Elaine Louise Trujillo

Elaine Louise Trujillo passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in her sleep on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 70, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Born in Socorro, New Mexico on June 20th, 1955, she was the third oldest of seven children. Elaine was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and devoted educator whose strength and kindness shaped the lives of many.

Small at birth, small of stature, but tough as a rhino (her spirit animal), Elaine faced life with quiet determination and unwavering courage. Her son, Cris, was born just before she turned 17, yet Elaine refused to let life’s early challenges define her limits. She attended night school to graduate proudly with her Mayfield class of 1973 — a testament to her resilience and resolve.

In 1975, she began working on the 5th floor of the First National Bank Tower as an Administrative Assistant in the Commercial Loans Department. Driven by a passion to help others, she later pursued her education at New Mexico State University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology in 1984 and her Master’s degree in 1986.

Elaine dedicated 35 years to serving children in school districts throughout Alabama, California, and New Mexico. Her final and most cherished years were spent at Alameda Elementary School in Las Cruces, where she nurtured students with compassion, patience, and encouragement. She helped children find their voices, strengthen their communication skills, and gain the confidence they needed to succeed in school and in life.

Family was the heart of Elaine’s world. Her nieces and nephews were a great source of joy, and she took pride in their successes, always offering warmth, guidance, and unconditional love. Known for her cooking and generous hospitality, Elaine created lasting memories through family gatherings and especially her beloved Thanksgiving celebrations. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of home to all who gathered around her table.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine A. Trujillo (Arellano) and Arthur E. Trujillo, Sr.. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Slater; her son, Cristopher Stern (Carrie) of Denver, CO; her sisters Margaret Franklin (Richard) Canyon Country, CA, Arthie Jo Shuman (Alan) Santa Fe, NM, Geraldine Garcia (Tony) Albuquerque, NM, and Patricia Soybel (Josh) Katy, TX; her brothers Arthur E. Trujillo Jr. (Leticia) Las Cruces, NM, and James Trujillo (Rashmi) Alexandria, VA; and her stepchildren Christopher James Slater (Michelle), Dustin Slater, and Tammy Slater, all of Grants, New Mexico.

In accordance with Elaine’s wishes, she will be cremated. A family gathering will be held in Santa Fe, NM this summer on her birthday.

Elaine’s legacy of strength, compassion, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a contribution to the Diabetes Association.