Guadalupe Gamboa

Guadalupe Cruz Gamboa, 79, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on March 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Affectionately known as Lupe, she was born on January 7, 1946, in Wharton, Texas to Florentino and Margarita Cruz. She later moved to Lubbock, where she attended Lubbock High School.

On July 30, 1966, Lupe married the love of her life, Raymond Gamboa, Jr. Together, they shared 58 beautiful years of marriage, building a home filled with love, faith, and laughter while raising their five wonderful sons.

Her life was a testament to love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Lupe will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She dedicated her life to serving others, both through her career and in her everyday actions. As a compassionate social worker for the State of Texas, she offered guidance and care to those in need. Her faith was the foundation of her generosity, and she actively participated in church organizations, committing to acts of service for vulnerable communities across the South Plains.

Lupe's kindness knew no bounds. She volunteered her time assisting others with their taxes for free, delivered gifts and companionship to nursing home residents, and baked countless pies and cakes to share with her community. Her generosity extended beyond borders, as she supported charities around the world. A faithful member of Our Lady of Grace Church and Christ the King Cathedral, she lived out her beliefs through love and service.

She embraced life's simple joys-taking long drives, sharing laughter with her sisters and grandchildren, tending to her garden, and baking with love. Every conversation with her was a gift, and every act of kindness reflected the warmth of her spirit. Everyone who knew her became a better person because of her. Lupe will be remembered not only for her actions but also for her character-selfless, compassionate, and endlessly giving. She embodied love, and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Gamboa, Jr.; her four children, Raymond David Gamboa III (Liz Lopez), John Michael Gamboa (Belinda Hill), Anthony Florentino Gamboa (Denise Devora) of Dallas, Texas, and Robert Gamboa of Los Angeles, California; seven grandchildren, Amber Smith (Christopher Smith), Michael Anthony Gamboa (Hayden Robertson), Marcus Aaron Gamboa, Olivia Guadalupe Gamboa, Christian Anthony Gamboa, Alex Gomez (Ember), and Miranda Camacho (Isaiah); and one great-grandchild, Jessie Adam Gomez. She is also survived by her brothers, Abel Cruz of El Paso, Texas, and Monsignor David Cruz; her sisters, Martina Rodriguez (Tomas), Juanita Hernandez, Jesusa Gonzales, Beatrice Rodriguez, Audelia Alvarado, Margaret Callison, Sofia Flores, and Maria Lydia Keenmon of Houston, Texas; Helen Carrizalez (Luis); her sister-in-law, Jane Cruz; and a host of nieces, nephews, and godchildren who adored her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Florentino and Margarita Cruz; her son, Albert Gamboa; and her brother, Guadalupe (Lou) Cruz.

The visitation will be at Guajardo Funeral Chapels on Thursday, March 6 from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. The rosary for Lupe will be at 7pm during this time.

The mass for Lupe will be at Christ The King Cathedral at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 7 with interment to follow at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park.

Pallbearers: Michael Gamboa, Marcus Gamboa, Rick Ramos, Abel Hernandez, Daniel Flores, Frederick Gonzales, Tomas Carrizalez, Michael Maldonado, Christian Gamboa

Honorary Pallbearers: Luis Carrizalez, Tomas Rodriguez, Frank Reyna, Kaiser Keenmon, Carlos David Montoya, Sammy Prieto,  Joshua Romo, Vicente Cruz, Joe David Rodriguez, Jerry Garcia, Joe Garcia, Jr., JJ Gamboa