Lydia Zapata Jarman, born August 5, 1937, passed away peacefully in her home on July 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She lived a life rich in family, friendship, conversation, service, and strength. To know Lydia was to know someone who listened with her whole heart, spoke with warmth and honesty, and made those around her feel valued, welcomed, and remembered.

Lydia, along with her sisters, was a proud graduate of Ursuline Academy in Laredo, Texas. Her Catholic faith guided her choices and actions throughout her life. She was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Laredo and attended faithfully until her illness.

Lydia was briefly married to Bill Charles Jarman, and during that chapter of her life they lived on the family ranch in Old Mexico. She also worked with him for a time at the Laredo International Stockyards, where she was connected to the ranching and cattle community that shaped much of her early life. She was active in the Texas Cattle Women’s Association, served for many years with the Woman’s City Club, and later moved to Del Rio, Texas, where she worked at the Val Verde County Library. A few years before her passing, Lydia returned to Laredo and settled once again in the old neighborhood, surrounded by the memories, friendships, and familiar streets that had always meant so much to her.

Lydia was also deeply patriotic and especially proud of her two grandsons who continue to serve, one in the United States Marine Corps and one in the United States Army. At her home, she proudly flew the American flag as a reflection of her love for her country.

Lydia was also an enthusiastic sports fan, with a special love for college football. She avidly followed the University of Texas and Notre Dame, and her ability to discuss the game and recall statistics were remarkable.

Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, Sabas Zapata Jr. and Simona Saenz Zapata, and by other brothers and sisters who remained close to her heart throughout her life.

Lydia is survived by her children, Patricia Jarman Mata and her husband, Lorenzo Edward Mata; Norma Lydia Jarman and her husband, Jeffrey Jewel McElwee; and Bill Charles Jarman Jr. and his wife, Natalie Marie Waldron Jarman. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Dr. Ira Chase Jarman II, Walter William “Chico” Woodul II, Maddie Macdonald Bigham, and Ian Douglas Macdonald, along with their spouses, Dr. Casey Landis Jarman, Monica Swisher Woodul, Max Conner Bigham, Kylar Combs Macdonald, and Dagny Katherine Jarman. Her growing legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Kody Anthony Macdonald, Ira Chase Jarman III, Hailey May Bigham, and Eden Joy Macdonald, and two more great-grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by her brothers, Sabas Zapata III and his wife, Cathy, and Arnulfo Zapata and his wife, Grisleda, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who were part of the large, loving family she held so dear.