Ruby Tanguma, 75, of Bay City, Texas, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026. She was born November 19, 1950, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to the late Anestacio Garza and Olivia Baltazar Garza. She went peacefully in her sleep and woke up in heaven.

She was an educator for over 35 years. She attended Southwest Texas University where she met the love of her life. She started her teaching career in San Marcos, TX and then moved to Bay City, TX. She inspired and motivated her students to always do their best. She was recognized and received many teaching awards locally, state-wide and nationally.

She had a strong faith. Her family and friends were everything to her. She always had the brightest smile and never met a stranger. She loved to travel and take adventures with her family and friends. She was an avid reader.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Anestacio Garza (father), Olivia Baltazar Garza (mother), Rita Garza (stepmother); her sister, Yolanda Gonzalez; and her son, Joe Tanguma II.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joe Tanguma; her son, David Tanguma; her daughter, Sarah Padilla (Steven Padilla); daughter-in-law, Jenny Wells; and her grandchildren, Caris, Adriene, Josie and Steven. Other survivors include her brother, Robert Garza (Brunie) and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Services for Ruby will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested to make donations in Ruby’s name to Angel’s Care Hospice.