The Rev. Chaplain Guadalupe and Mamie Ruth Rodriguez

The Rev. Chaplain Guadalupe Rodriguez, along with the incredible Mamie Ruth Baze Rodriguez, both departed this life to be with their First Love, The Lord Jesus Christ - she on September 16, 2022, and he on September 19. He was born on January 29, 1940, and she July 30, 1942. Lupe and Ruth spent more years married (62), than hours that separated their passing (58). As they were one in life, since the day he saw her at his Army post in Alvarado in 1959, so they are one in death and obituary! They maximized their time on this earth by serving thousands of people, he as a father, pastor for 25+ years, VA chaplain for 14, Bible school professor for 6 years and she as a mother, pastor's wife, and Bible school librarian, and by supporting, loving, and keeping him alive all along the way. Pastor Chaplain Rodriguez and Ruth fulfilled their spiritual calling throughout Texas, in Alvarado, Waxahachie, El Paso, Waco, Floydada, Temple, San Antonio, and Marlin. They also served as missionaries at an orphanage in Honduras, Central America and he held short stints as a state child protective services investigator and in the welfare office.

Extending their soul winning ministry even to the family they were the direct cause of bringing numerous of the Baze and Rodriguez family to faith in Jesus, several who in turn became ministers of The Gospel! The Bible declares that whoever wins souls is wise and those who bring others to righteousness will shine like the stars in heaven (Prov. 11:30; Dan. 12:3). Of all the accolades they deserve, the most telling may be her standing by her man always and he, caring for her the final ten years as together they battled her dementia, even while he struggled with Parkinson's.

Ruth excelled in seamstress skills, creating countless arrays of clothing, suits, dresses, uniforms, curtains, dolls, stuffed animals, including outfits for their many mission's gatherings and working for various employers. Lupe was known for his impressive education, teaching acumen, and high-energy 'dunamis' preaching of God's Word. He was valedictorian of his university graduation and completed his Master's of Divinity in only two years. He also was admired for his knowledge of Scripture, some dubbing him 'a human concordance'! They both highly respected The Bible, reading through every Word every year for many consecutive years!

Their Christian heritage stemmed from her father and mother, James E. and Leona Baze, who predeceased them and his parents, Antonio and Antonia Rodriguez, also departed years ago. They are survived by 4 children - Jimmy, Ruby, Mark, Lucy, and one grandson whom they raised, Lupe, along with all their spouses. One son, Richard, went to be with The Lord well before them, whom they have now reunited with. Additionally, they leave more than three dozen grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Ruth, as the very youngest of her family, has only one surviving sibling, Bob Baze, and 13 others who have since departed; while Lupe, as the very oldest of 11 siblings, leaves behind 7 (6 near birth) who went before, including his twin, Francisco, who passed within 6 months of birth, and a much younger sister, the only predeceased adult sibling, Olivia.

A viewing and memorial service will be held for both jointly on Friday, September 30th at Family of Faith Worship Center, 4112 Memorial Dr., in Waco, Texas, with viewing beginning at 5 p.m. and service at 6:00. A funeral service will be held at Family of Faith Worship Center on Saturday, October 1st at 10 a.m. with burial following at Waco Memorial Park.