Maria Salazar, 86, a resident of Hardee County of 54 years coming from Texas passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. She was born in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico on May 26, 1933. Maria was Pentecostal by faith and a member of Templo De La Fa Pentecostes Church of Zolfo Springs, Fl. She was a laborer by profession working in a nursery and a packing house and as a field worker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Salazar and Feliciana Salazar.

Survivors include her former husband, Rudolfo De La Garza Sr.; sons, Rudolfo De La Garza of Arcadia, Fl; Benny De La Garza (Francisca G.) of Arcadia, Fl; daughters, Berta De La Garza of Bowling Green, Fl; Janie Martinez (Robert) of Lakeland, Fl; Beulah Maldonado (Daniel) of Lakeland, Fl; Eloisa De La Garza (Kenneth Simonecht) of Winter Haven, Fl; Linda Valdez (Jose Javier) of Bowling Green, Fl; Norma De La Garza of South Carolina. As well as 27 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel. A funeral will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2020 at Robarts Garden Chapel. Pastor Heriberto Juarez will be officiating. Interment will take place at Bowling Green Cemetery.