Rebecca Ann Rooney Esparza

Becky was born on June 2, 1953, in Alpine, Texas, to Francis Patrick “Pat” Rooney II and Shirley Smith Rooney. She grew up in Marathon, Texas, and the outreaching surrounding areas of the Big Bend, alongside her sisters Francene and Betty Jo. The girls spent most holidays and every summer on the ranch with their loving grandparents, Mimi and Tata (Mr. & Mrs. F.P. Rooney I). Their days were spent riding donkeys, so they could learn how to ride, eventually graduating up to a mule. Once Becky mastered the art of mule riding, Tata gave her the nickname Bec-a-Roo. Mimi was always at arms-length with camera in hand, snapping pics of the girls on every adventure. Each trip was sure to include a picnic, packed by Mimi early that morning, and afternoons spent hunting arrowheads in the wide West Texas terrain. Each of the girls would spend the rest of their lives attesting as to how they had the absolute best childhood growing up as a Rooney girl. Pat had three daughters, and he made sure to tell everyone that he was raising his three girls like boys… and he did. He was a very proud girl dad, for sure.

Becky attended Marathon ISD, and once she started high school, she met her forever love, Sammy. They dated for 2 years before getting married in 1970. Soon, they welcomed their first born, daughter Elizabeth, born in Alpine in December of 1970. Sam enlisted in the Air Force and moved their little family away from Marathon, temporarily living in Fort Stockton and then on to South Dakota, where he was stationed. Once he exited the military, they lived in San Antonio for a short time, where they welcomed their second daughter, Jennifer, in 1975. West Texas was always home, and soon was calling for their return. Sam and Becky left San Antonio and headed back west, settling once again in Fort Stockton. The third child, son Joseph, was soon to join and complete their family in 1979. Sam and Becky lived in Fort Stockton for 29 years, raised their family there, established careers, and developed lifelong friendships there as well. She went to all her children’s sporting events. She was their biggest fan. She loved watching them compete in sports. In 2005, they decided they needed a fresh start and headed further west to El Paso. Becky loved being in El Paso. She became a branch manager at a local bank, and they purchased a beautiful new home that she absolutely adored. Her days were spent decorating her house and loving on their Boston Terriers. Economic changes and better opportunities soon pushed them back out to the Permian Basin area, with Sam finding a new career in the oil field industry. They settled in Crane, where Becky found a position there at the local hospital. As always, she had no problem adjusting, fitting in, and forming more new bonds with those around her. 

Sam and Becky began discussing their retirement plan. Their lifelong dream had been to return to where it all began, Marathon, and enjoy their golden years together. So started the task of building their dream home, upon the foundation of her childhood roots. Through blood sweat and tears, they built their home (most by their very own hands) over the course of the next 10 years. During this endeavor, they discovered and fought through her illness – together. Doctors’ appointments, hospital stays, treatments, medications, and tests upon tests. She beat all expectations. She definitely called the shots, right up to the very end. She fought a valiant battle for 6 years. On Tuesday, October 15th, surrounded by her family and in the comfort of her own home, Becky succumbed to her cancer. She passed peacefully, surrounded by love. 

Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Shirley Rooney, baby brother Bubba (F.P. Rooney III), as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents. 

She is survived by her husband, Samuel Esparza; Daughter Elizabeth Esparza of Austin TX; Daughter Jennifer Esparza (Charles) of San Antonio TX; Son Joseph (Joe) Esparza (Betse) of Alpine TX; Sisters Francene Taylor and Betty Jo Rooney of Marathon TX; 8 grandsons – Christopher Nussbaumer (Ally), Robert J. “Bob” Nussbaumer (Lauren), Miguel Castañeda (Jessica), Jorge Castañeda, Eden Silvas (Erika), Nicholas Silvas, Joaquin (Jake) Esparza, and Ethan Esparza; 4 great granddaughters, 1 great grandson, and another great grandbaby due in spring of 2025; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Becky also leaves behind her extended Esparza family – mother, Cruz Rey Esparza of San Antonio; and siblings by marriage, heart and a lifetime of mutual love – Linda Esparza Briceno, Roy Esparza (Mariana), Aurora Esparza Garza (Danny), Ramona Esparza Carey (TC), all of San Antonio. 

A graveside service will be held Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Marathon Cemetery in Marathon, Texas.

At Becky’s request, there will be no formal mass, however all are welcome to attend the graveside services and a gathering of loved ones afterwards at the Marathon Catholic Church Parish Hall. 

Funeral services are entrusted to Alpine Memorial Funeral Home in Alpine, Texas and flowers may be sent to them for the funeral service.