Violanda De Leon Barrientes of Hondo passed away Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.  She was 71.

She was born Feb. 26, 1953, in Hondo, the daughter of Benito Lara De Leon and Leonora Morales De Leon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 29 years, Ernest Barrientes; brothers, Jose, Luis, and Robert De Leon; and sister, Guadalupe D. Torres.

Survivors include her daughters, Debbie Barrientes and Diana B. Valdez (Manuel); son, Ernest Barrientes, Jr. (Erica); 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Rudy De Leon (Emily); and sisters, Juanita Soto and Anita Sagredo (Jose).

Visitation at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home will be Thursday, Nov. 14, 6 to 8 p.m., pausing for recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass on Friday, Nov. 15, will be at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, followed by  interment at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Today, we gather with heavy hearts to celebrate and honor the beautiful life of Violanda—a woman who truly lit up every room she entered and whose presence filled our lives with love, laughter, and boundless generosity. Violanda was so much more than a grandmother, a mother, a friend; she was the heart of our family.

Violanda had a zest for life that was unmatched. Whether it was shopping at flea markets, trying out new restaurants, or sharing laughs with family, she found joy in every moment. She loved nothing more than being with family and friends, surrounded by love, with the smell of her homemade food and her sense of humor keeping everyone smiling. And anyone who knew her knew that when it came to games of chance, she had a passion for gambling. With her playful spirit, she was always up for a game of dice—anytime, anywhere.

Violanda's heart was open to everyone. She had a way of making each person feel loved and valued, regardless of who they were or where they came from. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she would give whatever she had to help those in need. She was the one everyone would run to, the one we could rely on no matter what life threw our way. She loved deeply and freely, and her generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who was blessed to know her.

Her faith was her compass, guiding her through the trials and joys of life. She believed with all her heart that one day, she would reunite with her husband, Ernesto, and her loved ones who had gone before her. Today, we find comfort in knowing that she has finally found that peace and is now embraced by the love and warmth of her family in heaven.

Violanda was a woman who lived with grace and style. She took pride in everything she did, from cooking the most delicious home-cooked meals and making fresh tortillas to starting her day before the roosters and always being ready for whatever life had in store. She loved beautiful jewelry, luxurious perfumes, and always had her nails perfectly painted. And of course, her beloved chihuahua, Chula, was always at her side, spoiled and cared for as only Violanda could.

She was a woman who embodied warmth, humor, and kindness. She had an infectious smile and a heart full of love, always ready to lend a helping hand, share a laugh, or simply be there for others. She loved her family, her friends, and her community deeply, and she touched the lives of so many.

As we say goodbye today, we carry with us the joy and love she brought into our lives. We remember her laughter, her strength, her kindness, and her faith. Violanda was truly one of a kind, a bright light in this world. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in all of us—in every
family member, in the scent of her favorite perfume, and in every sunrise that she would have greeted with open arms.

Thank you, Violanda, for your love, your laughter, and your unshakable faith. We are forever grateful for the time we shared with you, and we know that you are watching over us with a smile. Rest in peace, reunited with those you loved, until we meet again.

Guinn-Horger