Irismelda "Melda" R. Benavides, of Dripping Springs, Texas passed away Saturday, December 8, 2007. She was 51. Melda was born October 11, 1956 to Vivian II and Elisa Ramos Benavides in Sinton, Texas. She was a resident of Austin, Texas for 32 years, and lived her earlier years in Edroy, Texas. Melda received a B.A. degree in Physical Education from the Universtiy of Texas, a Master of Arts degree in Government and Public Administration from the University of Texas, and an MBA from St. Edwards University. Melda was currently employed by Avance Austin, Inc. as the Director of Operations, and Avance Waco, Inc. as Interim Executive Director. She spent 18 years in state government, primarily in the development of programs for law enforcement. Melda recieved many awards and hornors throughout her career. One of the many highlights in her career was being awarded "The Best Business Plan" by Big Austin in 1993. Melda was Treasured and Board Member of the Austin Women's Political Caucus, Board Member of Believe in Me, Executive Board Member of Children's Advocacy Center of Texas, member of Bible Studies Felloship International and Board Member for Austin Groups for the Elderly. Survivors include two brothers: Vidal (Carmen) Benavides of Baytown, Texas, Valentin (Mary) Benavides of Corpus Christi, Texas; three sisters, Connie B. Rodriguez of Corpus Christi, Texas, Patsy R. Benavides of Austin, Texas, and Tammy (Tony) Cullar of Edroy, Texas; many nieces and nephews: Vivian (Irene) Benavides, IV, Robin (Rob) Torres, Blas Rodriguez, III, Gabriel Benavides, Kayla Benavides, Claudia Cullar (Javier Ybarra, Jr.), Dominic Cuellar and Trina Benavides; Grat-nieces and Great-nephew: Desiree Rodriguez, Evan Rodriguez, Brandon Benavides, Juliani Yabarra and Sarah Elizabeth Benavides; a godson, Javian Aden Ybarra; her beloved friends, Delma Pacheco and Mary (Patty) Martinez, both of Austin, Texas. Her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Vivian Benavdes, II, a brother, Vivian Benavides, III and brother-in-law, Blas Y. Rodriguez precide her in death.

Visitation will begin Wednesday, December 12,2007, 10:00 AM at Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton, Texas. Rosaries will be recited Wednesday, 7:00 PM, and Thursday, 10:00 AM, at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, December 13,2007, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Edroy, Texas with Father Banda Showery as celebrant. Pallbearers will be Vivian Benavides IV, Tony Cuellar, Javier Ybarra, Robert Torres, Claudia Cuellar and Dominic Cuellar. Private burial services will follow.