Zuilma Barton

Zuilma Barton, beloved mother, grandmother, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Salem Hospital. She was 90 years old.

Zuilma was born on August 25, 1934, in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, to Olegario Dehesa and Alicia Villalpando. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for learning and a fierce independent spirit that would define her life. She was blessed with sisters Alicia, Irasema, and Yolanda, in addition to two brothers, Carlos and Beto, they grew up in a home where education and resilience were deeply valued.

Zuilma earned her bachelor's in chemistry and math, then her masters degree in library science. She was passionate about learning languages. She immersed herself in the multiple languages during her studies. Her love for learning and languages shaped a long and distinguished career as a teacher in El Paso, Texas. She proudly served American military service members and their families as the librarian at Amberg Elementary in Germany for the Department of Defense.

A member of the German Club during her years abroad, Zuilma fully embraced the culture and took great joy in traveling, studying, photography, sewing, singing, dancing, and sharing her love of reading and languages with others. She was known for her dedication, strength, independence, and adventurous spirit, and she brought these qualities into her work and personal life. Those who knew her will remember her as outspoken, strong-willed, but always full of heart and wisdom.

Zuilma was preceded in death by her parents, Olegario Dehesa and Alicia Villalpando; her sisters, Alicia "Licha," Yolanda, and Irasema; and her beloved grandson, Tony.

She is survived by her three daughters, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Zuilma; as well as her grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who will carry forward her memory and her remarkable legacy.