Mary Ann Gamez

Mary Ann (Archuleta) Gamez passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, in Colorado Springs at the age of 89. She was born on November 8, 1936, near the Spanish Peaks in Southern Colorado, in the mining town of Delagua, to David Archuleta and Corina “Cora” (Paiz) Archuleta. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Florence (Archuleta) Selak, Marie (Archuleta) Garcia, Nancy (Archuleta) Ahrens, David Archuleta, and Charles Archuleta; and her beloved husband, Wilbur “Wil” J. Gamez, who passed on November 19, 2024.

After leaving Southern Colorado, Mary Ann moved with her parents to Denver, where she was raised and attended Sacred Heart School. On June 22, 1956, she married Wil in Denver. Shortly after their marriage, they settled in Manitou Springs, where they raised their family and made their home.

Mary Ann was a devoted and talented homemaker who lovingly raised her children. She was always the first to volunteer to bake cupcakes for scouts and school parties, and she was just as comfortable wielding a hammer as she was preparing a delicious meal of chicken enchiladas, homemade tortillas and green or red chili. Whether tearing down walls and doing home remodeling with Wil, or cooking dinner, Mary Ann approached everything with energy and care.

Her love for children extended far beyond her own family. Over the years, she helped care for many, and her home was a welcoming haven where neighborhood kids gathered after school.

She treasured time spent with friends and especially enjoyed traveling to Denver for lunches with longtime girlfriends. Mary Ann also loved to travel and explored many places, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Italy, with the Vatican in Rome holding a special place in her heart. Her travels within the United States took her to Alaska, Washington, D.C., Florida, California, Nevada, Missouri, and beyond. Camping trips with family and friends were among her favorite memories.

Family was always at the center of Mary Ann’s life. She delighted in hosting large holiday meals and gatherings, welcoming family, friends and neighbors, creating warm memories that will be cherished for generations.

Mary Ann is lovingly remembered by her children: Eileen Johnston (Shannon), Larry Gamez, Kirk Gamez (Stephanie), Leslie Gamez (Steve McCauley), and Melissa McElhaney. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Cassie Gamez, James Gamez, Kaleb Gamez, and Josh Stewart, along with three great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers who supported Mary Ann in her later years, with special appreciation to Rose Niemiec, who spent several years by her side, offering compassionate, loving care and true friendship to our mother.

A memorial mass will be held in late spring/early summer 2026 in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation at https://pikespeakhospice.org/give.