Maria Eloisa (Gallegos) Tapia was born March 10, 1929 in Leyba, New Mexico; she was the daughter of Felix and Anieceta (Lopez) Gallegos.

She grew up in Gonzales Ranch, New Mexico and attended school in Gonzales Ranch. On May 6, 1946, Eloisa was married to Salomon A. Tapia in Villanueva, New Mexico. To this union, ten children were born. The couple made their home in Tapia, New Mexico, then Portales, New Mexico before moving to Oklahoma in 1959. Eloisa was a Dairy Farmer’s wife.

She was a member of the St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Woodward. She became the Director of the Hispanic Ministry under Father Wriggle and Father Vaught. She enjoyed her yard work and crocheting names for anyone who wanted one. Eloisa took in guests of all nationalities and they were treated just as if they were family. She loved helping people, being with her family and church family, loves babies and at the end of her day, loved reading her Bible.

Survivors include seven children; two sisters; 18 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband in September of 2003; her father in 1982, her mother in 1948, two sons, Santiago Tapia when he was six months of age, John Robert Tapia in 2012 and a grandson, Lance Riley on June 23, 1993.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2015 at the St Peter’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Joe Arledge as Celebrant and Father Vincent Raminedu. A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2015 at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Deacon Phil Kenny and Deacon Santiago Ontiveros presiding. Burial will be in the Elmwood Cemetery.