Petra Torres, 98, of Blythewood, died on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Born on July 5, 1926, in Cidra, Puerto Rico, she was a daughter of the late Felix Gonzalez and Baldomera Ortiz. Mrs. Torres was a devoted military wife and took great pride in being the matriarch of her family. She cherished each of them and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. One of her greatest joys in life was entertaining her entire family for Sunday dinners. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting and diamond art. Mrs. Torres was a parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church where for many years she sang in the Spanish choir.

Survivors include her children, Norma Casarez, Luis Torres (Netta), Myrna Shelley (Kendal), and Marisol Rice (Wayne); daughter-in-law, Brenda Torres as well as 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, MSGT Luis Rolón Torres, US Army (Ret.); son, Oscar Torres, grandson, Kendal Shelley, Jr.; great-great granddaughter, Sophia Hicks; brothers, Feliz Gonzalez, Vicente Ortiz, Isidro Gonzalez; sisters, Perfecta Rodriquez, Maria Gonzalez, and Antonia Torres.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Torres will be held at 12 o'clock noon on Monday, November 11th, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia. Final Commendation and Farewell Prayers will be said following the service at Memorial Gardens of Columbia, 9301 Wilson Blvd, Columbia, SC.

The family will receive guests from 5 until 7 o'clock Sunday evening at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia with a Rosary service at 5 o'clock.

A special thank you to Heart of Hospice employees, Brandy, Amanda, Kim and others who lovingly took care of our mother. Thank you for listening to our stories and being there for the family on our good days as well as our bad. We will forever be grateful to you all.

Memorials may be sent to St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 721 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223.