Photo courtesy of Baca's Funeral Chapels - Las Cruces
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Jul 27, 1959 – Nov 26, 2019 (Age 60)
MICHAEL RAY AVELAR entered eternal life on Tuesday November 26, 2019, with his wife, son and eldest grandson by his side. Michael was born on Monday July 27, 1959, to Arturo Salazar and Gloria Duran Avelar. He was a lifelong resident of Las Cruces and graduated from Mayfield High School in 1978. He was a gifted athlete who excelled in many sports. Michael was co-captain of his varsity basketball team and played position of point guard. Michael was a great leader and led his team to many victorious outcomes. Michael also played Varsity baseball for Mayfield High School. In his teen years he played for the Met’s baseball team. As an adult he went on to play softball in the GREATER LAS CRUCES SLOW PITCH ASSOCIATION Sanctioned by USSSA. He played in the Gold League. He will be going into the NMUSSSA State Hall of Fame in February, in the Player category.
Michael began his retail career working for Safeway and went on to expand his retail experience working at Smith’s, Albertsons and Furrs. He ended his work career working for Walmart and Sams Club for over 19 faithful and loyal years.
Michael was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed countless fishing and hunting excursions with his family and friends.
Michael is survived by his parents Arturo and Gloria Avelar; his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Letty; son Steven Michael Avelar (Ember) of Las Cruces; two daughters, Racquel Marlena Arnett (Jordan) of Fort Drum, New York. Rebecca Jo Prosko (Josh) of El Paso, Texas. His grandsons, Jaron and Abram Avelar and Noah Prosko; his sisters, Bernice Valencia (Joseph), Sandra Cardon (Mario), and his godson Michael Paul Varela all of Las Cruces, and numerous nieces and nephews, many aunts, uncles and cousins. Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Pascual and Josefa Avelar; and maternal grandparents Antonio and Elisa Duran.
A Memorial Service for Michael will be held at 10 AM Friday, December 6, 2019 at Heart for the World Church, 1605 S. Valley Drive. A Reception will follow at the Beverly Hills Hall, 150 Hermosa Street from 12 Noon to 4 PM.
Michael will also be remembered for the joy and laughter he brought to everyone. He will be greatly and dearly missed by all his family and friends.
Special thanks to Mesilla Valley Hospice and nurse, Anthony Alaniz. Also, Southwest Heart PC, Danielle Ruiz, AGAENP-BC and office staff, Alex, Jesus and Thelma.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels, of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com
Read MoreIt´s been3 years brother, but it hurts like it just happened yesterday. My comfort comes from above knowing I will see you again one day. I sure do miss you! Love you s8 much.
bernice valencia
November 26, 2022 | Family
I met Mike years ago. Kinda lost touch. Just found out through some friends that he passed away. Broke my heart to hear. Mike had the best sense of humor and heart. Hurts to know I will never see or speak to him again. The good times and laughter will always be with me.
Jessica Carabajal Marquez
August 11, 2021
Already been a year, Mike's laughter and upbeat nature will always be missed, you could always count on him making you laugh as well we certainly could use his sense of humor during these times RIP
Anthony Woods
November 26, 2020 | Las Cruces, NM | Friend
To be absent of the body is to be present with the Lord. JESUS is there ready to embrace you with Love beyond measure! We know your new address, Heaven! The place where there is no more tears, no more pain or sorrow. Praise God for His perfect love, mercy, forgiveness, and His Wonderful Grace.
Linda & Beatrice De La O
April 26, 2020 | Las Cruces, NM | Classmate
My deepest heartfelt condolences to the Avelar Family. It was truly an honor to have known Michael since childhood. A true friend. May God Bless the Avelar family. Rudy Hernandez
Rudy Hernandez
December 20, 2019 | Las Cruces, NM | Friend
Mike Lord rest your soul I met you thru the Safeway gang on main I was kid Lord put your angels around Mike's family my condolences
Jesse Rodriguez
December 06, 2019 | Arizona
We are sorry for your loss. Mike AKACarni was such a great person, Carni will live on in my memories forever. My heartfelt condolences. I grew up in the Washington height's neighborhood off popular, looking up to the older kids playing Basketball, football and baseball. Mike, Tony Trotter, Danny Rascon, Pat Cardenas and the Fielders were the top ballers. As a high school kid I had the opportunity to play slow pitch with Mike and the top players in las Cruces. We won several tournaments...
Sal Betancourt
December 06, 2019 | Las Cruces, NM
My deepest condolences to Mike's family on his passing my heartfelt prayers go out to all of you. Mike was a long time friend of our family, he will be missed deeply.
Sincerely,
Julie Reyes
December 06, 2019
My sincerest condolences to my friend Bernice Valencia and her family upon the loss of her brother Michael. God does comfort.
Javier Soliz
December 06, 2019 | Las Cruces, NM | Friend
