Obituary

Elidia (Lilly) S. Vargas of Plainview, TX passed away peacefully on June 01, 2021 in her home with loved ones at her side, including her little dog “Lobo.”. Lilly was born on March 10,1938 in Gillett, TX to Ismael Salas and Maria Luna Salas living much of her early life in the countryside where she built the basic elements that led to a lifelong character of hard work and perseverance. She married Felipe Vargas in 1955 and began a family. She was a driven, courageous, and resourceful woman, who labored to provide for her family and to ensure that they were afforded every opportunity, even at times, working multiple jobs. In the 1990s, she ventured to attend culinary school in Mankato, MN and was certified as a baker which led to her work as a pastry maker until retirement. A lifelong goal was to purchase a home and land to share with her children. With steadfast persistence she realized this dream and true to her spirit, her home was a place of refuge, where loved ones were welcomed with loving arms and made to feel special. A favorite saying was ‘Donde come uno comen todos.” She was known for hiding small gifts throughout her house to surprise her loved ones at special occasions or ‘just because’ – her children and grandchildren delighted in seeing her bring out carefully chosen items from small corners around the house and knew she was always thinking about them. Those that knew her well also witnessed she was a humorous person that told spirited and wry jokes and that she laughed hardest at her own jokes, inevitably making everyone in the room break out with laughter simply at her joy. Her hobbies included thrifting, garage sales, gardening, quilting, crafting pillowcases, and cooking for family and friends.

Both powerful and soft, Lilly was full of fire and full of love; possessing strength and dignity and at the same time a gentle affection that touched those around her in ways that are unforgettable. Lilly loved fiercely and protected with passion. A wise and devoted Christian, she read her bible daily and dedicated much time to the church. She was known for her wisdom, providing spiritual guidance to help keep loved ones on a strong and steady path. She was also known for giving of her humble means and feeding the hungry and homeless even when lacking herself. Lilly: a beautiful soul who will be missed – a fire that will forever burn in our hearts. Mom, Madre, Mamacita, Madrecita, Sister, Grandma thank you for sharing of your strength, your character, your devotion, your life.

Elidia is survived by 3 sons: Philip Vargas III and Jose Vargas both of Plainview, Armando Vargas of Mablewood, MN. 4 Daughters; Abigail Vargas of Tulsa, Ok., Barbara Vargas of Lorenzo, Tx., Dr. Gracie Vargas of Galveston, Tx. and Juanita Ortega of San Antonio, Tx. 3 Sisters: Olivia Luna Salas of San Antonio, Tx., Linda Zuniga of Amarillo, Tx., and Lisa Mata of Tulia, Tx., 4 Brothers: Ismael Salas Jr., of Wichita, Ks., Daniel Salas of Amarillo, Tx., Ezekiel Salas of Columbus, NM., and Israel Salas of Sanger, Tx., 30 Grandchildren and 55 Great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by Children: Sylvia Gonzalez and Jose Antonio Vargas, Siblings: Blanca Garza, Modesta Rios, Stefani Hernandez and Samuel Salas.

Funeral service for Elidia will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Lemons Memorial Chapel in Plainview. Internment will follow at Plainview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00PM until 7:00PM Friday, June 4, 2021 at Lemons Memorial Chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to Lemons Funeral Home.