Maria Elena (Medina) Villarreal

     Maria Elena Villarreal, age 88, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023, at Hazel Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.

    A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, March 10, 2023, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  Burial will take place at a later date at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.

     Maria Elena was born in Asherton, TX, on December 3, 1934, the daughter of Gregorio and Hilaria (Vega) Medina.  She attended St. Johns Public Schools.  On January 30, 1954, Maria Elena married Cosme Villarreal in St. Johns, MI; Cosme also passed away earlier the same day as Maria. 

     Maria Elena worked at Kroger for many years, retiring in 1991.  She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Maria loved vacationing in Traverse City and in the Suttons Bay Area. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild.  Maria enjoyed working in her yard.  She and Cosme enjoyed going on car rides together and eating out. 

     She is survived by her son Thomas and Teresa Villarreal; grandson Nicolas Villarreal and Jessica Spagnuolo; grandson Zachary Villarreal and Samantha Gross; great-grandson Kaden Villarreal; sister Otilia Beebee.  Maria Elena is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Maria Elena was preceded in death by her sisters: Julia Laycock, Refugia and Pete Petrick, Pauline Diaz, SanJuanita and Carl Smith, Hilaria Medina, Dionicia and Antonio Rositas, also her brothers: Natividad and Romana Medina, Miguel "Mike" and Felicitas Medina.

     Memorials may be made to American Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.