Maria DeLeon

Maria Emma DeLeon, born on October 29, 1947, in Mexico, passed away peacefully in Lubbock, Texas, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. At the age of thirteen, Maria and her family made a pivotal move to from their homeland to a suburb of Floydada, Texas, laying the foundation for a life marked by unwavering commitment and love. It was in Floydada that Maria met the love of her life, Juan Ramon DeLeon. Their hearts intertwined swiftly, culminating in a marriage just three weeks later in 1965—a testament to the depth of their affection. Together, they journeyed through life’s many phases, ultimately settling in Ralls in 1975, where they dedicated themselves to raising a beautiful family.

Maria’s career began humbly as a young teenage farmhand, displaying a diligent work ethic that would continue to characterize her life's endeavors. However, it was in her role as a homemaker and a devoted mother that she truly excelled, nurturing her children with the warmth of her heart and the strength of her spirit.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Juan of Ralls; children: Maria Esperanza Rosalez, Janie (Ronnie) Gonzalez, Dianna (Diopoldo) Cazares, Erma DeLeon, and Jesus (Minerva) DeLeon; 23 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and siblings: Marcos Contreras, Maria Ruiz, Rosa Borjon, Juan Cruz Contreras, Gregorio Contreras, Reinaldo Contreras, Jose Guadalupe Contreras, Ricardo Contreras, and Javier Contreras.

Maria was preceded in death by two children, Veronica DeLeon in 2003 and Juan DeLeon, Jr. in 2021; siblings, Antonio, Juanito, and Roberto Contreras and Elvira Thayne; one son-in-law, Jerry Rey in 2025; and two grandchildren, Apolonia Galaxy DeLeon and Elizabeth Leal.

Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm, Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Venue on Broadway, 2202 Broadway in Lubbock, with rosary being cited at 7:00 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Ralls with burial to follow at the Ralls Cemetery.

The family wishes to give a special thank you to Minerva DeLeon, Jessica Zamarripa, and Maria Esperanza Rosalez for all the help they provided to Mom; as well as Beloved, Veronica, and Penelope for the sacrifices they made for their grandmother.