Gloria Milstead Melendrez

Born on December 21, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, Gloria was the beloved daughter of Felipe Milstead and Maria Trejo Milstead.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Johnny Melendrez (Olga), Leonard Melendrez, Mary Karsten (Jeff), and Melissa Gonzales (Steve), all of Lubbock, Texas; David Melendrez Jr. of Denver, Colorado; 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many cherished extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, David Melendrez Sr.; her parents, Felipe Milstead and Maria Trejo Milstead; and her beloved son, Michael Melendrez.

Gloria was self-employed for many years and was admired for her strong work ethic. She enjoyed reading her Bible, tending to her garden, spending time with her family, and caring for her beloved dog, Precious. Above all, she was a faithful servant of God whose greatest joy was serving the Lord and loving her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was a devoted wife who faithfully loved and stood beside her husband for 65 remarkable years, a loving mother, and the best grandma anyone could have asked for. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, compassionate heart, contagious smile, generous spirit, funny sense of humor, and the kindness and love she shared with everyone she met. Her legacy of faith, love, laughter, and devotion to her family will forever be treasured by all who knew and loved her.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, 6025 82nd Street, Lubbock, Texas 79424.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Lubbock Dream Center, 1111 30th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79411.

Pallbearers: Johnny Melendrez Jr., Mark Salinas, Aaron Gonzales, Mitchell Karsten, Matthew Melendrez, and Eli Jordan Mesa.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7