Martha Garibay

Martha Garibay peacefully left this world on March 9, 2017, at the age of 91, to joyfully enter the pearly gates of Heaven. Martha’s celebration of life and funeral services will be at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd. in Waco, Texas, 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 13. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 12, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Martha was born on November 27, 1925, and was preceded in death by her mother, Matilda Hairston; her father, Henry Hairston; and her husband of 48 years, Robert Garibay, Jr. Martha’s greatest pride was her three children. She faithfully attended church and raised her children in the church with the belief that God needed to be at the center of their lives. Anyone who knew Martha knew that she was a strong, opinionated woman with a deep respect for her husband as head of the household, but who had no fear in expressing her views. In fact, Martha attended Four-C College and took business courses when not many women sought a post-secondary education. Later, Martha supported her family while Robert attended college. She traveled to west Texas, South America and wherever her husband’s work took the family. Martha went on to help Robert build a family owned business, Holiday Drycleaners and Uniform Rental in Waco, where they settled. It is in Waco, that Martha thrived with her family and forged some of her greatest friendships. She loved to sing and worship the Lord and continued to stay active by traveling with her Road Runner group from church and participating in the many activities Highland Baptist provided for seniors and widows. Martha also served the Lord in many ways, such as traveling to Guatemala on one of Baylor’s Medical Missions to serve as a translator for the group. She often told her children that the good things that one does in life adds jewels to his or her heavenly crown. So her children are sure that as she entered the gates of heaven this past Thursday, the crown that awaited her was full of jewels that reflected the beauty of the life she led on earth. She is survived by her sons, Bob Garibay and wife, Judy, and Mike Garibay and wife, Rolyn; and her daughter, Yvonne Kaatz and husband, Kelly; as well as her grandchildren, Robert Garibay, Andrew Garibay, Danielle Garibay, Michelle Lowe, Travis Kaatz, Taylor Kaatz, Jasmine Garibay, Ty Kaatz, and Michael Garibay; and great-grandchildren, Annabelle Garibay, Andie Garibay, and Olive Garibay. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.