With peaceful sadness we announce the passing of CALLETANO "KITO" VALENZUELA.

Born August 3, 1940, in Montoya (White Spur) TX. Died April 4, 2026, Las Cruces. NM

Born to and preceded in death by Aurora T. and Leonardo A. Valenzuela; also preceded in death by sisters; Carmen Rooney, Feliciana "Chana" Cooper, Gregoria "Gogi" Angel.

Survived by Sisters; Dora Sanchez, Praxedis Sanchez, Clara Moreno (Elias), and Lucy Hinojosa, (also preceded in death by Uncle Bert Hinojosa)

Kito spent the last 28 years in Truth or Consequences NM, with companion Gloria Ruffini and her loving family. He and Gloria spent those years always together and enjoyed relaxing, making lasting friendships within Sierra County. Befriending many as he shared stories to whomever he met. He enjoyed helping Gloria around the house as well. During this time, he participated in being a member of the Sherrif's Posse in T or C and was also an avid Golfer. He was thought of highly by many, especially special friend Mr. Dan Lundy.

He is survived, by Gloria Ruffini, loving mother to Ray Ruffini (Pam) and Dena Gutierrez (Danny); grandchildren, Brittany Donaghe (Mark), Kristen Sanchez (Joshua), Daniel Gutierrez, and Nicholas Gutierrez (Shalada); great-grandchildren, Blaine Donaghe, Asaph and Asher Gutierrez

Kito spent time living in Monticello, NM. Making lasting friendships and taking family, grandchildren, visitors and especially his mom through the canyon to the hot springs on the other side of the canyon. During this time, he was able to visit his favorite deer hunting area in Winston NM.

Kito lived in Las Cruces NM. In "Valenzuela Ville", aka East Mesa, for 22 years with his second family. Making life lasting family friendships. Living surrounded by his siblings and parents. He worked as a warehouseman at NASA. Also, as a mechanic, auto painter and welder passing on skills to his son Tano. Going deer hunting was one of his favorite, get aways. The events and gatherings with said friendships on East Mesa will serve as lasting memories.  During this time, we must mention his best friend and horse "Canelo"! He took him deer hunting at all costs, even constructing coral to keep him safe. The stories we could have learned if only horses could speak.

Preceded in death by Rose Ann Nogales Valenzuela and loving mother to his daughter's

Lisa Fernandez (Raymond), and Mona Valenzuela; his son, Cayetano "Tano" Valenzuela (Frances); grandchildren; RaeAnn Fernandez, Vicente Fernandez (Hillary), Vanessa, Franke, Nick, and Cheyenne Trujillo, Teo and Richie Valenzuela; great-grandchildren,

RaeLa Fernandez, Ezekial, Xzayvius, Zia and Zein Fernandez, Antionette, Gabi, Eric, Selina, Nici, Irys, Averi, Opie, Zaedyn Trujillo and Cambrie, Zellah, and Zayden Valenzuela.

Kito spent time in Las Cruces Pueblo with his first family. Working at Roark Chevrolet in the parts dept as parts manager. Also working in the haberdashery industry per his way of the presentation of a "well-dressed man", as we all knew him. Making life-lasting friendships here as well, some of whom became godparents to his children later in life. During this time, he enjoyed one of his passions, shooting pool. Survived by Nellie B. Rosales and loving mother to; his son, Valenzuela Ceremony Members, Michael Roy Valenzuela (Tammy), grandsons, "Ted" Valenzuela (Chanel), Thomas and Sebastian Valenzuela; great-grandson's, Jaxon and Conner Valenzuela; also survived by widowed daughter- in- law, Elodia Valenzuela; granddaughter, Angelica Valenzuela (Andy Perez); great-grandchildren, Jared Valenzuela, Aubrey Valenzuela Perez, and Adam Valenzuela Perez. Preceded in death by his eldest son, Vicente Ismael Valenzuela.

Kito lived on Utah street in Las Cruces with his parents and siblings. Surrounded by neighborhood friends and where he graduated from Las Cruces High School.  During this time Welito instilled the passion of deer hunting to his son's.

The family footprint started in Mesilla, NM. Where the family line of Almanzar Lucero Valenzuela began. He will be laid to rest at the Mesilla, San Albino Cemetery at the family plot with his grandmother, Feliciana Lucero Almanzar Valenzuela.

Special memory shared by dad to Gloria,

"Strolling through the Mesilla Plaza with my mom as a young boy is one of my favorite memories", said Kito!

Also survived by, brother and bearer, Leonardo Valenzuela, Jr. (Irene)

Special thanks to Sierra Hospice Care, Blue Horizons Care Facility, Baca's Funeral Chapels and also, to Uncle Leo.

Family and friends will gather at 6 PM Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road for the Prayer Vigil at 7 PM.  The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM, Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Basilica of San Albino, 2070 Calle de Santiago in Mesilla.

Inurnment of cremains will follow at the San Albino Cemetery.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com