Roberto Mata

He graduated from Ralls High School and worked as a farmer before starting a career as a Certified Nurse’s Aide in which he met his future wife Maria Luisa Gonzalez-Mata and later held positions in law enforcement, security, and pharmacy clerk until retirement.

His interests included hunting, guns, traveling, and coin collecting. Later in life, he devoted much of his time and energy to caring for his wife until she passed away at age 67.

He was a devout Christian and loved singing in church. He last attended Ralls First Baptist Church and Lubbock Trinity Church.

Roberto is survived by 3 children: Yvette (Cardell) Griffin of Lubbock, Sylvia (Rodney) Alardin of Lubbock, and Antonio (Patricia) Gonzalez of Zachary, Louisiana; 10 grandchildren: Jazmin, Damarieh (Crystal), Christian, Andrew, Samuel, Duran, Elyxcus, Kyle, Sheyane, and Gabreyela; 5 great grandchildren; and 4 sisters Patricia (Timothy) Cumbo of North Carolina, Maria (Ambrosio) Arevalo of Lubbock, Margot Mosqueda of North Carolina, and Joann Ponciano of Lubbock. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Maria Luisa Gonzalez-Mata; his parents Torivio Mata and Celia Gonzalez-Mata; his sister Veronica Velasquez; and his brothers-in-law Junior Mosqueda and Gilbert Ponciano.