Gayla Ann Urbina (née Crews), age 86, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, faith, creativity, and devotion to family.

She was preceded in death by her older sister Jo Nell, whom she loved very much.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Andrew Urbina; sons: Guy, Aaron, Chris; and six cherished grandchildren.

Born on August 3, 1939, and raised in Lindale, Texas, Gayla grew up as a small-town country girl. She spent her early years around a farm and was raised in a large, close-knit family. Material possessions were few, but love, cooperation, and a willingness to help one another were abundant. These early experiences shaped her lifelong values of kindness, humility, and service to others.

Gayla attended high school in Lindale before continuing her education at the University of Texas at Austin. In her early adult years, she traveled to Bolivia to participate in missionary work, an experience that reflected her deep Christian faith and commitment to serving others. After returning to the United States, she began her career in education with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Education Department, teaching and supporting the local Native American population in Gallup, New Mexico. It was during this time in Gallup, while working in BIA education, that she met her future husband, Andrew Urbina.

She later spent most of her professional life as an elementary school teacher, dedicating many years to teaching kindergarten, a role that perfectly suited her calm, gentle, and nurturing nature. She also served for several years as a student counselor. Her students and colleagues knew her as dependable, patient, and committed to the children in her care.

Above all else, Gayla was most proud of being a mother. She devoted herself fully to raising her family, running the household, and creating a stable, loving home. She raised her three sons, Guy, Aaron, and Chris, with a balance of discipline and compassion, leading primarily by example. She was gentle but firm, kind without being permissive, and unfailingly respectful of others. Many who knew her remarked that they never once heard her speak ill of anyone, nor even use a curse word.

Gayla was creative and found joy in painting and writing. She especially loved to paint flowers and gave her artwork freely to others, preferring to share her creations rather than keep them. She also enjoyed writing poetry and practical pieces, including an article about Chihuahuas that was published. While she quietly held hopes of becoming a professional writer, she never allowed personal ambition to take precedence over her devotion to her family.

Gayla spent most of her adult life in Gallup, New Mexico, where she and her husband raised their children and became part of the community.

Gayla Ann Urbina will be remembered as a kind, calm, and devoted mother, a woman of strong faith, and a gentle presence who treated everyone with respect. Her legacy lives on through the example she set and the love she gave so freely to her family and all who knew her.

Gayla will be laid to rest on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 1:00pm at Santa Fe National Cemetery located at 501 N Guadalupe St, 87501.