Maria Belia Manriquez, age 80, passed away at her home in Ennis, Texas on Thursday, March 14, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She fought a long and courageous three year battle against cancer with clarity, faith and grace. Maria was born on December 10, 1932 in San Benito, Texas to Enrique and Eudosia (Aparicio) Bernal. On April 8, 1953, she married Julian Manriquez in Brownsville, Texas. They lived in Bremond, Texas for a few years. In October, 1959, they made their home in Ennis, Texas. Her greatest joy was spending time and enjoying her family, and cooking for family gatherings. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. Maria was a member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis, Texas. Maria is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Julian; as well as her daughters, Dora Cervantes, Anita Garcia, Eva Prokop and her husband Steve; sons, Julio Manriquez and his wife, Janie, Adam Manriquez, all from Ennis, and David Manriquez from Irving, Texas. Maria was blessed with seven grandchildren, Theresa Suarez and her husband Joel, Susan Medellin and her husband Hugo, from Ennis, Texas, Vanessa Garcia of North Dallas, Miranda Austin and her husband Jason from Bedford, Jason Garcia, Jacob Prokop and Evan Manriquez; four great grandchildren, Gunner Medellin, Mia Medellin, Hannah Austin, and Abigail Garcia; brothers, Rodrigo Bernal, Armando Bernal; sisters, Catherine Bernal, Rosa Bernal and Ofelia Pacheco; cousin, Manuel Aparicio and his wife, Josefina from Lyford, Texas. Maria is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Leonardo Pacheco and Frank Bernal; and sister, Margarita Muniz. We rejoice in having shared the wonderful, full life of this simply elegant woman, and take comfort that she is at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. with a Rosary at 7 P.M. on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 A.M. on Monday, March 18, 2013 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church with Father John Dick as Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Ennis, with pallbearers: Jason Garcia, Jason Austin, Raymond Bernal, Robert Bernal, Salvador Muniz and Jayme Muniz. To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, Texas. 972-878-2211
