Carlos Puente Nuñez

A Joyful Celebration of Carlos P. Nunez November 4, 1930 – May 3, 2025 Carlos P. Nunez, affectionately known as “Grandpa Earth,” passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at the age of 94. Though he has left this world, the joy, warmth, and laughter he gave so freely continue to bloom in all of us who loved him. Born on November 4, 1930, in Nava, Coahuila, Mexico, Carlos lived a long and meaningful life filled with simple pleasures, strong values, and unwavering love for his family. He spent many years as a migrant worker, always working hard with quiet pride and never losing his gentle spirit. He later worked for the City of Eagle Pass, Texas, and at Libby’s, where his work ethic and humility left a lasting impression. Carlos had a rare gift: he made the ordinary feel magical. Whether he was tending to his garden, cooking in the kitchen, or sitting back to watch a Cardinals game, he did it with joy in his heart and a smile on his face. He was never in a rush—he moved with purpose, patience, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple blessings. His love of gardening earned him the nickname “Grandpa Earth,” and it couldn’t have been more perfect. He didn’t just grow plants—he nurtured beauty, calm, and connection with the world around him. To sit with him outside, surrounded by his plants, was to feel peace. Carlos was also a wonderful cook, and his meals were legendary. His homemade pumpkin candies were everyone’s favorite—sweet, rich, and always made with love. He loved to see his family gathered, laughing and enjoying what he had made. Food was his way of saying, “I love you.” And when it came to baseball, Carlos was all in. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, he rarely missed a game. He knew every player, every stat, and watched each game with a childlike joy that made you want to root right alongside him. He is survived by his daughter Maria Elizabeth Ramos, his son-in-law Enrique Ramos, his grandson Carlos Ramos and wife Maria D. Ramos, and his great-grandchildren Yasslyn Ramos and Carlos Ramos Jr., Jennifer Johnson and her husband Britton Johnson. Carlos wasn’t loud, but his presence filled every room. He lived with a quiet wisdom, often captured in his favorite phrase: “Cuídate de los buenos.” Be careful with the good ones. Take care of what truly matters. We will miss him dearly, but we find peace in knowing he lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and grace. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 11 a.m. at The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 607 NE Madison Ave., Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Services in Peoria is in charge of arrangements. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. And as his grandkids always say: “Buelito, we love you—today, tomorrow, and always.” Una Celebración de la Vida de Carlos P. Nunez 4 de noviembre de 1930 – 3 de mayo de 2025 Carlos P. Nunez, cariñosamente conocido como “Abuelito Tierra,” falleció en paz el 3 de mayo de 2025, a la edad de 94 años. Aunque ha partido de este mundo, la alegría, ternura y calidez que compartió con todos nosotros seguirán floreciendo en cada corazón que lo amó. Nacido el 4 de noviembre de 1930 en Nava, Coahuila, México, Carlos vivió una vida larga y significativa, llena de sencillos placeres, valores firmes y un amor incondicional por su familia. Trabajó durante muchos años como jornalero migrante, siempre esforzándose con humildad y sin perder su espíritu amable. Más adelante trabajó para la ciudad de Eagle Pass, Texas, y en Libby’s, donde dejó huella con su ética de trabajo y su corazón bondadoso. Carlos tenía un don especial: hacía que lo cotidiano se sintiera extraordinario. Ya sea cuidando su jardín, cocinando en la cocina o viendo un juego de béisbol de sus queridos St. Louis Cardinals, lo hacía todo con alegría y una sonrisa en el rostro. Nunca tenía prisa. Vivía con propósito, con paciencia y con una profunda gratitud por las bendiciones simples de la vida. Su amor por la tierra y las plantas le valió el apodo de “Abuelito Tierra,” y nada lo describía mejor. No solo cultivaba plantas—cultivaba belleza, calma y una conexión profunda con la naturaleza. Estar con él en su jardín era sentir paz. También era un cocinero maravilloso, y sus comidas eran inolvidables. Sus dulces de calabaza caseros eran los favoritos de todos—dulces, sabrosos y siempre hechos con cariño. Le encantaba ver a su familia reunida, riendo y disfrutando lo que había preparado. Para él, la comida era una forma de decir: “Te quiero.” Y cuando se trataba de béisbol, Carlos lo vivía con pasión. Era un fiel aficionado de los St. Louis Cardinals y rara vez se perdía un partido. Conocía a los jugadores, las estadísticas, y disfrutaba cada juego con una alegría contagiosa. Le sobreviven su hija María Elizabeth Ramos, su yerno Enrique Ramos, su nieto Carlos Ramos y su esposa María D. Ramos, y sus bisnietos Yasslyn Ramos y Carlos Ramos Jr., Jennifer Johnson y su Esposo Britton Johnson. Carlos no era un hombre de muchas palabras, pero su presencia llenaba cualquier espacio. Vivía con sabiduría tranquila, reflejada en su frase favorita: “Cuídate de los buenos.” Una advertencia suave, pero poderosa: cuida lo que vale la pena, cuida a los buenos. Lo vamos a extrañar profundamente, pero encontramos consuelo en saber que vivió con plenitud, amó sin medida y dejó un legado de bondad, sencillez y alegría que siempre vivirá en nosotros. Y como siempre decimos sus nietos: “Buelito, te amamos—hoy, mañana y siempre.”

Carlos Puente Nuñez

November 4, 1930 - May 3, 2025