Samuel Gutierrez Ybarra

Samuel Gutierrez Ybarra, Sr., 92, of Midland, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Born on November 17, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, to Maria Santiaga Gutierrez and Salvador Ybarra. Sam lived a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. He was known for his independence, strength, and love for his wife and family.

Sam grew up in Los Angeles, CA and met the love of his life, Anita, in middle school. They married on May 24, 1953, and built their life together in Bellflower, California where Sam worked for Boeing Aerospace Company as an interior assembler.  He retired in 1999 and moved to Big Bear, California, with Anita. In 2007 they made their way to Midland, Texas where they lived out their final years together. He loved and was deeply devoted to Anita and cared for her for many years until her death in 2016. For years he would visit her at the cemetery daily.

A veteran of the Korean War, he was known as a hard worker and a devoted provider for his family. He was a devoted Catholic, attended St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Midland, and was a former member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was quite talented and enjoyed woodworking and making tables and chairs. He enjoyed reading and walking the mall in Midland. He was a strongly devoted football fan and loved the Las Vegas Raiders. Independent throughout his life, he continued driving until he was 92. Known as “Dad” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he adored them immeasurably and they brought him great joy.

Sam is survived by his children, Anna Baker of Sacramento, California; Sam Ybarra, Jr. and wife Leticia of Palm Desert, California; John Ybarra and wife Carmen of Bellflower, California; and Marcos Ybarra and wife Gina of Midland, Texas; his son-in-law, Frank Navarette of Glendora, California, husband of his late daughter Delia; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anita, and their daughter, Delia Navarette.

Viewing/visitation: Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Nalley Pickle & Welch funeral home, 3800 N. Big Spring St., in Midland.

Rosary: Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 4601 Neely Ave., in Midland.

Funeral Mass: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Midland with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4616 N. Big Spring St., in Midland.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Hospice of Midland and most especially, Melissa, for their professionalism, their love and support for Sam and his family!

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Samuel Gutierrez Ybarra, please visit our Tribute Store.