On May 30, 2024, our Lord and Savior extended His hands and led Bertha Cardon Peña, 100, into the gates of His kingdom to join Him for the rest of eternity leaving behind a legacy of kindness, truth, love and compassion.

Bertha was born on October 5, 1923, to Primitivo and Sofia Cardon. The oldest of six children, she held each of her siblings close to her heart. As a teen, Bertha played basketball and ran track. After school she helped by working in the family's businesses Montezuma Grocery/Liquor Store, and Montezuma Dance Hall. It was there in the summer of 1942, where she met Joe A. Peña, a handsome young soldier with green eyes when he walked into the store to get something to eat. From the moment he saw her he knew in his heart that she was the girl he was going to marry. Every day after that, he would come into the store and she would have something ready for him to eat, times were lean, and she wanted him to keep coming back.

On June 3, 1944, they were married and created an everlasting bond for almost 50 years until Joe's untimely death in 1994. Together they raised four beautiful daughters each three years apart. A devoted wife and mother, Bertha was always there to cheer and support her girls in whatever dreams they had. She inspired them and led Brownie Troop Groups. As the girls grew older, she became a very popular AVON Lady and sold her products all over the county for 20+ years. After Joe passed, she joined the Recreativo Club where she enjoyed monthly meetings with her friends laughing and creating new memories. Later in life, she volunteered at the Munson Center serving seniors (she never saw herself as one). She was young at heart and in spirit. Her energy was everlasting until an accident in 2014 brought her independence to a halt. It was then that her daughter Debra became her caregiver and companion, but don't think she wasn't able to do anything on her own. This lady was unstoppable! Her pleasures were simple. She loved to read, work on her crossword puzzles, and there wasn't an outdoor concert you wouldn't find her at. She loved music and the energy surrounding fiestas and special events, watching old black and white movies and Dancing with the Stars, looking at family pictures, or just sitting outside. She loved her girls, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren (including all the pups). She so loved and missed her husband, Joe.

Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same. We must hide our heartache when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, silent are the tears that fall. Living here without you is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true. And when we needed someone, we could always count on you. The special years will not return when we are all together. But with the love in our hearts, you walk with us forever. Go rest now that you are home. Until we meet again…

Those left to mourn her passing are her daughters Yolanda Salais (Robert), Rose Marie Lara (Fernando), Debra Ayala (+Manuel), and Kathy Treviño (David) and, brother Fred Cardon (Angie). Her grandchildren Melissa Peña (Arturo), Denise Banegas (Diego), Joseph Lara (Blanca), Jackie Martinez (Justin), Ray Lara, Kimberly Brown (Richard), Manny Ayala Jr., Fernie Lara (Ruby), and D.J. Treviño, 17 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews and special friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe A. Peña, parents Primitivo and Sofia Cardon, brothers Candelario and Primitivo Cardon, Jr., sisters Margarita Jimenez and Marylou Villarreal.

Serving as casket bearers are grandsons Joseph, Ray, and Fernie Lara, Manny Ayala, Jr., Robert and Anthony Padilla, and Danny Peña. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Salais, Fernando Lara, David and D.J. Treviño, Arturo Peña, Diego Banegas, Justin Martinez and Richard Brown.

A visitation for Bertha will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2024, starting at 9am at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church, 1178 North Mesquite Street. A prayer vigil will start at 10am followed by a Funeral Mass. Bertha will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 5140 West Picacho Avenue.

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