Jodie Marie Garza Salinas, 30, of Live Oak, TX, formerly of Hershey, NE, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, in Texas.

Jodie was born June 16, 1984, to Gary Anthony and Julie Ann Wiese Garza in Grand Island, NE. She grew up in Hershey and graduated from Hershey High School in 2002. While in school, Jodie was active in volleyball, basketball and track and field, throwing the discus and shot put.

Following graduation Jodie attended college and worked at Whiskey Creek. She received her Associates of Arts Degree in 2004 then moved to San Antonio, TX in August. Jodie later worked for the University Health System in 2006, working as a bilingual Health Educator up until her death. She also attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Jodie was an avid Nebraska Husker fan, loved music and liked to dance. She also enjoyed outdoor activities, such as fishing and shooting, with her family. Most importantly she loved her kids and family. She had a big heart and was a strong protector of her brother and sister. Jodie also had a great laugh and a smile that was contagious.

She leaves behind her children, Maureen, Michael and Logan Salinas, of San Antonio, TX; parents, Gary and Julie Garza, and brother, Rylee Garza, all of Hershey; sister, Amber (Scott) Sullivan, of North Platte, NE; grandparents, Lucio and Connie Garza, of Hershey and Gene and Alice Wiese, of Lindsay, NE; aunts, Rose (Salvador) Munoz, of Sutherland, NE, and Patty Garza and Sandy Garza, of San Antonio; uncles, Gary (Amy) Wiese, Kenny (Marilyn) Wiese, Alan Wiese, Kevin (Jenny) Wiese and Larry (Cindi) Wiese, all of Newman Grove, NE, and Dale Wiese, of Duncan, NE; her niece, Rosemary Sullivan; nephews, Noah and Parker Sullivan; her extended family in Texas; and many cousins and other family.

Christian Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2015, at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Hershey. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the Hershey High School gymnasium with Father Bryan Ernest officiating. In honor of Jodie, the family requests people to wear Nebraska attire or red. Burial will follow in Trinity Cemetery, south of Hershey.

In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore and before services. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.