Elisena "Chena" Ibanez

Elisena Ibanez, age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Friday, February 28, 2025. Chena, as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Elisena was born in Pharr, Texas to Teodoro and Emilia Hernandez on September 11, 1944. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Ricardo Ibanez; her parents; sisters, Paula "Nena" Hernandez, Gudermina "Mina" Hernandez, Dora (Ruben+) H. Garza, Delia (Rafael) Rivera; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jose and Guadalupe Ibanez; brothers-in-law, Juan (Mary+) Ibanez, Alfredo Ibanez; sisters-in-law, Elvira (Guadalupe+) Cano, and Elida (Julian+) Muniz.

Elisena is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Ben) Ramirez and son Ricardo (Lucy) Ibanez Jr. along with her cherished grandchildren, Aaron Ibanez, Ava Ramirez, Justin Ibanez, Aiden Ramirez, Ryan Ibanez, and lan Ibanez; sisters, Leonor (Ricardo) Garcia, Dr. Gloria (Alex) Davila, Raquel Closner; brother-in-law Jose (Adela+) Ibanez; sisters-in-law, Rosa (Julian+) Palacios, Mary (Douglas) Bard; nieces and nephews, Patricia Rivera, Maria "Tita" Rivera, Reynaldo (Rebecca) Rivera, Cindy Flores, Jennifer Garcia, Emily (Rene) Garza, Yvonne Garcia, Kevin Closer, Israel (Mary) Cano, Guadalupe (Norma) Cano, Janie (Gabriel) Rangel, Ismael (Mary) Cano, Sandy Palacios, Julian Palacios, Alfredo Ibanez, Steven (Ana) Bard; and companion Gabriel Martinez.

Elisena met the love of her life, Ricardo in Pharr, and were married for 32 years. They built a beautiful life together, traveling and enjoying family until his unexpected passing. After several years, Elisena found companionship with Gabriel Martinez, continuing to travel and enjoy life.

Elisena made her career working as a proud Partner with H.E.B. as a Bookkeeper for 43 years. She made many lifelong friends who she enjoyed spending time with and continued to be involved in H.E.B. retiree activities. She was the life of the party and enjoyed socializing and attending parties. She loved decorating the house for every holiday and hosting family and friends for gatherings and celebrations, especially with the H.E.B. "girls".

She enjoyed going out, shopping, and eating at new restaurants. She enjoyed vacations and traveling with friends and family. She was fond of gambling, playing the "maquinitas" and taking bus trips to casinos with her sisters and playing games such as Trompito and Loteria "Chalupa". Regardless of the game, she was known to somehow always find a way to win.

Her hobbies included coloring, watching Family Feud, and watching sports. Her favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Houston Astros. Her favorite activity was being involved in the lives of her beloved grandchildren by attending numerous school functions, awards ceremonies, sports events, and dance competitions.

She will be deeply missed and remembered for her fun, loving personality, sense of humor, and many laughs and great times.

The Ibanez family would like to give a special thank you to the staff and residents at McAllen Transitional Care Center for the care and love provided to our Mom. Thank you to her closest friends and family for the many uplifting visits, meals, love, and support. Thank you to Anselmo "Chemo" Torres for styling her hair for over 40 years and the many laughs.

Pallbearers are Aaron Ibanez, Justin Ibanez, Rene Garza, Aiden Ramirez, Ben Ramirez, and Rey Rivera.

A visitation for Elisena will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a rosary from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Palm Valley, 4607 North Sugar Road, Pharr, TX 78577.

Funeral service will occur Friday, March 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Margaret's Catholic Church, 122 W. Hawk Ave, Pharr, TX 78577. Burial service will occur Friday, March 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens, 4607 North Sugar Road, Pharr, TX 78577.