Our beloved mother, Maria Elma Gomez, 84, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at her residence in Edinburg, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was a devoted mother, extraordinary friend, and beloved sister. Mom lit up the room with her smile and wit. We thank God for giving us the best mother and for giving us the blessing of life with her by our side. Elma was born on October 6, 1938 in Edinburg, Texas to Andres Ramirez and Rafaela Ochoa Ramirez. She had a big heart and loved selflessly. Mom loved to cook and feed everyone who came to visit. She loved all of her children and was thankful to God for the blessing that he bestowed upon her. Mom liked to dance and sing, but above all she loved her grandchildren. She will be missed dearly but we know that she is at peace in heaven.

Mom was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney in 2009 and fought her battle until November 2019 when she decided to stop chemo and submitted herself to God. She lost her battle with cancer but her memory will live forever in our hearts. Mom prayed every day for her children, grandchildren, and all who were sick; she was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg.

The family would like to thank Dr. Suresh Ratnam, MD, FACP, of South Texas Oncology, Dr. Antonio Wong, MD (Gutierrez Wong Medical Center), and all of the medical staff that participated in Mom's fight. We would also like to thank DHR Hospice Care for everything they did for Mom.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Andres Ramirez and Rafaela Ochoa Ramirez; son, Rodolfo R. Gomez; granddaughter, Vanessa Nicole Gonzalez; and a brother, Robert Pedro Ramirez.

Ms. Gomez is survived by her nine children, Roberto Gomez, Marta Nelia (Dwain Moran) Schmerber, Leticia (Victor Alvarado) Gonzalez, Rolando (Janie Toler) Gomez, Remijio (Victoria Gutierrez) Gomez, Rigoberto (Graciela) Gomez, Otilia (Richard) Barger, Pedro (Nick Burrell) Gomez Jr., Belinda (George) Rodriguez; 25 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; five siblings, Juan Andres (Elida) Ramirez, Felix Rafael (Irma) Ramirez, Raul (Elvia) Ramirez, Carmen (+Amado) Martinez, Rachel (Luis) Morales.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. rosary Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.