Elma was born on December 7, 1943 in Laredo, Texas.  She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 4, 2022.  Elma was a 1961, ROTC, Honor Roll graduate from Martin High School. She was the co-owner of Eloy Insurance Agency where she assisted in managing business operations.

She married the love of her life, Fernando Gutierrez, on March 4, 1962. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary in March 2022. As the matriarch of the family, she dedicated herself to her husband and children. They actualized their shared dream by instilling in their children the value of earning a college education. She embodied much care and love for her entire family. It was understood that when you entered her house, you were expected to eat to your heart's content and dance in her kitchen.

Elma is survived by her five children-Leticia (Roland) Hinojosa, Rosa Maria (Abraham+) Gutierrez, Fernando (Peggy) Gutierrez, Jr., Eloy (Cynthia) Gutierrez, and Carlos (Eduardo Hernandez) Gutierrez.  She is also survived by nine (9) grandchildren-David Gerardo Salinas, Jr., Rolando Martin Hinojosa, Abraham Angel Gutierrez, Jr., Marcos Daniel Gutierrez, Alonzo Rene Gutierrez, Steven Fernando Gutierrez, Samuel Fernando Gutierrez, Cynthia Gabriela Gutierrez, and Andrea Anneliese Gutierrez, and two great granddaughters, Bella Rose Salinas and Ava Janelle Salinas. Elma is also survived by her two brothers Francisco Martinez Jr., Felipe Martinez, her sister Elva Elizondo and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Fernando Gutierrez; brother, Ramiro Martinez and her parents Francisco and Josefa Martinez.

Visitation hours will be held on Friday December 9, 2022 at 9:00 am with the rosary at 10:00 am at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

A mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial service will follow at Zapata County Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.