Gilbert Ulibarri Pena

Gilbert Ulibarri Pena, 94, of St. Johns, passed away Tuesday, November 2, 2021 in Springerville. He was born June 23, 1927 in St. Johns, the son of Manuel Ortiz Pena and Benina Ulibarri.

Gilbert was a devoted husband, father and friend. He was a WWII Veteran with the 7^th and 13th Air Force Military Police from November 1945 to March 1947.

Gilbert was born and raised in a small adobe house in his beloved town of St. Johns. He found the love of his life in Angellena A. Pena and together they would spend the next 51 years in love and devotion. They loved fishing, dancing and laughing together at silly things. Their love was true.

Gilbert was kind to all animals. He couldn’t and wouldn’t allow an animal to suffer. He kept busy for 94 years. He drove his truck, which he named “Baby” every day for his daily rounds and chopped wood with an ax up until the week before he passed.

Gilbert was a kind and gentle soul who was devoted to his wife, Angellena, daughter, Kathy and son, Robin, who were just as devoted to him. His kindness, unconditional love, hugs, smiles, humor and terrible singing will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Gilbert is survived by his daughter, Kathy Apodaca, Oceano, California; son, Robin Apodaca, Santa Maria, California; brother, Elfigo Pena, Winslow; sister, Cecilia Pena, St. Johns; stepsons, Johnny Apodaca, Arroyo Grande, California; Louis Apodaca, Arroyo Grande, California; Mike Apodaca, Grover Beach, California; and children, David, Mario, Angela, Carol, Susan, 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Angellena Pena, who passed just days before him on October 25, 2021, sons, Dennis M. Pena, Gilbert U. Pena, Jr. and sister, Emilia Madrid.

A viewing will be held Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 6 to 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. Johns, followed by Rosary at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, November 12, 2021 at 10 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, also at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. 

Gilbert will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Angellena Pena, at the St. Johns Catholic Cemetery, following the funeral Mass.