Elydia Flores Barriga

Elydia Flores Barriga, 85, of Odessa, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024. She was born in Karnes City, Texas, to Valentine Flores and Anejilita Alvarado on August 10, 1939. Elydia was the widow of Augustine Bustamante Barriga, with whom she shared 45 beautiful years of marriage. She was known for being honest, charismatic, generous, kindhearted, humorous, and full of life.

Elydia made a lasting impression in her work life. As a housekeeper, she formed enduring friendships with the families she worked for, who admired her amazing work ethic and punctuality. In her retail career at C.R. Anthony’s, she was consistently recognized as the top seller and best dressed, always fashionable with great hair and makeup. She later worked at First Assembly of God for many years, caring for infants in the nursery on Sundays.

Elydia never said no to working additional hours and always went the extra mile—traits she instilled in each of her children. Outside of work, she loved dancing with her husband, “Chirro”, having cookouts with her family and beloved neighbor, Eloisa Sauseda, spending weekends playing Bingo, shopping for the best deals, and hosting sleepovers for her grandchildren.

In her later years, Elydia could often be found at game rooms, as this was her favorite way to pass the time with her sister and children. At home, she was frequently found talking on the phone, catching up with family and friends. She loved her “chisme”. Everyone knew not to disturb her in the evening, as that was her time to watch her telenovelas with her "perrita," Natasha.

Elydia is preceded in death by her parents, Valentine Flores and Anejilita Alvarado; her husband, Augustine Barriga; her brothers, Valentine Flores, Louis Flores, and Juan Flores; her sister, Emma Alaniz; her son, Eloy Armendariz; and her son-in-law, Robert Minjarez.

She is survived by her children: Sylvia Hedke, Delma Balerio and her husband, Willie Balerio, Raymond Barriga, Deann Minjarez and Frank Olguin; her sister, Adelia Flores; her brother, Albert Flores; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Lara; her grandchildren: Krystal Tavarez and her husband, Jorge Tavarez, Kellie Hedke, Mabi Balerio, Esperanza Balerio, Gianna Balerio, Eric Minjarez, Desiree Minjarez, Shelby Minjarez, Sandra Armendariz Vickers and her husband, Don Vickers, Candice Armendariz, Lisa Armendariz, Casandra Armendariz, and Joann Murillo Vejil; as well as her numerous great-grandchildren.

A gathering for family and friends will be held at Martinez Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday September 3rd, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, followed by a rosary and prayer service from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.

Our family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and love shown during our time of sorrow. Elydia will be deeply missed.