Carmen Cortez, 86, of Wolfforth, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Carmen was born on July 16, 1939 in Vernon, TX to Epifanio Zapata and Clara (Barela) Zapata.  She worked for Frenship ISD as both a custodian and cafeteria cook.  On August 15, 1958, she married the love of her life, Santos Cortez and together they shared 67 wonderful years.

Carmen had a gift for cooking and baking, especially her menudo and tamales, which brought joy to her family and friends.  She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and cherished long phone conversations with her sisters.  A devoted Catholic and proud Guadalupana, she was a faithful member of St. Frances of the Assisi Catholic Church.  Carmen also enjoyed family road trips to Michigan, San Antonio, Santa Fe, Dallas, & Seminole, & delighted in  dancing to Tejano and Mariachi music, gardening and cheering for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her son Ruben Cortez; brothers, Mario, Luis, and Domingo Zapata; her sister, Isabel Chavez; and her son-in-law; James "Jimmy" Richey, who surely welcomed her into Heaven

Carmen's memory will forever be cherished by her loving husband Santos Cortez, six children, Santos Cortez, Jr. of Dallas, Robert Cortez, Christina Cortez Richey of Lubbock, David Cortez, Margaret Rodriguez (husband Armando), & Teresa Cortez, eleven grandchildren, Jeremy Cortez, Stephen Cortez of Dallas, Amanda Garcia (husband Abel), Alex Cortez (wife Stefanie), Brandon Parker (wife Caitlin), Matthew Rodriguez, Isaac Rodriguez, Madelynn Stewart, Tatum Stewart, David Lee Cortez, and Devin Cortez, eleven great-grandchildren, four sisters, Juanita Garcia, Cecilia Aguirre, Andrea Vidaurre, and Benita Zapata, and a sister-in-law, Fina Zapata.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, beginning at 3:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Wilsons' Funeral Directors Chapel in Wolfforth.  A Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 9821 Frankfort Ave., in Lubbock with Father Martin Pina, officiating.  Burial will follow at the Wolfforth Cemetery under the care of Wilsons' Funeral Directors of Wolfforth.

Carmen's hands fed many, her laughter and smile brighted every room, and her love bound her family together.  She will be missed deeply, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

We want to thank Hospice of Lubbock for the care and compassion they showed to our loved one during her final journey.