In Loving Memory of 

Estella G. Sanchez

April 28, 1953 – May 27, 2026

       With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, and friend, Stella Sanchez, entered eternal rest on May 27, 2026, at the age of 73.

Born on April 28, 1953, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Stella was a woman whose love knew no bounds. She dedicated her life to her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her kindness, strength, faith, and selflessness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

To her children, she was more than a mother, she was a source of wisdom, comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. She taught her family how to find joy even during life's hardest moments, how to remain strong when faced with challenges, and how to trust in God through every season of life.

Stella proudly worked at Hobby Lobby until her retirement, a place that brought her great joy and fulfillment. She loved her work, enjoyed serving others and forming lasting friendships. Whether at work, with family, or among friends, she had a beautiful way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Throughout her life, Stella shared her heart freely. She offered encouragement without hesitation, listened without judgment, and loved without condition. To many, she was affectionately known as "Mama Stella," a title that reflected the love and guidance she extended not only to her own family but also to countless chosen sons, daughters, grandchildren, and friends who became family along the way.

Stella was preceded in death by her beloved father, Eugenio P. Gamboa, and her loving mother, Josephine O. Gamboa. Though she deeply missed them throughout her life, we find comfort in knowing they have now been reunited in eternal peace.

Stella is survived by her loving husband, Raymond M. Sanchez Sr.; her children, Orlando Casas (Melissa Martinez), Milissa Caldwell and husband Harold "Juice" Caldwell, Desiree Tolliver and husband Kyle Tolliver, Raymond Sanchez and wife Louise Sanchez, Ronald Sanchez, Randy Sanchez and Consuelo Sanchez. She also leaves behind her beloved brother Danny Gamboa and his wife, Paula Gamboa.

She was a proud grandmother to Zariyah Avitia and husband Jorgie Avitia, Jaedin Caldwell, Tasia Caldwell, Xavier Casas, Isaiah Casas, Raymond Sanchez III, Jasmine Sanchez, Cody Sanchez, Lauren Sanchez, RJ Sanchez, Eric Sanchez, Daniel Sanchez, and Shyla Sanchez, as well as many great-grandchildren. In addition to her immediate family, Stella leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, love and generosity.

Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we find comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and that she is now at peace. Her love, lessons, faith, and memories will continue to live on through her family and all who knew her. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well lived, a life filled with love, faith, sacrifice, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family.

Stella will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

A celebration of Stella's life will be held on June 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Getz Funeral Home in Las Cruces, New Mexico.