Dolores Hernandez

Our beloved Mother, Dolores Hernandez of Nevada, Texas went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, December 15, 2025. 

Dolores was born on January 17, 1933 in Taylor, Texas to Felix and Martina Hernandez of West Texas. Her early years were humble as Dolores spent much of her early childhood taking care of her siblings and learning the values of hard work. In her teenage years, she met Macario “Mike” Hernandez of Thorndale, Texas in 1950 at the Howard Theatre (still in operation today) and married in 1951. Together, they welcomed 12 children that included two sets of twins with 6 children under the age of 7 at a period of time. Dolores immediately became a dedicated mother, wife, and homemaker on a full-time basis. In 1975, Dolores and her family relocated from Mason City, Iowa to Garland, Texas. As her children were now older, she decided to go to work and was hired by the Garland Independent School District within the cafeteria staff where she remained for 23 years. Starting out with GISD, she walked to and from, every morning to Heather Glen Elementary School where those walks turned into ultimately getting her driver's license for the first time in her 40s! And she was proud. Dolores continued to service other schools in the district including O’Banion Middle School, then eventually retiring from Vial Elementary School.

In December of 1999, Dolores and Mike found their forever retirement “Ponderosa” in Nevada, Texas. Dolores loved gardening and flowers of all colors with lavender as a favorite, creating a beautiful landscape both in and outside their home. She loved birds and enjoyed seeing her hummingbirds feeding at her kitchen nook window each day. Dolores had masterful hands, crocheting beautiful tablecloths and prayer shawls for family. She was a wonderful cook and often made meals by feel, using her hands to measure each ingredient. Some of her recipes are preserved with measurements, as family watched her cook and caught her handfuls in measuring spoons and cups as she added them to the pot. She loved listening to music by Eric Clapton, the Eagles and John Denver, but especially loved it when Mike would play his guitar and serenade her at home, and her son Joe with his guitar, routinely, and most recently. She loved playing games, especially Mexican Bingo, “Lotería” (Spanish word meaning "lottery") where she usually was the big winner as one can only imagine the lesson she taught her daughters when they played! Yet, it was the laughter and memories that mattered most to Dolores, even though without saying, it was the only way she could get them to learn Spanish. Family could always find her circle-word puzzles cut from the daily paper, stowed away under her placemat at the kitchen table where Dolores would sit to do her ‘homework’ each day. Throughout this time her family grew, with many treasured visits from her children and grandchildren.

Dolores, even in her early years, lived a faithful life. Yet starting in the mid-70’s after the family move, once settled, the new journey of faith started with an introduction to the new neighbors next door. Dolores and Mike participated in fellowship at various congregations over the years starting their journey at Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland, Texas ultimately calling Eastridge Church of Christ in Fate, Texas as their current, and faithful home. In the past 8 years, Dolores had succumbed to an early diagnosed illness that contributed to the decline of her health, but she remained dedicated to doing the things she loved. Dolores lived her life with dignity, dedication to family, faith, love, and laughter. She had the sweetest, most contagious laugh and smile to the sky when she did. The love of Jesus Christ, love of her husband, and love for her children and theirs were all that had ever mattered to her. Dolores completed her earthly life’s journey, and new destiny to Heaven with family at her side, and at home. For that, we know that Dolores is, and will always be, Eternally grateful.

Dolores is preceded in death by her first-born child, Macario Hernandez Jr., parents Felix and Martina, siblings Otilia, Gloria, Janie, Raymond, Joe, Alfredo, and Granddaughter Amber Strader.

Dolores is survived by husband Macario Hernandez, Sr. of Nevada, Texas; children Belen (Paul) Krabbe of Latimer, Iowa, Maria Kalvig of Mesquite, Texas, Josefina (Mark) Flatness of Ankeny, Iowa, Carolyn (Larry) Bolding of Mesquite, Texas, Diana (William) Parthie of Marinette, Wisconsin, Julie Rhule of Rowlett, Texas, Delores (Karl) Hernandez-Hansen of Rockwall, Texas, Joseph Hernandez of Nevada, Texas, Connie (Walt) Ellwood of Kalispel, Montana, Olivia (Jim) Peacock of Cedar Park, Texas, and Daniel Hernandez of Nevada, Texas; Grandchildren Michael Dearduff, Christopher Dearduff, Matthew Dearduff, Travis Kalvig, Cameron Kalivig, Derek Flatness, Jamie Flatness, Vanessa Boone, Larry Bolding Jr., Rachel Evans, Joshua Rhule, Jeremiah Rhule, Aubrey Ellwood, Elizabeth Frederick, MacKenna Peacock, Monika Hernandez, Lukas Hernandez, and many great grandchildren.

To all who knew Dolores as "Mom, Mama, and Grandma," do not be sad. She fought the good fight and kept the faith. Her heartbeat is now a New Birth in Heaven with all who have been waiting for her; welcomed with the open arms of Jesus Christ, In Paradise.