ELLA MARIE APODACA DE GAMBOA, 93, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 12, 2026. She was born September 2, 1932, in Las Cruces where she was raised with her three older brothers. She grew up living and playing on Amador Avenue with her brothers and many of her first cousins.  An original Bulldog of Las Cruces Union High School, she enjoyed playing the drums in the band. On August 14, 1952, Ella Marie married Eddie Gamboa and had three children, Laurie, Valerie, and Rodney. She supported their family while Eddie completed his engineering degree. As he worked on various aerospace assignments, the family lived in California, North Dakota, and Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands. Ella Marie played a large role in the upbringing of her nephew, Robert Apodaca, who spent much time during his life with the Gamboa family. She was an avid lover of animals and a devout Catholic throughout her life. She also loved to travel, cook for her loved ones, and entertain. After retiring, Eddie and Ella Marie spent their remaining years in Las Cruces enjoying the company of family and friends. Spending time with her three great-grandchildren brought her immense joy and love. She shared her love of sports with them and was a life-long fan of Notre Dame football. Ella Marie is survived by daughters Laurie and Valerie Gamboa, daughter-in-law Deirdre Gamboa, nephew Robert Apodaca (Mae), sister-in-law Mary Chemelis, granddaughter Tahisha Banegas (David), great-grandchildren Lucia, Joaquin, and Mario; step-grandchildren Lina, Davi, and Jose (Dey), and step-great-great grandchild Henry, as well as many loving extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvino and Consuelo Apodaca, her brothers, Alvino Jr., Felix, and Gene Apodaca, and her son Rodney Gamboa. Ella Marie's family gives special thanks to Henry and Tini Apodaca, Gilbert Apodaca, Robert Apodaca, Patsy Villareal, and Christina Chavez-Kelley for their love and support. They would also like to thank Father Bill McCann, Father David Klein, and all the friends and family that brought joy to her life. Finally, they extend their gratitude to the staff of Enhabit Hospice. A celebration of Ella Marie's life will begin with The Holy Rosary at 9:30 AM Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina Street. The Memorial Mass will follow immediately thereafter with The Revered Bill McCann, Celebrant. The Rite of Committal and Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Garden Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue.  Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com