Maria Martha Barragan

Maria Martha Barragan, "Martha," passed away surrounded by her loved ones March 25, 2025. She was born July 20, 1943, in San Francisco del Oro, Chihuahua, to Lucas and Josefa Retana. In 1970 she eloped and married Ruben I. Barragan in Las Cruces, New Mexico, but their entire life was spent in El Paso, Texas, where they raised their only child, Michelle. Martha was a full-time homemaker until 1983 when she began helping her husband operate and manage the storied Fox Plaza Barber Shop. After Ruben's passing in 2014, she operated the shop solely until its closing in 2018. Martha served as the shop's greeter, part-time bookkeeper, cleaning crew, and errand runner all the while keeping up with her duties at home. She was a selfless mother and wife, a prayer warrior who loved her Catholic faith, as well as a listening ear to customers, strangers and friends. Martha was a member of Roger Bacon Catholic Church in El Paso. In 2023 she moved to be closer to her daughter in Las Cruces, where she integrated herself quickly to become a beloved member of the community, as well as serving at the Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla, New Mexico, where she was a parishioner.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband Ruben I. Barragan and her parents, Lucas and Josefa Retana. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Barragan Alba and husband Lorenzo Alba, Jr., and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.
The pallbearers will be Donaciano Gonzalez, Patrick Barragan, Bobby Menchaca, Caleb Hernandez, Richard Coltharp and Joe Carrizales.
Visitation will be 4–8 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2025, with a Rosary prayer service to begin at 6 p.m. at Perches La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005. Funeral Liturgy (Mass) will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Basilica of San Albino, 2070 Calle de Santiago, Mesilla, NM 88046. Committal Service to follow at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave. in El Paso.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider donating, in honor of Martha Barragan, to the Monastery of Perpetual Adoration (145 N. Cotton St., El Paso, TX 79901) or the Basilica of San Albino (P.O. Box 26, Mesilla, NM 88046). To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Maria, please visit our Tree Store.