Manuela “Yita” Sanchez, 88, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, in Waxahachie, Texas. Born on October 5, 1937, in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Praxedis Acosta and Maria Trinidad Zubia, Yita was a woman of deep faith, unwavering strength, and boundless love.

 In her early twenties, she immigrated to the United States in search of greater opportunities and built a life centered on family, hard work, and service to others. On November 27, 1960, she married the love of her life, Roberto O. Sanchez. Together they created a loving home and raised their family with values of faith, compassion, and perseverance. Yita worked for many years as a seamstress before dedicating herself to her family as a homemaker. Later, she returned to the workforce as a cafeteria worker, where she faithfully served others until retirement. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and strong work ethic. Nothing brought Yita more joy than spending time with family. She expressed her love through her cooking and was especially known for her delicious brisket, her much loved menudo, and what many considered the best sweet tea ever. Her kitchen was a place where family gathered, memories were made, and everyone felt welcome. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roberto O. Sanchez; her parents, Praxedis Acosta and Maria Trinidad Zubia; her sister, Magdalena Ingram; her brothers, Armando Acosta and Gabriel Acosta; and her son-in-law, Mark Ochoa.

 She is survived by her children, Terri Gonzales (Paz), Catalina Ochoa, Rosy Muñoz (Arturo), Anna Davalt (Jim Ed), and Freddy Sanchez; her brothers, Juan Daniel Acosta and Oscar Acosta; her sisters, Maria Socorro Duran and Martha Wright; and her beloved grandchildren: Jamar Gonzales, Whitney McElwain, Alexia Hardin, Justin Ochoa, Hillary Ochoa, Victoria Layman, Jeremy Muñoz, Jeffrey Muñoz, Jordan Muñoz, David Davalt, Tyler Davalt, Robert Davalt, Courtney Chavez, Ryan Sanchez, and Marissa Hernandez. She also leaves behind 27 cherished great-grandchildren and three precious great-grandchildren soon to arrive.

 Her grandchildren will honor her memory as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. Yita's legacy lives on through the family she loved, the faith she shared, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and generosity. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and nursing staff at Brookdale Waxahachie and VitalCaring Hospice for the compassionate, loving, and dignified care they provided to Yita. Their kindness, comfort, and support brought great peace to both her and her family during her final days and will always be remembered with deep appreciation. 

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23 With love, gratitude, and eternal admiration, we honor the memory of Manuela “Yita” Sanchez and celebrate a life beautifully lived.