Maria Gomez

Maria Laura Gomez, 58, of Casa Grande died on July 7, 2013, at home.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel, with rosary recited at 7. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Community Center.

Ms. Gomez was born on Sept. 3, 1954, in Douglas. She was a care giver and enjoyed needlework, reading, spending time with family and friends, holidays and baking. Known as LaLa, she was a strong woman, a matriarch and the backbone of her family, a loving mother and counselor. She loved casino games.

Survivors include a daughter, Ana Verduzco of Phoenix; her father, Rafael A. Gomez of Casa Grande; three brothers, Rafael A. and Carlos Gomez of Casa Grande and Ernesto Gomez of Phoenix; and a sister, Marisela Gomez of Casa Grande. She was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Smith, and her mother, Mary Jane Gomez.