Pauline Lara Balderas, 96, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Public Viewing will be from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Robert Massie Funeral Home with family receiving friends and family from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Graveside service will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Robert Lee Hispanic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
She was born on January 11, 1930, in the small town of Edith, Texas to Cecilia Mendez Lara and Luther Lara Sr. Pauline married Alfonso Balderas on December 9, 1950 and they shared 55 beautiful years together and raised eight children, before preceding her in death in 2006.
Pauline devoted her life to her family and was a true matriarch. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose steady strength and deep love for her family shaped the lives of those around her. Pauline found joy in crocheting, puzzle books, caring for her plants and helping others because of her kind-hearted nature.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecilia Mendez Lara and Luther Lara Sr.; siblings, Julia Torres, Juanita Tijerina, Alvin Lara Sr., Luther Lara Jr.; husband, Alfonso Balderas; two sons, Ernest Ybarra and David Balderas; and grandson, Brandon Torres.
Pauline is survived by her children, John Balderas and Pauline, Virginia Gutierrez and Mike, Anita Minjarez and Carlos, Rosa Hart, Rudy Balderas and Carmen Aguilar, and Michael Balderas; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
The family would like to thank St. Gabriel Hospice for their exemplary care, compassion, and support.
