Maria S. Rangel, 85, of Defiance, peacefully passed away, surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at her home in Defiance.  
  
She was born on September 3, 1931, the daughter of Thomas and Rosa (Ortiz) Suarez in Mercedes, Texas. She was married to the late Reverend Ramon Rangel, who preceded her in death on August 29, 2006. Our mother was a missionary who assisted our father at the many churches that he pastored. 
  
She was a member of the Bethel Worship Center in Defiance. She helped and prayed for many people and wrote words of encouragement and comfort to prisoners. She loved God and her family. She liked music, and sang songs in several churches. She loved reading the Bible, and doing arts and crafts. Our mother was very kind and loving, the best mother anyone could ask for!
  
Maria will be sadly missed by her son, Joe (Esther) Rangel of Paulding, six daughters, Rev. Rosie (Wilfredo) Perez, Yolanda (Leonardo) Robledo,  Teresa (Gordon) Lockhart, Mary Esparza, and Deborah (Jamie) Diaz, all of Defiance, and Esther (Alex) Gallardo of Texas, brother Heriberto Suarez of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, 19 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.  
  
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ramon Rangel, brother John, and sisters, Hilaria, Maria, and Victoria.
  
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 27, 2017 at Believer's Church International, 1600 Ayersville Avenue in Defiance, with Rev. Rosie Perez officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memory Gardens.
  
Memorials are suggested to Bethel Worship Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.