Elvira Gutierrez Benitez

Elvira Villarreal Benitez, 70, of Baytown, Texas, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Houston. She was born on December 24, 1954, in Baytown, to the late Etelvina Gutierrez and Raul Villarreal, Sr. Elvira was a proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, in San Antonio, Texas, class of 1973. She made her career as a manager in the insurance field.

Vera pursued many interests, some of which included going to the casino with her mother, and baking. She loved to travel with her partner Mario, with her favorite destinations being Las Vegas and Santa Fe. She was an avid jewelry collector and had pieces from all over the United States from her travels. During those adventures, she found it important to take as many pictures as possible to capture the moments. She also enjoyed the simple things in life like just being with her family or going to the movies with Mario. Beba (as most of her nieces and nephews affectionately knew her as) loved fiercely, and if you were one of her family members or her friends you knew just how much you meant to her. Above all, she found joy in spending time with her grandchildren. Vera was naturally funny, her infectious laugh and sparkling eyes lit up the room when she entered. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Elvira was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother Raul Villareal, Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her loving memory her beloved partner of almost 30 years Mario Delgado; her children Yvette Garner and husband Kevin, Troy Martinez, Beverly Gill and husband Matt, Aaron Delgado and wife Lissette, and Cristen Thompson and husband Clint; her grandchildren Marcie Galvan, Rhiannon Cortez, Savannah Garner, Coby Garner, Kaden Delgado, Bryce Delgado, Addison Delgado, Lindsey Reyes, Kimberly Valdez and husband Matt, and Allston Thompson; her great-granddaughter Lilly Garner; sisters Beatrice Engelke and husband Bruce, and Leticia Villareal; her Niece Kristen Lawson, nephew Grayson Buckalew, her niece Hannah Noel and fiancé Aidan; her nephews Zakary Noel, Jesse McCoy and Bobby McCoy; along with a host of other loving relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Harbor Hospice of Houston for taking such wonderful care of Elvira during her last days.

A celebration of life will occur August 1, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Earthman Baytown Funeral Home.