Elizabeth M. "Sugar" Ramirez

With heavy hearts, and grounded in Christian faith, we announce that Elizabeth "Sugar" Ramirez, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Roswell, New Mexico, surrounded by love. She was known for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and the way she brought comfort to everyone around her. Her warmth, compassion, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on all who were blessed to know her. Please take a moment to share a kind thought or memory with "Sugar's" family at www.andersonbethany.com.

Elizabeth was born in Roswell, New Mexico, on November 20, 1945, to Abundio "Eddie" Barreras and Emma Herrera. She later found lasting love with Waltamad "Walt" Ramirez, Jr., and the two were united in holy matrimony on April 26, 2002.

She was preceded in death by her spouses, Manuel A. Sanchez II and Rosendo Pichardo, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her children, Mary Helen Sanchez, Pauline Kirby, and Ralph Pichardo. She was further preceded in death by her parents, Abundio "Eddie" Barreras, Elena Montaño, Emma Herrera Griego, and Fito Griego; and her sisters-in-law, Selma R. Villalobos and Cecilia Lucero.

She is survived by her loving husband, Waltamad "Walt" Ramirez, Jr.; her children, Manuel Sanchez III (Michelle), Melanie Andrade, Rosendo Pichardo, Jr., and Jesse D. Ramirez (Trish). She is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a tremendous source of pride and joy in her life.

She is further survived by her siblings, including Frito Griego, Irene Griego Eoff (Sam), and Edward Debeers; her nieces, Beatrice Romero and Lydia Gomez; her close friend, Delia Stogden; sisters-in-law, Dolores Dominguez, Irene Dominguez, and Belinda Ramirez; and brother-in-law, Nick Ramirez.

A woman of strong faith, Elizabeth was a devoted member of Church on the Move and found comfort in studying her Bible and listening to Christian music. In her later years of life, she found a deep love for God, which became a source of peace, strength, and guidance in her life. She enjoyed talking on the phone with family and friends, trying new recipes, playing bingo, dancing, listening to music, expressing herself through ceramic art and sculpting, and going to the casinos.

She was lovingly accompanied by her two Chihuahuas, Ira and Gucci, who never left her side.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rosendo Pichardo, Jr. and Jesse D. Ramirez, with her grandsons Salvador Flores III (Jr.), RIco Lopez, Manuel A. Sanchez IV, Angel R. Sanchez, Jeremiah I. Sanchez, and Justin Kirby serving as pallbearers.

A Viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 2609 South Main Street, Roswell, New Mexico, with a Funeral service to begin at 1:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Pastor Lawrence Sanchez, the pastors of Church on the Move, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church for their prayers and support. Special thanks are also extended to her nephew, Ignacio Villalobos, her granddaughter, Collette Lopez, her grandson, Manuel A. Sanchez, and Shawna Burgower for their love, care, and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chaves County Cancer Fund.

Elizabeth "Sugar" Ramirez will be remembered for her faith, her love for family, and the gentle kindness she shared so freely with the world.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God has chosen for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way;

I've now found peace at the end of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joys.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;

Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much;

Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seems all to brief;

Don't lengthen your pain with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and peace to thee,

God wanted me now-He set me free.