A memorial in Virgie Cruz Chavez’ home pays homage to her late husband, Gilbert, who was killed in the line of duty.
“When you love a wonderful man, like Gilbert, my first and true love, everything changes. Grief doesn’t vanish; it becomes a part of you,” says Virginia Cruz Chavez.
June 16, 1975, Virgie would lose the man she loved so dearly, her husband, Phoenix Police Officer, Gilbert R. Chavez. Gilbert was killed, heroically, in the line of duty whilst responding to a burglary in progress at a radiator business. As he attempted to stop the two suspects, both juveniles at the time, he was hit in the back of the head with an old credit card imprinter, which resulted in him losing grip of his revolver, which was then used to shoot Gilbert in the chest.
Both suspects in Gilbert’s murder were apprehended and sentenced to prison but have since been paroled for their crimes.
Gilbert R. Chavez
Gilbert was a 1971 graduate of Hayden High School. He was an outstanding trackman, setting multiple records and an 2x All-Conference Fullback in football and lettered in both sports.
“We were high school sweethearts,” said Virgie. “We drifted apart for a little while after graduation, but we found our way back to each other.”
Virgie attended U of A while Gilbert attended her rival school, ASU. But he soon transferred to Pima College.
“He once told me, I was his second love. God was his first, but I was his second.” She then showed me one of her favorite gifts from Gilbert, a Bible, and on the front page it is inscribed, “Virgie, May this Bible lay the foundation for an everlasting sacred love between us, and Christ. Love always, Gilbert.”
Gilbert married Virgie Jan. 12, 1974, but eager to start his career as a Police Officer, they cut their honeymoon from two weeks to 18 hours, so Gilbert could start the police academy the next morning.
“He proudly joined the Phoenix Police Department on his 21st birthday,” Virgie said, starting his first day on the force eight days later. But his promising new career would come to a halt 17 months later.
“That whole day, I remember, Gilbert kept acting strangely. Telling me things such as ‘if something ever happens to me,’” said Virgie. She explained he even hesitated to leave for work that day, in fact. Although he was already running late, he came back three separate times. One of those times, he brought her the spare keys to their CJ-5 Jeep and insisted on her knowing where they were. “He even told my brother as he was leaving ‘if anything happens to me, take care of your sister.’”
She said it was so odd that she even told him to stay home that evening, but he told her “No, I have to go.”
“He knew,” she said. “He knew that was going to be the last time we saw each other.”
She said about 12:30 she awoke to a pain in her chest. She said she called out to her brother, “Something is wrong with Gilbert,” she said, but her brother comforted her, trying to convince her everything was okay.
A few minutes later, she received a knock on her door, but she already knew his fate.
“Although I couldn’t understand (at the time) why this happened to him at such a young age, I can now say ‘Thank you God,’ for Gilbert, his love, and his gentle spirit lives on through our memories.” She added, “I know he is at peace and continues to watch over me and his loved ones.”
As I sat in her living room, I was in awe. Virgie had what seemed to be everything of Gilbert. Photos, medals, accomplishments, every news article, police report and document pertaining to his death. But as I was leaving, she showed me his briefcase, and inside was his lettermen sweater and track uniform, both in pristine condition, as if they had just been placed there.
In the 50 years since his death, it is apparent that Virgie stayed true to her and Gilbert’s faith. Staying strong in her religion and being an active member of her church is one of the most important aspects of her life. The way she spoke so fondly of Gilbert’s memory is a testament of how much she truly cared for, rather loved, Gilbert.
“I had someone and something that a lot of people don’t have in a lifetime,” she said.
Virgie says part of her heart “went with Gilbert when he left this world” but she discovered, later in life, she would find a love just as great; when she says, by the grace of God, she was blessed with three loving, wonderful, and caring children who blessed her with seven beautiful grandchildren.
Gilbert’s funeral took place at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hayden. Over 370 officers from 39 agencies, both from and outside of Arizona, were in attendance along with his family, friends, and other dignitaries. He was laid to rest alongside his father, Luis, at Mountain View Cemetery, and was joined by his mother, Belen, after her passing in 2018.
To mark the 50th anniversary of Gilbert’s heroism, and to celebrate his life, the family is holding a Memorial Mass on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Following Mass, the Phoenix Police Honor Guard will be placing a Memorial Wreath in his honor at his gravesite at Mountain View Cemetery. The family would like to invite anyone who would love to join in celebrating his great life and sacrifice to attend.
Author’s note: Virgie, I would like to personally thank you, for the opportunity for me to come into your home, and for allowing me, even for just a brief moment, to be a part of your (and Gilbert’s) lives and for teaching me so much about someone who should never be forgotten.