Amy Provencio Gamboa

Born in 1927 in Mesilla Park, New Mexico, Amy remained a lifelong learner with a passion for education. She achieved her dream of attending college, graduating from UTEP at the age of 54 after raising a family of six children. She enjoyed a fulfilling career as a first-grade teacher, specializing in bilingual education. She took great pride in preparing young students for continued educational success. As a result of her commitment to education, her children established the Amy Provencio Gamboa Endowed Scholarship at UTEP. Always a talented athlete, Amy enjoyed competing in track as a young girl; however, bowling was a lifetime passion she shared with her husband, Joseph (Joe) Gamboa. Amy loved life and loved relating stories about her life experiences, which she always told with great joy. Her dedication and resilience serve as inspiration to all who knew her. 

Joseph Ernest Gamboa, born in 1924, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 23, 2019, at the age of 95. During his senior year of high school, he was called to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. As a Flight Officer, he trained as a pilot and bombardier. Fortunately, World War II ended before his deployment, allowing him to return to Mesilla, New Mexico. Once back home, he won Amy Provencio’s heart through the game of bowling. Because of their shared passion for the sport, he and his family built a bowling alley in Las Cruces. Soon after, Joe began his life’s career as a union iron worker. A proud member of Texas Iron Workers Union 263, Joe served as foreman on numerous construction sites in downtown El Paso, Fort Bliss, UTEP, and cities throughout New Mexico. He will be remembered for his strong sense of duty and devotion to family.

Together, Amy and Joe built a legacy of love and commitment to family. Though they are no longer with us, their memory lives on in the lives of their children Joe Henry (deceased), Dolores, Connie, Carlos, Robert, and Teresa; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Amy is survived by her two sisters Christine Corral of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Josie Alvillar of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Joe is survived by his sister Mary Helen Chimelis of Toluca, California.  

Amy and Joe’s love story will forever be a reminder that sometimes life’s most beautiful moments start with a simple strike or spare.  

Rest in peace. You will be deeply missed and forever cherished. 

To celebrate their extraordinary lives, a joint graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue.