Ignacio Morales

Ignacio “Nacho” Sanchez Morales Jr., 91 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 19, 2025. He was born July 11, 1933, in Berino NM to Ignacio Morales (Sr.) and Maria Agripina (Sanchez) Morales. Nacho was the eldest of six children. His siblings are Arturo “Art”, Raymundo “Ray”, Francisco/Frank “Pancho” (deceased), Estella “Stella”, and Pedro “Pete”; they were raised in Hatch NM, on the family farm.

At the age of 19, Nacho joined the US Army, returned home after basic training and married his high school sweetheart, Placida “Patty” Gonzales (deceased). He was stationed at Fort Bragg, in Fayetteville, NC, where he and Patty began their family. After serving his country they returned to NM; first to Hatch, then moving to Las Cruces to be closer to his work at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR).

Nacho and Patty were married on November 8th, 1953; Patty passed away, two months prior to their 70th wedding anniversary.

Nacho retired from WSMR at the age of 55; after retirement he and Patty purchased property near Cloudcroft NM, where they would spend their summers riding their ATV on nearby trials enjoying the refreshing mountain air. He and Patty made many new friends in Cloudcroft and enjoyed group rides in the mountains, sharing potlucks, and working with neighbors on community projects. Nacho and Patty would often host their grandchildren during summer vacations, the kids learned to love the mountains like their grandparents (their legacy of loving the mountains will live on for generations…).

Nacho, loved the outdoors and taught his sons to fish and hunt; Nacho and Patty created many fond memories with their children and grandchildren while experiencing quality time through outdoor adventures; he was a teacher and mentor sharing his knowledge of baiting a hook, navigating though the woods to make sure everyone returned to camp safely, and how to field dressing game after a successful hunt.

In their later years, Nacho and Patty could be found walking the Mesilla Valley Mall visiting with friends, family, and acquaintances, he never met a stranger and had a smile for everyone; he was fondly known as “The Mayor of the Mall”.

Nacho leaves behind five children Danny (& Maryann), Michael, Myra Hannum (Rusty), Phyllis Romero (John), and James (& Carolyn); 13 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

Public Viewing and Rosary are scheduled for May 8th, 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. respectively at Getz Funeral Home. Funeral Services are on May 9th, with mass being at Our Lady of Health at 10:00 a.m.; followed by Burial Services at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens at 11:30 a.m.; then followed by a reception at the VFW on Mesquite Street at 1:00 p.m.

Pallbearers are Steven Morales, Alex Morales, Eric Morales, Ryan Romero, Jared Romero, and Andrew Morales.