Rachel Ayala Castro, 92 years old, of San Antonio, Texas, went home to be with Jesus on December 15, 2025.

Rachel was born on November 6, 1933, in Houston, Texas, to Moses and Ruth Ayala.  She graduated from Milby High School, and later earned her degree from Howard Payne University.

Rachel worked as an elementary school teacher for 30 years.

She was married to Daniel M. Castro until his passing on September 16, 2004.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved singing in the church choir and spending time with church friends and family.

She is survived by her three children, Naomi Sandra Aguirre, John Mark Castro, and Daniel R. Castro (wife – Rose B. Castro), and her grandchildren, John Lee Castro, Rachel Marie Castro (husband – Chris Sample), Eva Diane Castro, and Andrea Castro, and great grandchild Donovan Kozak.  She lost a child named Miriam Castro in 2005.

Rachel was an angelic creature who was adored by everyone she met, including random strangers.  Even in the last few months of her life, she was constantly praying for the people who took care of her at the assisted living facility, and the other guests who lived there.

She was like a "second mother" to many, many people throughout the years.  To so many people, she was like the Mexican Mother Theresa.  She would give you the shirt off her back.  She would give, and give, and give, until it hurt.

She would forgive, and forgive, and forgive, over and over – even to those who didn't deserve it.

She is with us now more than ever before.  In fact, she will always be with us.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at University Park Baptist Church, in San Antonio, Texas followed by a Graveside Service at 2:00 p.m. at the Castroville Community Cemetery (1510 Jackson Street at Highway 90, across from the First Baptist Church of Castroville). A reception will be held immediately afterward at a local restaurant (to be chosen).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rachel's memory to the University Park Baptist Church. To donate, please call:  210.748.1269.