Victoria Ramona Betancur Estrada

Victoria Ramona Betancur Estrada

Las Cruces - Victoria Ramona Betancur Estrada, 76 years old, of Las Cruces passed away on Tuesday, March 9th, surrounded by her children, eldest grand-daughter, and son-in-law.

Vickie (as she was known to most people) was born in Tularosa, NM, to Victor Betancur and Vicenta Mendoza Betancur. She attended Tularosa Municipal Schools and ultimately received her high school diploma from Mayfield High School where she graduated with honors.

Vickie's first job was support staff for the Laborer's Union. She worked with them off and on until the1980's because it allowed her to also work a second job while raising her three children. The ability, passion, and enthusiasm allowed her to advance from Cashier to Head Cashier to Front-End Manager, then into Assistant Store Manager and her ultimate dream job as a District Trainer. She rode the crazy train of the grocery business with all the mergers, sales, and unfortunately, store closures. She missed it greatly when she retired. She continued to work in various positions, volunteered with various civic and community agencies, and took continuing education classes at the Dona Ana Community College to expand her knowledge in computers and computer software (Word and Excel) which afforded her the opportunity for part-time positions during retirement because she couldn't sit still but knew being on her feet as a cashier was too hard on her body. The most rewarding for her were those positions where she interacted with people. Vickie was very disappointed in not being able to volunteer with AARP to assist seniors with tax filings over the last 2 years due to the pandemic.

Vickie gave of her time generously as a member of the Alter Society at Immaculate Conception Church in Alamogordo. In Las Cruces, she served the Catholic Church in Women's Aglow, home bound ministries, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Sunday Brunch Bible Study, and volunteered with Catholic Charities. In the community, she volunteered her time with the VISTA organization and Head Start where she served as President of the Policy Advisory Committee in 1966 and 1967. She honored her civic duty by remaining involved in politics until she passed. She worked tirelessly in the campaigning and election process of Municipal Judges, County Clerks, State Senators and Legislators, U.S. Senators and Congressmen, Governors, Presidents and Vice-Presidents. Because of her political involvement, she received a Coat of Arms Certificate from Governors Bruce King and David Cargo. She served the Retail Clerk's Union as Shop Steward for three consecutive terms and supported all union strikes.

Vickie is preceded in death by her eldest brother, Chuy Betancur; her mother, Vicenta Mendoza Betancur; and her father, Victor Betancur.

Vickie is survived by her eldest daughter, Cecilia V. (Estrada) Baca, husband James; son, Conrad A. Estrada; and youngest daughter, Ruby M. Estrada; her five Grandchildren in order of birth: Brian Estrada; Clorae Victoria Baca; Alexis (Estrada) Calvillo, husband Leonard; Amanda Estrada; and Sophia Estrada; seven Great-Grandchildren in order of birth: Jacqui Estrada, Victor Estrada, Santiago Lopez, Mia Calvillo, Milan Palma, Massimo Palma, and the soon-to-be Lendell Calvillo (due April 7th). Additionally, she leaves behind her sisters and brothers: Maria (Betancur) Briseño, Betty (Betancur) Luevano, Paz Betancur, and Victor Betancur; along with several beloved nieces and nephews, as well as numerous maternal and paternal cousins with whom she was good about forging and maintaining relationships. She will be greatly missed and leaves a hole in many lives and hearts.

A funeral mass for Victoria Estrada will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, 1327 N. Miranda, Las Cruces, NM 88005, on Monday, March 29th at 1:30 p.m. Holy Cross is adhering to all state and federal mandates of mask wearing and social distancing. To sign the online guest book visit www.LaPaz-Grahams.com.

Arrangements have been taken care of by La Paz - Grahams Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005.

Our mother has requested in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to your favorite Catholic organization: St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Vincent de Paul Pantry, and/or Catholic Charities of Southern NM.