Elida Gonzales Balderas

Elida Gonzales Balderas, a beloved matriarch, faithful servant of God, and gentle presence to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, in Andrews, TX. She was born on October 13, 1942, in Poteet, TX, and lived a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet acts of love.
Elida was united in marriage to her devoted husband, the late Armando Rivira Balderas, and together they built a home grounded in compassion, devotion, and unwavering love. She was a caring and dedicated mother to her sons, Hector Balderas, husband of Rosa, of Andrews, TX, Elias Balderas, husband of Becky, of San Antonio, TX, Armando Balderas, husband of Hollie, of Midland, TX, and Jesse Balderas, husband of Nancy, of Rockport, TX, and to her daughter, Lilly Carrera, wife of Edilberto, of Seagoville, TX. She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers, George Gonzales of Andrews, TX, Rodger Gonzales of Poteet, TX, and William Gonzales of Midland, TX.
Elida found her greatest joy in her role as grandmother to Michael Balderas, Johnathan Balderas, Hector Balderas Jr., Maritza Hinojos, Stephen Balderas, and Priscilla Dejesus, Priscila and Amy Carrera, Micah and Elijah Balderas, Ryder, Allison, Ava, and Mark Balderas. She was especially proud of her 17 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought light and happiness into her life. Family was always her priority, and she treasured every moment spent nurturing and guiding future generations.
For many years, Elida served others with compassion and dignity as a certified nurse aide (CNA), a calling that reflected her natural gift for caregiving. Her work was an extension of her strong Christian faith, which she lived daily as a longtime member of New Life Church in Andrews, TX.
In her quieter moments, Elida enjoyed sewing and crocheting, activities that brought her comfort and quiet satisfaction. She also loved cooking and was especially known for her strawberry shortcake bakes, which became one of her signature dishes.
Caring for her grandchildren was one of Elida's greatest blessings. She shared stories, laughter, and gentle wisdom, creating memories that will be carried in hearts forever. She found comfort in simple routines-watching her novelas, testing her knowledge with Jeopardy, and maintaining a home that reflected her pride, order, and care.
Elida was preceded in death by her husband, Armando Rivira Balderas; her parents, Jesus Delgado Gonzales and Rosa Escobar; her grandson, Jesse; her daughter, Blanche Castillo; and her siblings, Alicia Rivera, Celia Gonzales, Julia Gonzales, Baldemar Gonzales, Jesus Gonzales Jr., and Gilbert Gonzales.
Though she will be deeply missed, Elida Gonzales Balderas leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family devotion. Her life was one of service and grace, and her memory will live on through the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched.
A visitation will take place at McNett Funeral Home on Monday, January 12th, from 12 o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening, and on Tuesday, January 13th, from ten o'clock in the morning until eight o'clock in the evening. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 14th, at New Life Church at ten o'clock in the morning, with Pastor Phillip Marroquin officiating.