Hope Luna

Hope (Esperanza) Gabaldon Luna was born on April 14, 1941, to Manuel and Trinidad Luna-Tarrango in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico. Surrounded by her loved ones, Hope peacefully passed away at her home on December 29, 2023. Her parents precede her in death.

Hope was kind and loving to all those who knew her. Although she didn't finish grade school, she attended adult schooling in her early adult years. One of her dreams was to become a cosmetologist, and for years and years she tried but it was something she was not able to do. Heck, for all we know Blanch probably gave her an honarary cosmotology degree because she spent so much of her life there! That was the place she called "Beauty School", and she loved it. Hope deeply loved her family and friends, and was known for her spunky and loving attitude. Her favorite meal was breakfast (coffee, eggs, bacon and toast), and she loved to eat sweet foods too, always asking for doughnuts and cookies. Although her absence will leave an unimaginable void, we are so blessed and grateful to have called her our mother, grandma, sister, and friend.

Hope is survived by her children: Joe Luna Sr and his wife Rosa of Roswell, NM; Richard Luna and his wife Marie of Albuquerque, NM; Emilio Luna of Roswell, NM; and Valerie Lopez, her husband Daniel of Roswell, NM. Grandchildren: Joe Luna Jr., Kassandra Luna, Larry Joe Luna, Derrick Luna, Danielle Maes, Ruby Lopez, Roberta Lopez, Veronica Alonso and Isabelle Lopez and 13 great-grandchildren.

Siblings: Arthur Luna; Joe Luna and his wife, Sally of San Antonio, TX; Manuel Luna, Jr.; Jessie Luna and his wife Martha, of McAllen, TX; Armando Luna and his wife MaryLou; Maria Vega and her husband, Albert of San Antonio, TX; and Gloria Guadalupe Castro of San Deigo, CA.

We want to give a moment to honor our brother Emilio, Hope's son. Hope and Emilio shared a special bond and were very close. If not for him, we could not have taken care of our mother the way we did for all those years that she was bed-bound. Emilio never left our mom's side and tended to her every want and need. He was the reason our mother was not in a nursing home, as he loved his momma so dearly. Thank you brother, you truly have a heart of gold. We could not have done this without you!

The family would like to give special thanks to all those who prayed, visited, laughed, cried, and brought food to us during this time. We also want to express our deepest expression of gratitude to our "village" -- everyone who helped take special care of our momma Hope over the years, including all the staff at Agape Home Care- Maria Hernandez, Rolando, Bonnie, Magali; and all the staff at Gentiva Hospice- Dr. Stiller, Chelsea, Roberta, Takisha, Rosalia; and her care coordinator with Presbyterian Karen. You all work with such kindness, care, commitment, and compassion. Thank you so very much!

Pallbearers are Roberta Lopez, Derrick Luna, Danielle Luna, Veronica Alonso, Isabelle Lopez and Geovanie Lopez.

Honorary pallbearers are Arthur Luna, Joe Luna, Jessie Luna, Manuel Luna, Armondo Luna and Mary Vega.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Ballard Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11:00am at St. John's Church. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery.

The family would like to invite everyone to join us for reception celebrating Hope's life at the American Legion, 1620 N. Montana, after the burial services on Friday, January 5th.