Lilia Mireles Arce

October 18, 1935 - July 5, 2025

Lilia "Lilly" Mireles Arce, a devoted mother, grandmother, and woman of faith, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. She was 89 years old.

Born in San Ygnacio, Texas, on October 18, 1935, Lilia lived a life of strength, love, and quiet determination. After the passing of her husband in 1977, she took on the role of both mother and father, raising her three children — Cindy Arce Shaddix, Alfredo Arce and Rene Arce — with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

Lilia built a strong career as a bank teller, working tirelessly to provide for her family. Her work ethic and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew her.

A devoted Catholic, Lilia lived her faith daily and raised her children with the same values that guided her: kindness, compassion, humility, and strength. Her deep belief in God sustained her through life's challenges and was evident in the way she loved and cared for others.

Preceding her in death is her husband, Alfredo Arce, her daughter, Diana Arce, her parents, Vivana (Gutierrez) and Francisco Mireles, her brothers, Ricardo Mireles, Francisco Mireles, and Adrian Mireles, and sister, Angelina M. Wise.

She is survived by her three children, Cindy Shaddix and husband, Tom, Alfredo Arce and wife Vickie and Rene Arce; her cherished grandsons: Xan Arce, Quinton Arce, and Gavin Shaddix; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and close friends; and her beloved pets, Chico and Sophie. Her legacy of love, faith, and perseverance lives on in them.

Her warm smile and infectious laughter brought comfort to friends and family alike, and her home was always a welcoming place filled with care, conversation, and the aroma of homemade meals.

Often found with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other, Lilia continued to nurture those around her with wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. The lives she touched will forever be enriched by her kindness and the example she set of faith, generosity, and quiet strength. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit endures in every act of compassion and every echo of laughter shared in her memory.

Lilia will be remembered not only for her gentle spirit and steady presence but also for the sacrifices she made and the lives she shaped with grace and quiet dignity.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with remarks at 6 p.m.  Visitation will resume on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church at 10 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Xan Arce, Quinto Arce, Gavin Shaddix, Bobby Wise, Francisco Mireles, and Lark Miller.

A reception will be announced.

The family would like to thank Maria Mancinas, Norma Garza and Advanced Hospice for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, https://www.communityfoundation.net .