ALEJANDRO VARGAS AYALA, age 75, lifelong resident of Las Cruces passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Mountain View Regional Medical Center. He was born March 11, 1949, to Concepcion Vargas and Sauturino Ayala. He was employed in construction, and worked up to, two weeks prior to his passing. Alejandro was a very strong and hardworking man and was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Survivors include his companion of 51 years, Rebecca C. Castillo; his step-sons, Johnny C. Castillo (Cathy) of Las Vegas, NV., and Victor C. Castillo; and step-daughter, Bernadette Castillo all of Las Cruces; three cousins, Mary Crume of Arizona, Manuel Vargas (Mary), and Edward Vargas all of Socorro, NM; two nieces, Jacqueline Martinez (Justin) and Kimberley Brown (Richard); and nephew, Manuel Ayala Jr. all also of Las Cruces; sister-in-law, Debra Ayala. Other survivors include 4 step-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Manuel Ayala; sister, Juanita Ayala and maternal grandfather, Vicente Vargas.

Visitation for Mr. Ayala will begin at 6 PM Monday, April 29, 2024, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road with the Prayer Vigil at 7 PM. The Funeral Mass will be at 10 AM Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church. 100 S. Espina Street. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Road where he will be laid to rest.

Serving as casket bearers will be Johnny Castillo, Manuel Ayala Jr., Manuel Vargas, J.D. Valenzuela, Dustin Castillo, and Justin Martinez. Honorary bearers are Bernadette and Victor C. Castillo.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com