Minerva Lopez

Minerva Gomez Lopez 1924–2025

 Minerva Gomez Lopez, age 100, of Gregory Texas, died in Portland, Texas, on January 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents Juan and Juanita Gomez, her husband Alejandro Lopez, sons Johnny Lopez and Juan Ramiro Lopez, and daughter Minerva Lopez. She is survived by her children Lydia (Esteban) Ortiz, Pedro (Ronnelle) Lopez, Rosario (Juan) Cantu, Phyllis (Johnny) Lopez, and Yolanda Flores. She is also survived by her grandchildren Monica Ortiz, Fernando (Michelle) Ortiz, Victoria Lopez, Rebecca Lopez, Melissa (Marvin) Lindow, Manita (Charles) Bush, Laurie Miller, Rosita Cantu, and Gilbert Flores. Minerva also had 12 great-grandchildren who she doted on and bragged about endlessly—Emily Peña, Hunter and Taylor Ortiz, Blaise and Sophia Garcia, Kindall, Karson, and Kylie Keel, Noah and Jett Bush, and Cassie and Hailey Miller.

 Minerva was born in East Chicago, Indiana, before traveling with her family to Mexico and then finally settling on the McKamey farm in the Gregory area. It was during her time on the farm that she met her husband Alejandro at a dance. Though Alejandro wanted to marry Minerva before going overseas during WWII, she stood firm and said they would marry when he returned. And, as they promised each other, they were married soon after his return from the Pacific campaign. 

 Minerva spent a good part of her time loving and caring for her family. She loved to cook and teach the children around her anything useful that came up over the course of a day—cooking, gardening, sewing. In addition to the time she spent with her family, Minerva’s door was always open to friends and members of the community who she loved visiting with. Minerva retired from Spohn Shoreline in 1991.

 When not spending time with family and friends, Minerva loved shopping. Never mind that she did not have a driver’s license to drive to the store. There was always family willing to take her anywhere. And once off on the shopping adventures, everyone who went with her knew that the trip would be a mix of shopping and talking and catching up with anyone she met along the way.

 And no stories about Minerva would be complete without mentioning her beloved birds Rocco and Panchito. Along with the family dog Lucky, these animals were her constant companions and frequently turned up in any conversations you had with her.

 Most recently, Minerva turned 100 on December 12, 2024. This was a huge milestone that she celebrated with her entire family. It was also the last great milestone she wanted to accomplish before being reunited with her heavenly family. The family would like to thank all those friends who played such a wonderful and meaningful role in Minerva’s long life. And the family would also like to acknowledge and thank Minerva’s longtime doctor and friend Dr. Andres Nisimblat for all the excellent care and attention he gave to her over the years. 

 A family viewing will begin at 4 P.M. on Friday, February 7, at the Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland, Texas. The public viewing will be held at 5 P.M, with a Rosary starting at 7 P.M. A funeral mass will be held at 10 A.M. on Saturday, February 8, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gregory, Texas. Interment will follow at the Gregory Cemetery. 

 Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com