Emma V Gamboa

Emma V was born to Adalberto and Carmen Vargas on April 1, 1927 in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. Emma was raised in Eagle Pass, Texas. At the age of 16 she met and married Melchor Gamboa. They moved to Chicago Hts, Illinois where they made their home until they divorced. She worked at Kimmell Glass and Mama Mia Spaghetti factory to provide for her children.

In 1961 she met Luis Santiago and together they had a daughter. In 1965 they moved to Washington State and began working in agriculture. Emma also worked at Snokist and Del Monte where she later retired. Mom enjoyed playing bingo, crocheting, taking care of her beautiful flowers and making the very best tamales. Emma enjoyed cooking with Luis and sharing her special recipes with her grandchildren to carry on.

Emma was a head strong woman and always a fighter. She enjoyed watching Shirley Temple and John Wayne movies. Emma had a quick sense of humor who always took the opportunity to give humorous nicknames to those who she felt needed it…wink wink! She helped raise and care for her grandchildren who she would crochet dresses and blankets for as keepsakes.

Emma is survived by her companion, Luis Santiago; three sons, Albert (Glenna) Gamboa, of Chicago Hts, Illinois, Benito Gamboa of Chicago Hts, Illinois and Ric (Leann)Gamboa of Bellevue; three daughters, Carmen Miranda (Andy S), of Union Gap, WA., Rachael (Monty) Sayler of Kirkland, WA. and Alma (Ismael) Esteras Lutz of Florida; and brother, Alfredo Vargas of Wapato.

Emma is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; sister Guillermina Guzman; her son’s Joe Gamboa, Heraclio “King” Gamboa, and Johnny Gamboa; her daughter Rosie Cordova; and her grandson Jamie Gamboa.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday June 4, 2015 with recitation of the rosary from 7 to 8 p.m. at Merritt Funeral Home, Wapato. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday June 5, 2015 at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, Wapato. Burial will follow in Reservation Community Memorial Park, Wapato.

The Family would like to thank the staff of Cottage in the Meadow for providing a comforting and loving environment for our mom. The family would also like to thank the staff at Toppenish Community, Memorial, and Regional Hospitals for providing care to mom for several years.