Carmela G. Garcia passed away peacefully at her home in Caldwell, Idaho, on January 14, 2026. She was 93 years old.

Carmela was born on July 16, 1932, in Sugar Land, Texas, to Telesforo Manuel Garcia and Maria De Los Angeles Ramirez.

Carmela married David R. Garcia, Sr. on January 11, 1949, in Madrid, Missouri. Throughout her life, she worked hard and built a beautiful legacy through her love and dedication to family. During her journey to Idaho, she lived in several states including Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois, and Utah, before becoming established in Caldwell in 1962. She resided in the Caldwell Labor Camp, known as “El Campo,” before moving into her forever home.

After a career in agriculture, Carmela continued working at Simplot, where she dedicated 36 years of service before retiring. In retirement, she focused on spending quality time with family and caring for her many grandchildren.

Carmela loved shopping, taking trips to casinos, and hosting family gatherings. Those who knew her will deeply miss her quick-witted personality, delicious home-cooked meals, brutal honesty, and loving arms.

Carmela was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David; her daughter, Blanca Estela; five siblings; as well as grandchildren: Andrew Garcia, Eric Garcia, Baby Valdez, Edward Pizano II, Blanca Estela Ramirez, and Reynaldo Garcia, Jr.

She is survived by her 13 children: Sanjuanita Albares (Manuel), David Garcia Jr. (Alicia), Edubina Pizano (Edward I), Elizabeth Ramirez (Chon), Reymundo Garcia, E. Molly Garcia (Miguel), Diane Garcia, Reynaldo Garcia (Rosalinda), Lorenzo Garcia (Sara), Rene Garcia (Patricia), Leonardo Garcia (Griselda), Albertico Garcia, and Efrain Garcia (Rachel). Carmela also leaves behind 52 grandchildren and nearly 200 great-grandchildren.

Services for Carmela will include a viewing on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 p.m., with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, 624 Cleveland Blvd. in Caldwell. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1122 W. Linden Street in Caldwell. Carmela will be interred at Canyon Hill Cemetery.

Services are under the care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. (208) 459-0833