Yolanda Maria Carranza Valle passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, creativity, and lifelong dedication to others.

Born on September 6, 1936, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Eduvijes Maria DeLaLuz (Cantu) and Jose Lorenzo Carranza, Yolanda’s life was rooted in strong family values, deep faith, and a love for learning. She carried those gifts with her everywhere she went, sharing them generously with her family, her students, and her community.

Yolanda had a true artist’s heart. She found joy in arts and crafts, in the quiet beauty of nature, and in the simple peace of camping beneath the open sky. Gardening was not just a hobby but a passion—one she nurtured both personally and professionally as a nursery owner. She believed in growth, in tending carefully to what was planted, and in watching it flourish—whether it was a seed in the soil or a child in a classroom.

For over 40 years, she taught Earth Science at Taft Junior High School, inspiring generations of students with her curiosity about the natural world. Teaching was not just her career; it was her calling. The Diocese of Corpus Christi recognized her for 65 years of teaching religious education which shaped young hearts in their faith. She was a devoted Roman Catholic and active with Guadalupanas and Catholic Daughters. Yolanda’s restoration of church art works demonstrated her love for her perish community. Her service extended beyond the classroom and church as she served as a member of the Taft ISD School board, always advocating for education and opportunity. She was also a published author of The Arts of Repouse, another reflection of her creative spirit and desire to teach.

Above all, Yolanda was devoted to her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hector Valle; her parents, Jose and Eduvijes Carranza; and her brothers, Luis Carranza and David Carranza. Though she deeply felt those losses, she continued to be the steady, loving presence her family relied upon.

She leaves behind a beautiful and growing legacy in her children: Hector Valle (Anna) of Portland, Texas; Gabriel Valle (Ling) of Italy, Texas; Evelyn Reimer (Thomas) of Mena, Arkansas; Laura Taylor (Rodney) of Nocona, Texas; Crystal Aparicio (Adolfo) of Taft, Texas; Terrie Goben (Ken) of Portland, Texas; and Carrie Valle of Robstown, Texas. She is also lovingly remembered by her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her lessons, her stories, and her example in their hearts. She is survived as well by her brothers, Daniel Carranza (Elvia) of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Joe Carranza of Houston, Texas.

Yolanda’s life was one of service, strength, and steady love. She taught not only from textbooks but through example—showing what it means to live faithfully, work diligently, create beautifully, and love unconditionally. The seeds she planted in so many lives will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel in Sinton, Texas, with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Taft, Texas. Burial will follow at Lamas Memorial Park Cemetery in Taft.

Her family invites all who knew and loved her to join in celebrating a life so beautifully lived.

Guestbook available at www.resthavenfunerals.com.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.