Claire Manchaca: April 29, 2005-July 4, 2025

Claire Reese Manchaca, 21, of Conroe, Texas, passed away tragically on July 4, 2025, during the devastating Hill Country Floods. Born on April 29, 2004 to Gregory Scott Manchaca and Miroslava Carrascal. Reese’s life, though heartbreakingly short, was full of promise, grace, and a light that touched all who knew her.

A 2022 honors graduate of Caney Creek High School, Reese was celebrated not only for her academic excellence—graduating in the top 10% of her class—but also for her vibrant personality and timeless style. She was crowned Ms. CCHS and Best Dressed by her classmates, honors that reflected both her poise and the warmth she shared with everyone around her.

Reese was a senior at The Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design at the University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in Architecture and Interior Design. Her passion for creating beautiful, meaningful spaces was matched only by her dedication to her studies. She earned a spot on the Dean’s List multiple times and was widely admired by faculty and peers for her creativity, leadership, and strong work ethic.

More than her accolades, Reese will be remembered for the way she made people feel. She lit up every room she walked into—with her laugh, her kindness, and an authenticity that made others feel instantly at ease. She was the friend you could count on, the student who inspired others, and the daughter every parent dreams of raising.

Reese leaves behind a heartbroken community of family, friends, classmates, and mentors who will carry her memory with them always. Her legacy lives on in the spaces she dreamed of designing, the lives she brightened, and the love she gave so freely.

Reese is proceeded in death by her father, Gregory Scott Manchaca.

Left to cherish her beautiful memory is her loving parents, Thomas and Miroslava Stafford, her sisters, Myna and Grace Manchaca, her brother, Eric Burleson, her niece, Rebekah Burleson and numerous family members and friends.

Rest in peace, Claire Reese Manchaca. You are deeply missed and forever cherished.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 6pm at The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, located at 9055 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77303.

Those who wish to send flowers are encouraged to order From Bakers Bouquet as all the proceeds will go directly to the family.