Refugio "Cookieman" Garza, a lifelong presence in the Laredo community, died July 9, 2026, at age 91. His family announced arrangements that place services in the city where he lived and was mourned by several generations of relatives.
Family, faith and local services
Garza is survived by six children — Juan Manuel (Eudelia) Garza, Ricardo (Gloria) Garza, Jose (Yolanda) Garza, Lourdes "Lulu" (Gerardo+) Rodriguez, Alberto Garza and Arisela "Ari" (Jesus Antonio) Barrera — along with 15 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. The family asked that community members join them for visitation and the funeral rites planned in Laredo.
- Visitation: Friday, July 10, 2026, 5–9 p.m. at Nieto Funerals & Cremations; Rosary at 7 p.m.
- Funeral Mass: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 9 a.m. at San Luis Rey Catholic Church.
- Interment: City of Laredo Cemetery following the Mass.
Pallbearers, care and funeral arrangements
The family named six pallbearers: Juan Garza, Jose Garza, Jerry Rodriguez, Ricardo Garza, Alberto Garza and Jesus Barrera. They also publicly expressed gratitude to local care providers for the final months of his life.
"The family would like to give thanks to Laredo Nursing & Rehab, and Altus Hospice for their four months of care and dedication in taking care of their father."
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Nieto Funerals & Cremations, located at 3502 U.S. Highway 83 in Laredo. The funeral home provided a contact number, (956) 723-3723, and an online condolence option on its website.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of death | July 9, 2026 |
| Age | 91 |
| Visitation | July 10, 2026 — Nieto Funerals & Cremations, 5–9 p.m. (Rosary at 7 p.m.) |
| Funeral Mass | July 11, 2026 — San Luis Rey Catholic Church, 9 a.m. |
| Interment | City of Laredo Cemetery |
Local ties and community note
Garza’s services follow long-standing Laredo traditions: rosary visitation with a Mass at a parish and burial in the city cemetery. That sequence reflects the role of Catholic rituals in marking generational transitions in Webb County. The open visitation and public details allow neighbors and extended community members to pay respects.
Those who cannot attend in person may leave condolences through the funeral home’s online guest options or plant a memorial tree via the funeral provider’s memorial store, per the family’s notice.
