It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Carmen Tovar, on August 10, 2026. She passed away peacefully at Mesilla Valley Hospice, surrounded by her loving family. Carmen Tovar, 89, was born on July 14, 1937, in Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Carmen was an amazing mother and grandmother. Mom/Ita was the heart of our family. The kind of woman who could turn a simple kitchen into a place filled with love. Her hands lovingly made tortillas de harina, caldo de res, frijoles machucados, sopa de fideo, and let's not forget her mole! But what she truly made was a home. Every meal she prepared carried a little piece of her heart, and every bite will forever remind us of her.

Carmen was a member of the San Miguel Catholic Church. She participated in the church choir and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She served willingly, not for recognition, but as an expression of the faith she lived daily.

Her memory will live on in every heart she touched, every prayer she offered, every song she sang, and every meal she lovingly prepared for the people she cherished most.

Carmen is survived by her children: Lorenzo Tovear (Esther) of San Miguel, NM; Jose Luis Tovar (Debra) of Albuquerque, NM; Maria Tovar of San Miguel, NM; Josie Rodriguez (Larry) of San Miguel, NM; Margarita Tovar of Mesilla NM; and Martin Tovar of San Miguel, NM. She is also survived by her sisters, Felicitas Rodriguez (Juan) and Antonia Valle.

Carman also leaves behind 16 cherished grandchildren, including one who received her in Heaven; 36 beloved great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; Lorenzo M. Tovar, her parents Pascual and Felipa Valle; her son, Estevan Tovar; her brothers, Pedro Valle, Franscisco Valles, Rodolfo Valle, and Guadalupe Valle; her sisters Delfina Valle and Elvira Venegas; and her grandson, Lawrence A. Rodriguez.

Casket bearers will be Lorenzo, Eddie, and James Tovar, Stephen and Christopher Rodriguez, Jesus Tovar, Aurelio Ceballos, Alejandro and Martin Tovar, Jerry Sanchez, and Manny Renteria.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m. at San Miguel Catholic Church in San Miguel. A prayer vigil will follow at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., also at San Miguel Catholic Church. Cremation will be following services.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 575-527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mountain View Regional Medical Center and Mesilla Valley Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and comfort they provided our beautiful Mom/Ita and the rest of our family during her final days. Your support and dedication will always be deeply appreciated.