Taft - Carmen R. Montes passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026 at the age of 92.

Carmen was born on May 6, 1934 in Taft, Texas to Isabel (Maldonado) and Tiofilo Rodriguez. Although she was a longtime resident of Taft, Carmen spent more than 33 years living in New York, where she worked as a switchboard operator and receptionist, helping build a loving home with her husband far from her Texas roots. Despite the distance, Texas and her family were always close to her heart, and she returned often to visit her mother and loved ones.

Carmen was a devoted Catholic who found joy in caring for others, often preparing large meals for members of her church community. She deeply loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children, and she had a special affection for her beloved dogs. Children and animals brought tremendous happiness to her life and were always an important part of who she was.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tiofilo and Isabel Rodriguez; and her brothers, George Rodriguez, Julio Rodriguez and Pablo Rodriguez.

Carmen is survived by her brother, Jesus Rodriguez (Sandra) from Arkansas; her sisters, Marta Vera from Portland, Texas; Librada Behlke (Joseph) from Phoenix, Arizona; Severa Rodriguez from Houston, Texas; Maria Rodriguez from Taft, Texas; and Maria Dolores Albiter from Wisconsin; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members who will cherish her memory.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be the same evening, 6:00 PM at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, Taft.  
A guestbook is available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.