Ultima Esperanza Perez

Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved mother Ultima Esperanza Perez, 88, of Bellaire, Texas. She passed away peacefully on May 15, surrounded by her family. Born May 11, 1938, in Robstown, Texas, to her parents Julio and Santos Ruiz Gonzalez.

She lived a life defined by love, kindness, and a deep devotion to her family. Raised in Robstown, Ultima graduated from Robstown High School. On November 30, 1960, Ultima married the love of her life Lorenzo in Robstown, Texas. In 1962, they moved to Houston, and ultimately settled in Bellaire, Texas to raise their family. Her greatest masterpiece and her ultimate pride was her family. She was always there for her children and present for every milestone. She will be most fondly remembered sitting in the bleachers at countless games cheering passionately for her kids. To say she was a dedicated mother is an understatement. She was her children’s ultimate protector, chief cheerleader, and most famously the self appointed, supreme authority on baseball rules. Ultima firmly believed that every umpire in the city of Bellaire required an immediate eye exam, particularly when a close call went against one of her kids. Armed with an impeccable sense of justice and a voice that could cut through any stadium crowd, she made absolutely sure that everyone within a three mile radius knew when she didn’t agree with an umpire’s call. Her refusal to back down became the unofficial soundtrack of every baseball season. She never quieted down and never apologized for standing up for her children. While the home plate umpires of Bellaire can finely breathe a sigh of relief, our world is much quieter and dimmer without her fierce spirit. She taught us how to win with grace, loose with dignity, and show up for the people you love.

Ultima was a powerhouse athlete in her own right. She spent many decades playing competitive tennis as a team member of the Bellaire Ladies Tennis Association Traveling Team, Co-ed Softball and Volleyball. Mom was happiest when she was active. Whether she was serving aces on the tennis court, throwing heat on the softball field , or setting up the perfect play on the volleyball court, her passion for sports was undeniable. She treasured her regular morning walks and deep conversations with her dear girlfriends Shirley, Leonore, and Mary, keeping up a brisk pace in both friendship and fitness.

When she wasn’t playing sports, she was watching them. She was a passionate diehard fan who loved watching the Houston Astros and the Houston Texans. Whether it was a sunny afternoon at the ballpark or a Sunday afternoon in front of the tv, she could always be found cheering loudly wearing her favorite team gear and living for the excitement of the game.

To her, the entire world was a dance floor. Her absolute favorite partner was her beloved husband Lorenzo, and she loved dancing with him as much as humanly possible throughout their beautiful life together. But the music never stopped when he wasn’t around, she could be found swaying with a broomstick around the house, holding her cherished Yorkie grandson (Duke), for a cheek to cheek dance or playfully sweeping up anyone within arms reach into a spin.

Off the field, she poured the same intense passion into her home. Her kitchen was always open and anyone who walked in the door was always welcomed to join the family for a meal. She was the happiest when sharing a freshly baked tray of brownies or a slice of her infamous yummy cake. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter and endless love.

Ultima is survived by her loving husband, Lorenzo; her children, Edward, Laura, and Roxanne, her granddaughter, Madison and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Javier, her parents Julio and Santos, siblings Pioquinto Gonzalez, Lauro Gonzalez, Pura Garcia, Olga Salazar, Oleomar Gonzalez, Santa Pena and Elida Vasquez.

For the last decade, as she bravely fought the disease of Alzheimer and as her health declined, she was cared for at home with unparalleled devotion by her dedicated husband Lorenzo. He was her rock, her protector and her constant companion. His selfless, unwavering care exemplified the truest meaning of love and vows kept, providing her with comfort, dignity and peace until her final moments. The family wishes to express their profound appreciation to Lucita. More than just a friend, you became our mother’s guardian angel. Thank you for walking alongside our mother with such patience, grace and unconditional love through every step of her illness.

Our mom will be remembered as a devoted, faithful, and cherished Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend that left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She has finished her race and is now resting peacefully in the arms of her LORD.

A rosary will be recited on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. followed by a Memorial service at 11:00 A.M. at Advantage Funeral Home, 7010 Chetwood Dr. Houston, Texas 77081.