Mary Lou F. Peña, 72, of Kingsville, Texas, passed away on October 14, 2026. Born in Kingsville on March 19, 1954, she devoted her life to the community she called home, leaving a legacy of faith, leadership, generosity, and service.

Mary Lou retired as an Administrative Assistant in Payroll at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Her connection to the university continued through her involvement with the University Women’s Club, membership in the Javelina Alumni Association, and service as an advisor to the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Theta Phi Alpha, where she poured her heart and soul into her “spirit girls.” Through these roles, she supported students, strengthened friendships, and celebrated the university community.

A devoted member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Mary Lou expressed her faith through service and participation in St. Martin’s Choir and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Her commitment to helping others extended throughout Kingsville. She served in numerous capacities with the FLAIR Department of the Woman’s Club of Kingsville, the DIVA Association of Kingsville, the Lions Club, the Music Club of Kingsville, Kingsville Crime Stoppers, and Toys for Tots. She also served as a Kingsville Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and generously gave her time to many other organizations and causes.

In 2014, Mary Lou was crowned Diva of Kingsville. Years later, Reverend Idotha Battle, Executive Director of the DIVA Association of Kingsville, bestowed upon her the title of “Queen Diva” in recognition of her extraordinary scholarship fundraising accomplishments, which remained unsurpassed at the time. In 2016, she was named Kingsville Citizen of the Year in honor of her lasting contributions to her hometown.

Beyond these achievements, Mary Lou’s legacy lives on in the people she encouraged, the students whose opportunities she helped support, and the family and friends who loved her. Her life reflected a deep commitment to her faith, her university, and her community. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maximino and Enriqueta Peña; her brother, Maximino Peña Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Raymond Reyes.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Virginia P. Reyes of Kingsville; her brother, David Peña and his wife, Eliza, of Corpus Christi; her nieces and nephew, Vanessa Renee Peña, David Peña Jr., and Samantha P. Rivas; three great nieces and two great nephews; her aunts, Janie F. Garcia, Hilda Y. Flores, and Amelia Silvas; numerous cousins; and the many friends whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home, with a Holy Rosary recited at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, with Father Alfredo Villarreal officiating. Interment will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Trinity Hospice and the staff of Lone Star Ranch Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for the compassionate care, comfort, and support they provided to Mary Lou and her family.

Arrangements are under the care of Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home.