Artelia "Tia" Luna, age 78, of Houston, Texas, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on September 13, 2026, just one day before her 79th birthday, following a battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family as she peacefully transitioned. She was born on September 14, 1947, in Houston, Texas, to Lenora Mendez and Marcos Cordova.

Artelia was a devout Christian whose life was rooted in her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She loved reading and studying the Bible, listening to Christian music, and singing for the Lord. She was a member of the Christian musical group Los Sabios de Jesucristo, where she shared her love of God through music.

Artelia had a quiet nature, a stubborn streak, and an enormously loving heart. She was caring and thoughtful and always showed love to those around her. Although she could be quiet, she never wanted to miss what was happening and always enjoyed being "in the mix of it all." Some of her happiest moments were spent with her family, singing Ranchera and Mexican music with her brothers, cousins, and nephews. She also loved a good plate of enchiladas, rice, and beans.

Throughout her life, Artelia worked at a daycare and at a window-manufacturing factory. Above all, she was a devoted homemaker who lovingly cared and provided for her family. After retiring, she cherished the time she could devote to her faith and the people she loved.

Artelia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Charles Luna Sr., who passed away in 2017; her beloved son, Robert Charles Luna Jr., who was born on August 9, 1967, and passed away on August 10, 2002; her parents, Lenora Mendez and Marcos Cordova; her siblings, Juan Garcia, Camilo Garcia, William "Joe" Gonzales, and Dolores "Lola" Torres; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Azhani Rose Monica Najera.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Gloria Jean Luna and Juan "Johnny" Luna (Inez Garza); her grandchildren, Juan Luna Jr. ("Nano"), Jose Luis Luna, Destiny Guillen (Alex), Jacob Marcus Najera, Jeremiah Angel Luna, and Rihanna Luna; and her great-grandchildren, Juan Luna III, Anthony Rene Luna, Carlos Ramirez, Ava Luna, Sienna Elise Guillen, Jaxson Charles Guillen, Jahseh Angel Luna, and Azlan Alaki Najera.

She is also survived by her siblings, Elia Estrada, Virginia Brown, Carlos Brown Jr., and Anita Herrera, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Artelia's greatest desire was to go home to Heaven, where she could lift her arms in praise to the Lord and be reunited with her beloved son, Robert Jr., and the many loved ones who awaited her at Heaven's gates.

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain."
— Revelation 21:4 (KJV)

Even as Artelia walked through the valley of the shadow of death, she feared no evil, for she knew the Lord was with her, as promised in Psalm 23:4. She held tightly to the words of Jesus: "In my Father's house are many mansions … I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).

Today, Tia is in the presence of the Lord, where there is fullness of joy, as promised in Psalm 16:11. She is healed, free from pain, moving her arms in praise, and dancing on the streets of gold. Nothing—not even death—could separate her from the love of God, as declared in Romans 8:38–39. She was wonderfully made, completely known, and lovingly held by God throughout every one of her days, as beautifully expressed in Psalm 139.

She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Most of all, we will miss her nightly good-night message—a simple tradition that meant so much and that we will carry in our hearts forever.

Mom, "Good Night—Sleep With the Angels."

We will always love her, remember her, and be grateful for the many wonderful memories she gave us.

A Special Thank-You: Artelia's children, Gloria and Juan "Johnny," would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Inez Garza for the extraordinary love, patience, and support she gave their mother throughout the past several years. Inez served as Artelia's primary caregiver, took her to countless medical appointments, lovingly cared for her daily needs, and always made certain she was safe, comfortable, and provided for. Inez, thank you for loving our Mom and caring for her as your own. We truly could not have done this without you. We will forever be grateful for everything you did for our mother.