Manuela Acosta Villagomez

Longtime White Deer resident Manuela Villagomez, 82, passed-away on Monday, Nov. 23, after a three-year battle with liver cancer. Both her family and a large circle of friends touched by the life of this caring woman mourn her passing while also celebrating her life. This loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend died in her home while peacefully sleeping.

Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Manuela lived a full life and was a caring wife, wonderful mother, homemaker and housekeeper. She loved to cook, kept an immaculate house, crocheted blankets for her children and loved to tend to her flowerbeds. Most of all, she loved her family. She helped people in need and instilled strong values in her children. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in White Deer.

Manuela is survived by her husband of 47 years, Salvador Villagomez, her children Nelly and Cris Villagomez and four grandchildren: Luis Vega, Elizabeth Soto, Skylar Villagomez and Rowan “Cristobalito” Villagomez, and her greatgrandchildren.

Both family and friends retain touching memories of the life of Manuela.

Her daughter, Nelly, shared one of many special memories. “My favorite memory with my mom is our trip to the west coast. There was never a dull moment because my mom loved to tell stories while traveling.  While driving to Barstow from Los Angeles to catch I-40 to go home, my mom saw a “miles to” sign that showed Las Vegas, her eyes got really big and she quickly and excitedly asked, ‘Does that sign mean Las Vegas, where the maquinitas (machines) are?’ I said yes. My mom then said, call your dad and tell him we will be delayed a few days. My mom LOVED to play the slots, the first night I finally convinced her to go to bed at about 4 a.m. I considered my mom a true Wonder Woman, my best friend and sometimes a force to be reckoned with because she was a caring but stern parent.”

Manuela’s son, Cris, also shared a precious memory. “Some of my best moments with my mom were traveling with her.  She was a great copilot and there was never a quiet moment in the car when it was us. I’d hear stories from her childhood to the present day everything from struggles to victories.  The best memory of my mom and me was when we were going to one of her cancer treatments in Dallas and we got Whataburger at 10 p.m. and sat up late and caught up on her novellas, she loved from television. She was my hero, and I never knew a harder working woman. She took pride in all she did from the food she cooked to the house she built and kept.” 

As an expression of sympathy, Memorial donations may be made to Crown of Texas Hospice Foundation ATTN: BSA Hospice of the Southwest #3 Care Circle, Amarillo, TX, 79124.