Dear Lord, “Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken Away; Blessed be the name of the Lord!” Amen Mrs. Rosenda Zapata Balladares, 93, was called by our Lord to join her son Victor Balladares, Jr. in heaven on Thursday, January 24, 2008. Mrs. Balladares was proud to have been born in Guerrero Viejo on March 1, 1914. She was a hard working devoted parent and catholic. Mrs. Balladares was preceded in death by her son, Victor Balladares, Jr. who passed away in San Diego, CA, on July 4, 1982. She is survived by her son; Mr. Hector “Tito Siete” Balladares of Laredo, by her granddaughter who she raised as her own daughter; Ms. Patricia B. Sandoval of Laredo, great-grandchildren; Kristine, Santiago II, Charlie (Cookie) and great-great grandchild; Katie. Mrs. Balladares is also survived by Victor’s children who reside in San Diego, CA; Carmen Cecilia, Victor Manuel, Hector Ricardo, Eduardo Ernesto, their eight children and one great-great grandchild. Mrs. Balladares will be greatly missed by all whose life she touched. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff and nurses at Regent Care Center of Laredo who took special care of her. Funeral services will be held, Monday, January 28, 2008 at Nieto-Dickey Funeral Home with visitation from 8am to 10 am and a funeral mass to be held at San Agustine Cathedral at 10:30 am. Funeral services are under the direction of Nieto-Dickey Funeral Home, 802 Coke St.