Lionila Melendrez, 90, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at her residence.   She was born on January 17, 1934 to her parents, Teodoro and Alvina (Hinojos) Barela in Central, NM.

Lionila (Leona) was a loving, caring person. She was fiercely loyal to family and devoted to helping others whenever and however she could. Leona's deep faith in God was unwavering and was reflected in the way she lived each day. She had a welcoming spirit and energy that radiated compassion and acceptance towards others. Listening to music, dancing, and spending time with her compadres and close friends were things she loved to do. Leona and her husband Mike's home was the center of many celebrations where they took pride and pleasure in cooking for everyone.  Leona laughed freely and was generous to all.

She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Mike Melendrez of Silver City, NM; her two sons Michael Raymond Melendrez of Tucson, AZ, James Randolph Melendrez (Edna Chavez) of Las Cruces, NM.; her two daughters Maria Petra Arizaga (Gilbert) of Silver City, NM and Frances Elizabeth Gonzales (Domingo) of Pasco, WA; her sister Delfie Lucero; her sixteen grandchildren; her thirty-seven great-grandchildren; her five great-great-grandchildren; her numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Adolfo Antonio Barela and her three sisters, Erma Marquez,        Minnie Mitchell and Estella Vega.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 5:30pm-6:00pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the Holy Rosary commencing at 6:00 pm, recited by Gilbert Arizaga.  The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:30am at St Francis Newman Center with Father Bartholomew Ezenwelem officiating. The internment will be at 1:00 pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. The pallbearers are Lisa Arizaga, Esteban Arizaga, Zacarias Arizaga, Harry Vega, Dennis Vega and Robert Marquez.  Honorary pallbearers are Veronica Arizaga Garcia, Erik Arizaga, Jose Arizaga, Jesus Arizaga, Juan Arizaga, Art Vega, Rick Vega, Kimberly Gonzales, Isaac Gonzales, Eric Gonzales, Michael Gonzales and David Isaiah Melendrez.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .