Ronald D. "Ronnie" Garcia, 54, entered the kingdom of heaven after a long courageous fight with his family at his side Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in Laredo, Texas.

Ronnie was born and raised in Laredo, Texas.

He attended Laredo schools and was a graduate of Nixon High School, Class of 1972.

He attended and graduated from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas.

Ronnie served with the United States Border Patrol Division of Homeland Security for 20 years.

He is preceded in death, by his parents: Ramiro Damaso and Violet Everett Garcia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Ana Teresa Saenz, who was always by his bedside; and son, Ronald David Jr., and daughter, Joana Marie.

He is also survived by his only sister, Ella (Dr. John) Spruiell; his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Guadalupe (Teresa) Saenz Jr.; brother-in-law, Guadalupe (Nora) Saenz III; sisters-in-law: Maria

Eugenia (Jose Luis) Saenz, Lizette (Ramiro) Herrera and Patricia (Javier) Flores; paternal uncle, Fernando (Irene) Garcia; aunts: Ana Maria Treviño and Connie Garcia; and maternal aunt, Lillie (Johnnie) Campbell. Also surviving are numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A rosary will be recited Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at 7 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2009, at 9 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to San Martin de Porres Catholic Church.