Manuelita "Mela" Garza, 77, of South Sioux City, NE passed away October 12, 2025 at a local hospital. A mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 18 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M., with a vigil at 7:00 P.M. at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Mela was born on May 13, 1948 in Corpus Christi, TX; she was the daughter of Benito and Ramona (Najera) Castillo. Mela grew up in Corpus Christi and worked as a housekeeper.  On May 20, 1967, Mela married Candelario Garza in Corpus Christi. They came to South Sioux City in 1989. Mela was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She practiced the Catholic Faith.

Those left to honor her memory include her children: Christina Garza, Dolly Garza, Candelario Garza, Jr, Rosalinda Jimenez and Victoria Olivarez; 19 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 3 grandchildren.