Aurora S. Aguilar

Aurora S. Aguilar, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, in San Benito, Texas. She was born on November 16, 1942, in La Paloma, Texas, to Juan Saldaña Sr. and Dolores G. Saldaña.

A lifelong resident of San Benito (El Ranchito), Aurora married Jose Antonio Aguilar Sr. on July 29, 1959, in Brownsville, Texas. She dedicated 29 years of her career to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS) before retiring. In her leisure time, she found joy in working on crossword puzzles, playing cards, and enjoying Solitaire.

Aurora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jose Antonio Aguilar Sr.; her son, Angel Aguilar; her parents, Juan and Dolores Saldaña; her brothers, Juan Saldaña Jr. and Otilio Saldaña; and her sister, Antonia S. Guerra.

She is survived by her children, Jose Antonio Aguilar Jr., Arminda Montelongo (David), and Anna Aguilar (Mark); her grandchildren, Adrian Aguilar, Andy Aguilar (Antwanette), Amanda Morales (Jeremy), Angel Aguilar, Jesus Aguilar, Michael Serna (Stephanie), Jason Alexander Serna, Joe Jacob Serna (Erin), and Makayla Mariah Serna; as well as 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Concepcion Romero, Olivia Ibarra (Marcelino), Oberlin Saldaña, Ester Aguirre (Abelardo †), and Paula Alaniz (David †).

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Greater Valley Hospice, particularly to nurses Sylvia Espinosa and Ellis, and social worker Perla Ramirez for their compassionate care.

The Aguilar family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock on Wednesday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church. Following Mass, Aurora will be laid to rest at Garcia Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jason Alexander Serna, Joe Jacob Serna, Eric David Alaniz, Saul Ivann Ibarra Jr., Jesus Aguilar, and Angel Aguilar. Honorary pallbearers include Ezra David Alaniz, Giovanni Ibarra, Dulan Lefler, Jeremy R. Morales Jr., Amiyah M. Morales, Joe Anthony J. Morales, and Julius K. Morales.