Ascension Quintanilla, Sr

Ascension Quintanilla, Sr., 91, of Wharton, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Friday, September 2, 2016, at a Hillje nursing center following a brief illness. He was born August 15, 1925, in Wharton, Texas to parents Matias and Lucy Garcia Quintanilla. Ascension was raised in the Wharton area and attended Wharton schools. He married the love of his life Lena Ybarbo on April 13, 1942 in Wharton. She preceded him in death on January 20, 2015, following close to 72 years together. He worked many years for Helms and Knox Lumber Yards, American Pole and finally Strouhal’s Tire in Hungerford, where he retired. He was very active in his church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, even to the point of picking up a hammer and helping build the church. He was always volunteering with Bazaars, and fundraisers, Saint Vincent de Paul Society. He was also active in the Wharton Knights of Columbus, rising to the rank of 4th Degree, a Share volunteer, Houston Hospice Volunteer, and coached and managed the Wharton A’s baseball team in the 50s and 60s. In addition to his parents and his wife, his sister, Guadalupe Garcia and brothers, Nicolas Quintanilla, Rosalio Quintanilla, Filemon Quintanilla and Victor Quintanilla preceded Ascension in death. Visitation was held Monday, September 5, 2016 evening with a 7 pm Rosary recited by Deacon David Valdez. A Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 2 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Bob Knippenberg officiating. The Rite of Committal and burial followed in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Serving, as pallbearers are Craig Quintanilla, Eric Quintanilla, Marcus Aguirre, Andrew Cordero, Anthony Quintanilla and Michael Quintanilla. Ascension is survived by his daughters, Mary Alice Aguirre and husband Alejandro of Clear Lake, TX, Linda Castro and husband Pascual of Wharton, Gloria Garza and husband Daniel of Wharton; sons, Ascension “Junior” Quintanilla, Jr and wife Lupe of Wharton and Frank Quintanilla and Significant Other Darsie Gillum of Humble; sister, Virginia Rodriguez; grandchildren, Marcus Aguirre, Craig Quintanilla, Eric Quintanilla, Anthony Quintanilla, Michael Quintanilla, Nicolas Castro, Nicole Terrazas, Christine Cordero and Andrew Cordero; 14 great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Houston Hospice-El Campo, especially Judy Fuechec, RN and Linda Tovar, CNA for all their love and support. Memorials may be made to Houston Hospice-El Campo, 112 N. Mechanic St. El Campo, TX 77488. Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences can be made at whartonfuneralhome.com