Rita Martinez

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Rita S. Martinez, 74, of Las Cruces entered eternal life Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 29, 1938 in Carrizozo to William and Carolina Sedillo Martinez. Rita was employed by the state of New Mexico as a secretary and translator. She was a member of the Foster Grandparents; the Alzheimer Association and various school PTAs. Rita was a communicant at St. Genevieve's Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, Don Barela Sr., and Thomas Barela both of Las Cruces; two daughters, Anita Morgan and husband Tim of Ashland, Ohio, Sally B. Salazar of Española; two brothers, Morris Martinez of Las Cruces, Frank Barela of Bakersfield, Calif.; a sister, Mabel Whaling and husband Edward, also of Las Cruces; five sisters-in-law, Hope Martinez and Connie Barela, both of Las Cruces, Josie Barela and Isabel Barela, both of Bakersfield, and Mary Lou Barela of Tucson, Ariz. Other survivors include numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; godchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pascual Barela; two daughters, Yolanda Salas, and Maria Leslie in January 2013 and her siblings. Visitation for Rita will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013 in St. Genevieve's Catholic Church, 100 S. Espina where recitation of the holy rosary is scheduled for 10 a.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter with Rev. Ricardo Bauza officiating. Cremation will follow and inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date. Serving as casket bearers will be Don Sr., Jacob, Thomas and Donald Barela Jr., Jose Melendez, Jim Leslie and Santiago Barela. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory. 527-2222. Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences, log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com.