Maria Baca Torres, age 93, Deming resident, entered Eternal Rest on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Las Cruces, NM surrounded by her family.

Maria was born December 31, 1930, in Dwyer, NM to Ramon and Ramona (Chanez) Baca. In 1952, she married Hector G. Torres, and together they relocated to Deming, NM, in 1963. Maria and Hector were married for 24 years until his passing in 1976. She lived in Deming for the remainder of her life.

Maria was first and foremost a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother, known for her remarkable resilience, strength of character, and perpetual kindness. She cherished cooking for her family, consistently offering them delicious home-cooked meals either freshly prepared or stocked in advance. These thoughtful gestures reflected her deep commitment to family unity and their absence will leave an irreplaceable space. Maria was incredibly sociable and never missed an opportunity to attend any family gathering, especially if it included music and dancing.

She brought her warmth and remarkable ability to connect with all people to K-Mart, where she worked as a cashier until her retirement after 13 years of service. She was also a devoted member of Saint Ann's Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Apostolado. She was a woman of great faith, she loved unconditionally, and was a true servant to all. Indeed, knowing Maria meant loving her.

Maria cherished memories from her childhood and would light up when reflecting on her beloved Mimbres Valley. She was renowned for her remarkable memory and knowledge of her vast family tree. She served as a trusted historian for her family throughout her long life.

Through her consistent acts of kindness and warmth, Maria has made a profound impact on both her family and her broader community. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy for her family and will be fiercely missed.

Those left to mourn her are her children, Hector Torres Jr., Rose Flores (Maximino), Frank Torres, Eva Grace Pratz (Rod), Margaret Torres Almanza, Anthony Torres (Oralia), Michael Torres (Josephine), and Joseph Torres.  She was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Maria was one of twelve children and is survived by four siblings, Elfego Baca, Jesus Baca, Ramon Baca and one sister, Margaret Baca, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, Hector; an infant daughter, Rosemary; six brothers, Porfirio Baca, Eugene Baca, Alfredo Baca, Jose Baca, Thomas Baca, and Eduardo Baca, as well as a sister, Carolina Garcia.

Visitation will begin Monday, May 20, 2024 from 4 to 6 o'clock in the evening at Baca's Funeral Chapel, (811 S. Gold Ave. Deming, NM 88030). The recitation of the most Holy Rosary will follow at 6 led by Patsy Leyba.

The Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10 o'clock in the morning at Saint Ann's Catholic Church, (400 S. Ruby St. Deming, NM 88030). The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery, (3410 E. Pine St. Deming, NM 88030) with Father Francis Gyau officiating.

Pallbearers will serve as Frankie Torres Jr., Jaime Jurado, Marc Torres, Julian Lopez, Isaiah Gallosa, and Michael Martinez.

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