Herminia Ybarra

Herminia Gallardo (Alvarado) Ybarra was born on April 25, 1924 in Marian, Texas. The fourth of thirteen children. While she could not change the back-breaking nature of migrant farm work in the 1930s and 1940s—she refused to allow it to break her spirit.

Herminia was a woman ahead of her time. She believed in the power and strength of women, equal access to opportunity, and the importance of education long before they were topics of national discussion. Her deeply held beliefs were not based in politics, they were born of her unwavering faith—we are all children of God; failure to treat each other as such, is to disappoint Him. She lived her faith; every moment of every day—inspiring those around her to be better humans.

As a lover of plants and flowers of all kinds—her active years were spent tending and nurturing her incredible flower beds. A guided tour with her, was a lesson in horticulture that would rival any university course. Her curiosity and excitement for new experiences never faded. She knew great pain and believed that much of life consists of hardship we cannot control but must endure; that every moment we can grab for ourselves, should be filled with joy and laughter.

Herminia was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years—Basilio; with whom she had seven children. The oldest—a daughter—did not survive childbirth. The fifth—a son—passed shortly before his birth. She would always hold a place in her heart for the children she was unable to hold in her arms. Grieving her death are daughters Petra (Clete) Boyer, Gloria Zuniga, Jane (Joseph) Pratt, and sons Andrew Ybarra and Mark Yabrra. She found immense joy in her 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, preceded in death by her oldest grandchild, Jason Stevon Boyer.

Herminia is also survived by two of her 13 siblings, Salvador (Teresa) Alvarado and Angelo (Lenie) Alvarado, and many nieces and nephews.

For much of her life, Herminia mourned and longed for her beloved mother. Her family is comforted in knowing she is now in the embrace of the mother who taught her strength, courage, and above all—love.

Visitation will be at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 201 W. Miller Rd. on Thursday, September 14th from 10-11am, followed by mass and Funeral Liturgy at noon, with Father Vincent Richardson presiding. A procession to St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery 2520 W. Willow St. Lansing for a brief graveside ceremony of internment. In celebration of Herminia’s life and legacy, a luncheon will be held at Cristo Rey Church immediately following the conclusion of graveside services.

Herminia’s family would like to express their deepest and most sincere gratitude to the caregivers of Addie’s Acres—Theresa, Debbie, and Savada--who made sure every moment of her last months of life were filled with love, care, and kindness she so richly deserved.

Herminia was a longstanding parishioner of Cristo Rey Parish and attended their senior group weekly. If you are moved to support a cause in memory of Herminia, the family asks that you direct gifts to Cristo Rey Parish.