catholic faith remained central to her life until the very end.
She is survived by her husband, Octaviano; her children, Alice De los Santos and husband Jerry of Coleman, Ellen Benavidez and husband Richard of Coleman, and Marcos Louis Rosales of New York, New York; her grandchildren, Molly Atkinson and husband Gary, Albert Avila, Allison Martinez and husband Mark, Rhonda Castillo, Joe Rosales Jr., James Rosales, Jacob Rosales, and Jeffery Rosales; as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Dora Flores of Melvin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel Adames and Angelina Reyes Sanchez; her son, Joe Rosales; and her siblings, Ray Adame, Anita Gutierrez, Mary Andrade, Sally Gonzales, and Jessie Sanchez.
Visitation will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan St., Coleman. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:30 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 303 East College Avenue, Coleman. Interment will follow at Coleman City Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home.
Modesta will be remembered for her unwavering faith, formidable strength, and deep love for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the values she instilled in those who knew her.
