Photo courtesy of Baca's Funeral Chapels - Las Cruces
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Nov 7, 1925 – Mar 30, 2022 (Age 96)
MANUELA “NELLIE” DURAN, age 96, entered eternal life, on Wednesday, April 30, 2022. Nellie was born on November 7, 1925, to Francisco and Rafaela Losoya. She grew up on the family farm in Mesquite, New Mexico. Nellie was working at William Beaumont Hospital where survivors of the Bataan Death March were treated and she met one of the survivors, her future husband, Barney Duran.
Nellie raised her three young children alone after becoming a widow. She was a Gold Star mother and a lifelong member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, where she served in various capacities. Nellie was employed by and retired from White Sands Missile Range.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Richard Duran; her beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth “Lisa/Liz” Duran; her brother, John Losoya; her companion of many years, Raul Villapando.
She is survived by her son, Arthur Duran (Celia) of Silver City; daughter, Norma Yates (Richard) of Albuquerque; 6 grandchildren, Rita (Marty) White, Rick (LaRee) Yates, Chris Yates, Bernice (Victor) Ramos, Renee (Rick) Gatewood, and Suzanne (Gabriel) Verdugo; 11 great-grandchildren, Aaron (Leah) Oglesby, Lauren Oglesby, Chris Ramos, Victoria Ramos, Hannah Gatewood, Matthew Barraza, Pamela Barraza, Gabriela Verdugo, Peyton White, Bailey White and Alyssa Yates, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to Father Yossi, the staff of Haciendas at Grace Village, and the staff of Kindred Hospice for their care and compassion during our Mother’s, Grandmother’s final days.
Visitation for Ms. Duran will begin at 9 AM Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 100 S. Espina Street. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue where she will be laid to rest in the family plot.
Serving as casket bearers will be Chris and Rick Yates, Roger Harris, Aaron Oglesby, Victor Ramos and Gabriel Verdugo.
Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com
Read MoreMy Deepest condolences to Norma Yates and family and to the Durans M ay Nellie rest in peace.
Maria and Albino Reyes
April 16, 2022 | Las Cruces, NM | Friend
To the family of Nellie Duran:
With Heartfelt Sympathy
We are sadden to hear about Nellie. She was greatly loved, respected and admired.
May her soul rest in eternal peace. Our sincere condolences.
David Pena Belle Pena Martha Pena Cejka
April 12, 2022
Sending hugs and love to the Duran, Yates and White families. I’ve heard
such special-sweet stories of ‘Nellie’ since I’ve known Rita! May your hearts be filled with the love you shared and memories you will treasure! Thinking of you, The Newton family- Margaret, Danny, Daniel & Claire!
Margaret Newton
April 12, 2022 | Little Rock, AR | Friend
I am really shocked to hear this sad news. It’s been many years since I last saw Nellie. I was 13 years old when her son, Richard, brought me and some friends to his house to hang out. I’ll never forget how Nellie always treated me like family.
My condolences to Art and Norma and the entire Duran family.
Raymond, Alice, and Ben jr. Maese
Raymond Maese
April 11, 2022 | Mesa, AZ
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Art, Celia, and the rest of the family. May your loved one rest in peace.
Linda Lujan
April 11, 2022 | Las Cruces, NM
My condolences to the family. May you all find peace and comfort in the memories you have of your mom/grandma/great grandma. Her stories of being a single mother to two very hungry young men always stick in my mind. I enjoyed getting to know your mom/grandma/great grandma. My prayers will be with you all tomorrow.
Tristan Britton (Hoover)
April 11, 2022 | Silver City, NM
Condolences to Art and his whole family. Sending you prayers and best wishes. Luis, Pat, Randy and Maria
Luis Cordova
April 10, 2022 | Friend
Fond memory with Mrs. Duran
My condolences to Art and the rest of Mrs. Duran’s family. I always looked forward to listening to Mrs. Duran’s funny stories from her past about her children, how she grew up, where she worked, and her many fun trips she and Raul took. Mrs. Duran will be greatly missed. ~Angelic
Angelic Munoz
April 09, 2022 | Silver City, NM