Raquel Sanchez

It is with heavy hearts yet grateful spirits that we announce the passing of Raquel Sanchez, a beloved matriarch, devoted follower of Christ, and compassionate servant, who went to her eternal home in Christ on May 21, 2026, at the age of 87. Raquel was born on August 22, 1938, in San Benito, Texas, to Pulcheria and Vicente Uribe. Her life was a testament to faith, love, and unwavering commitment to her family and community. Raquel was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Luis Sanchez, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage, raised six children and helped raise three grandchildren as their own: Beth, Emelda, and David. Together, they cultivated a life rich in love, faith, and service. Aside from her husband, she also joins her children, Elizabeth Benavidez(Martin) and Benjamin Sanchez, her parents, Vicente and Pulcheria, and siblings Lydia(Melvin) Veach, David Uribe(Anita), Ismael(Marta)Uribe, and Marta(John) Dix, in the embrace of eternity. Raquel's legacy lives on through her surviving family: -Becky Sanchez of San Antonio, granddaughter, Beth Rachel Renee Gomez(Paul) great-grandchildren: Ethan,Daniel, Caleb,Bradley, Addisyn Granddaughter: Angelica Emelda Benavidez(Cristobal); great grandson, Santiago Perera Grandson, David Benavidez, of Houston, Texas. -Ruth Jaime (Eleasar )of Corpus Christi, grandchildren: Israel, Lea Gonzales (Daniel), Adreana, Isaiah, Miriam Garcia (Christopher), Noemi and Zipporah. Great-grands: Zoe, Joseph, and Lila Gonzales. -Esther Gibson (Jeff) of San Angelo, grandchildren, Thomas Gibson (Hannah), Faith Alexander (Jim). Great-grandchildren: Penelope and Callan of San Antonio. -Lydia Baxter (Johnny) of Houston, Texas. Grandchildren: Joshua, Lauren, Jeremiah, Josiah. Her sisters, Elizabeth Lugo, of Corpus, residing in Houston and Mary Helen Muguerza of Houston, also remain to honor her memory. Raquel was not just a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend; she was a fervent follower of Jesus Christ. Her life was dedicated to sharing the transformative power of the Gospel, as she served in various ministries, including women and youth ministry, hospitality, evangelism, and discipleship. Her faith journey led her and Luis to Tepetitlan, Mexico, where they served the Masahuan people. Rachel and her husband were instrumental in providing fresh and accessible drinking water to several small, rural villages in the region, and teaching English. Their courageous step of faith into Mexico, was guided by the Holy Spirit and sustained by the generosity of fellow believers as they heard about the work the Lord was doing through them. Upon returning to the United States, Raquel continued her ministry alongside Luis, supporting him in pastoral duties in Laredo, Texas. In their final years together, Luis and Raquel’s home became a sanctuary of faith, love, and hospitality, welcoming all who sought spiritual growth and community through house church continuing to reach and disciple those the Lord sent their way. Raquel spent her final years in San Angelo, Texas, surrounded by family, where she continued to share the gospel with everyone she encountered, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her profound faith and love were evident in every aspect of her life, and her family is eternally grateful for her example of God’s great love, mercy, and grace. A service to celebrate Raquel’s life will be held on June 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM at University Methodist Church, located at 5084 De Zavala, San Antonio, Texas. As we gather to honor Raquel’s legacy, we remember the life she lived with gratitude and joy, knowing she is now rejoicing in the presence of her Savior. Her family invites all who were touched by her life to join them in commemorating a woman whose heart was ever open, whose faith was ever strong, and whose love was ever present.