Rosa Esmeralda Goertz

It is with heartfelt sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Rosa Esmeralda Goertz (née Surita), a devoted educator, cherished family matriarch, and beloved friend. Rosa passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 69. Born in the small town of Sabinal, Texas, on September 22, 1956, Rosa was the cherished daughter of Florinda and Juan Surita. She spent her formative years growing up in San Saba, Texas, where she graduated from San Saba High School in 1975. Rosa's thirst for knowledge and her passion for education led her to the University of the Incarnate Word, where she earned her bachelor's degree and embarked on a lifelong journey of teaching and learning. Rosa's career as a middle school and high school teacher was a testament to her dedication, intellect, and unwavering commitment to education. Her ability to connect with students, coupled with her skill in Sign Language, showcased her deep desire to communicate and inspire. She touched the lives of countless students, imparting not only knowledge but also kindness, empathy, and a love for learning that they carried into their own lives. In 1975, Rosa married the love of her life, Benedict Goertz. Together, they shared 49 beautiful years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Their union was blessed with three sons: Jose, Michael, and Tomas. Rosa's family was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in the men her sons became. Her love extended to her 13 grandchildren: Crystal Anne, Samuel, Jonathan, Thomas, David, Jayda, Gabriel, Jordan, Greisen, Joshua, Isaiah, Layla Marie, and Serena, with whom she shared countless moments of joy and laughter. Rosa was a woman of deep Roman Catholic faith, embodying strength, compassion, and grace. Her devotion to her family was unmatched, and her home was always a sanctuary of love and warmth. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Benedict, her grandson Elijah, and her mother Florinda. Her legacy of love, guidance, and unwavering support will remain a lasting gift to all who knew her. She is survived by her sons: Jose Goertz, Michael Goertz and his wife Kimberly, and Tomas Goertz and his wife April; her treasured grandchildren; and her siblings: Julia Flores, Zenaida Gomez, and Johnny Surita. Rosa's life was one of service to others, and her legacy is reflected in the many lives she touched as an educator, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. A rosary will be held in her honor on June 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rosa's memory to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, a cause close to her heart, at https://p2p.onecause.com/nocc/donate. Rosa Esmeralda Goertz lived a life full of love, learning, and laughter. Her gentle spirit and profound wisdom will forever remain with us, guiding us as we carry forward her legacy of love and service.