Belen Fickes

Maria Belen Montanez Fickes, 88, of Las Cruces passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016. She was born in Old Mesilla to Marcelo and Josefa Montanez (both deceased) and was the first of 8 children. Her surviving siblings are sisters: Nellie, Josie, and Annie.

Belen began her working career as administrative assistant at White Sands Missile Range and she wore many hats while raising her family including: Avon and Tupperware sales lady, B.P.O.E. Does, Scouts leader, Gardening club, P.T.A. member, and others. She was a devout Catholic and member of IHM Cathedral. Being quite talented, she started her own business, Belen's Originals, where dry floral arrangements and ceramics were her forte. She was also an excellent seamstress, cook and home maker while raising 5 children and their extended families. She did it all and family was her life, and we thank her for that.

Belen is survived by children: Barbara K. Howard, Byron W. (Leticia) Fickes, M. Lorraine (Mark) Carver, Patricia F. (Robert) Hann, daughter-in-law Judy Trujillo, and their respective families.
She is preceded in death by husband-William H. Fickes, who passed in 2013; son-Frank J. Trujillo, son-in-law-Larry Howard, parents, her Tia-Simona Lopez, siblings-Frank, Virgie, (infant) Nellie, and Sally, one granddaughter, and one great grandson.

Per their wishes, cremation will take place at Baca's Funeral Chapel. A memorial mass is scheduled at Mesilla Valley Hospice, in their chapel for Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. An additional mass is scheduled at IHM Cathedral at a future date.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation, please consider the Alzheimer's Association.
The family also wishes to thank everyone with the Village at Northrise/ Alzheimer's Unit of Las Cruces, as well as Mesilla Valley Hospice for their dedicated and compassionate care.
Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory. 527-2222. For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com