Maria Elena was born on September 04, 1947, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas to Guadalupe Vasquez and Jose Maldonado.
Originally from La Feria, TX, Maria Elena resided the last 12 years in Phoenix, AZ.
Although Maria Elena had many titles - wife, mom, grandma, Tia, "Hermana," mom-in-law, and friend. She took on each unique title with a sense of pride, passion, and purpose.
Maria Elena was a hard- working women who lived and loved with all her heart and soul. She found joy in sight-seeing, gambling in the casinos, playing loteria (cheating lol) beating everyone in toma-todo, and her love of music.
Her greatest joy, however, was her beloved family. You could always count on her to speak her mind with strength and conviction. Yet, she was always there with a soft heart for those in need. Maria Elena will be remembered for her wit and wisdom, her courage and compassion, and for the countless smiles she inspired in all those fortunate enough to know her.
Her passion for serving the Lord, her family, and her community will live on as inspiration to us all. Maria Elena's legacy is one rich with love, laughter and grace. May we carry her in our hearts forever, warmed by cherished memories of our time together and honor her in all of our tomorrows.
Maria is survived by her husband, Rafael Gamez; sons Ricardo Ruiz, Pedro Ruiz Jr. (Delia Vasquez), Moises Ruiz (Kimberly Ruiz); daughters Elizabeth Anaya (Jaime Anaya) and Jacqueline Ruiz-Lugo (Francisco Lugo Jr); her Grand-children Brianne Fox, Bianca Lizann Fox, Bernice Milagros Anaya, Brandy Lizette Anaya, Jaime Anaya Jr (JJ), Felix Galaviz, Estella Elena Ruiz, Pedro Ruiz, Kassidy Ann Ruiz, Drake Moises Ruiz, Aneli Jayleen Lugo and Alyson Lianne Lugo; her great-grandchildrens, Anthony Cavazos, Naevi Elizabeth Gonzalez, Aliannah Jaye Aguilar and Addilyn Faith Galvan and numerous brothers, sisters, in laws, step-children, step-grandchildren and fur-babies.
Maria Elena was preceded in death by her parents Jose Maldonado and Guadalupe Vasquez; her first husband Pedro Ruiz.
A visitation for Maria Elena will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home, 26873 N. White Ranch Road, La Feria, Texas 78559. A prayer service at 7:00 PM. A chapel service will occur Friday, June 18, 2021 at 1:00 PM and a Burial to follow at 2:00 PM at Heavenly Grace Memorial Park.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heavenlygracergv.com for the Gamez. family.
