Petra Saldana Tobon

Petra Saldana Tobon, age 68, of Corpus Christi, Texas, entered eternal rest on October 6, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those whose lives she touched. Born on May 10, 1958, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Petra was the beloved daughter of the late Ambrosio Saldana and Paula Espinoza. Her life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, perseverance, and the love of our Lord.

Petra attended W.B. Ray High School in 1975 and later continued her education at Del Mar College, where she earned her GED certificate in 1986. On July 4, 1975, she married the love of her life, Enrique Madeza Tobon, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Together, they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and family, sharing 51 wonderful years of marriage.

Petra was blessed to dedicate herself to being a homemaker, lovingly caring for her family and creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. In 1994, she and Enrique embarked on a new journey together by opening their family business, Tobon's Auto Paint & Body Shop. Her entrepreneurial spirit later led her to open a nutrition shop through Herbalife, where she shared her passion for health and wellness and helped many people through her nutrition programs.

Above all, Petra was a woman of unwavering faith. She was a proud and faithful member of Solid Rock Church, where she found joy in worship, fellowship, and serving alongside her church family. Her devotion to the Lord inspired those around her, and she never hesitated to share the hope and comfort her faith brought into her life. She later became one of the founders of Extraordinary Women of Vision, an organization whose foundation has continued its mission for twelve years. Through this work, Petra helped build a legacy of faith, encouragement, and empowerment that will continue to bless others for years to come.

Petra had a heart that made everyone feel special. She was known for her beautiful smile, contagious laughter, and vibrant personality. She was truly the life of the party, bringing joy and light wherever she went. One of the many ways she showed her love was by remembering everyone's birthday and making each person feel valued and celebrated. Her thoughtfulness was a gift, and those who knew her will forever cherish the way she made even the smallest moments feel meaningful.

She had a passion for cooking, decorating, crafting, gardening, and worshiping the Lord. Always eager to try something new, Petra loved experimenting with recipes and recruiting her family as her official taste testers. She found happiness in planting flowers and tending to her garden, as well as spending treasured moments fishing with her family. She also enjoyed traveling and was blessed to visit many destinations on her bucket list, with Hawaii being her final trip shared with her beloved family. These adventures and everyday moments alike became cherished memories that her loved ones will hold close to their hearts.

Petra's faith was beautifully reflected in the words she often shared: “Our Lord is Great, without Him we are lost.” She also reminded those around her, “Only our Lord can ease our worries by giving Him what we can't control.” These words captured the strength of her faith and her belief that even in life's most difficult moments, peace could be found by trusting in the Lord.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Petra's legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, the faith she shared, and the countless lives she touched. Her laughter will echo in family gatherings, her recipes will live on in kitchens filled with love, and her memory will remain a blessing to everyone fortunate enough to have known her. She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years, but in the love she gave, the faith she lived, and the joy she brought into the world.

Petra was preceded in death by her newborn daughter, Maria Tobon; her parents, Ambrosio Saldana and Paula Espinoza; her mother-in-law, Carmen Mazeda Tobon; her father-in-law, Augustin Tobon; sister, Angelita Amador; her son-in-law, Abraham Salazar; and her brother-in-law, Manuel Flores.

Left to cherish her beautiful memory is her devoted husband of 51 years, Enrique M. Tobon. She also leaves behind her beloved children: Veronica (Ray) Bernier, Enrique Tobon Jr., Elizabeth (Abraham) Salazar, and Richard (Michelle) Tobon. Her legacy continues through her fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, who were among her greatest blessings. She is also survived by her loving siblings, Lilly (Thomas) Maldonado, Refugia Saldana (Alex Ramirez II), and Yolanda Flores, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and her cherished church family.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood by Petra and her loved ones during this difficult journey. Special thanks go to her sisters in Christ for their faithful prayers and unwavering support, as well as to Altus Hospice, especially Nurse Luis and her two caregivers, for providing comfort, compassion, and loving care during her final days. Your kindness and dedication will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Extraordinary Women of Vision, an organization dear to Petra's heart, in honor of her enduring commitment to faith, fellowship, and empowering women.

Though our hearts mourn her passing, we find comfort in knowing that Petra is now resting in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior. Her beautiful smile, contagious laughter, generous spirit, and steadfast faith will never be forgotten. Until the day we meet again, may her life continue to remind us to love deeply, celebrate one another, trust in the Lord, and cherish every moment we are given.

“Our Lord is Great, without Him we are lost.”

A Public Viewing will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415, on October 16, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by Praise and Worship from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm and a Celebration of Life Service from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

A Special Message will take place on October 16, 2026, from 7:30 pm to 7:40 pm, followed by the Eulogy from 7:40 pm to 8:20 pm, a Reading from Petra's Journal from 8:20 pm to 8:30 pm, Open Pulpit for Memory Sharing from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and Last Farewells from 9:30 pm to 10:00 pm.