With sadness in our hearts and now the biggest void in our lives, we must embrace our Lord's calling of CATARINA A. SANCHEZ, better known as "Katie," to so many, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and most recently great-great grandmother. Catarina has been called to our Lord's home in Heaven. While on the 12th of July 2026 in the hospital, surrounded by in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends, and family, talking, singing, laughing full of joy with the biggest smiles for everyone. She entered eternal life with her lord on the 13th of July 2026, She had an embracive loving soul, full of life, adored by so many, radiant till the ripe old age of 90 years old. All will miss her.

Katie was born on the 10th of March 1936. One of 10 children, being the last of the Apodaca siblings, who preceded her in death, father, Frank Apodaca, mother, Delfina Apodaca and sisters Annie Sandoval, Adela Borrego, Augustina Soltero, and Domitilla Tarin; brothers, Luz, Jose, Edward, Frank, and Fernando. Catarina was also preceded in death by her husband, Bonifacio (Boni), father-in-law, Abraham Sr, mother-in-law, Julia, brothers in law, Abraham Jr, Simon, a sister-in-law Dolores Sanchez-Salinas, as well as her son-in-law, Manuel Garcia and Mindy Williams (Virgil),

Katie was a very devoted catholic, being a member at Our Lady of Health Church, where she also served as a minister. Enjoying all the work she did there to help the congregation and the priests, working the bingo, fiestas, and all she could as well as playing the organ for the choir. She was a devoted wife, mother, neighbor, and friend. She welcomed so many throughout her life sharing warmth, love, and joy to all.

Left to cherish her memory starting with her eldest devoted daughter, Cecilia better known as Cissy, Mary Lou better known as Lulu, (Lupe), Michael (Ellie), Leticia better known as Tish (Tony), and Christopher better known as Chris (Dolores). Mom was always so full of life.

She will be remembered lovingly by all, including her grandchildren Stephanie Garcia, Michael II (Angel), Annette, Michelle (Orlando), Vicente, Antonio, Brandon, Jossephene (Kona) and Johnathan, Debra (Chad), Norberto (Jessica): her great grandchildren,  Isaiah, Jasmine, Isabelle, Santiago, Makalia, Michael III (Mikie) Oralia, Jaycub, Jaylianna, Kiara" Kristian, Ke'ala, Ka'imi, Keahilani, Garrett, Marlene (Paul) Alex, Vincent, Ellyana" Ernalyn, Santiago, David, Angel, Peter, Nathan (Hayli), Tray (Sammie) along with 14 great grandchildren and her most recent, great-great grandson Roman, 6 months

She also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Virginia Apodaca, Olivia Apodaca, Isabel (Isaac), Maria, Aurora (Frank), brothers in law, Richard (Cindy) and Raymond (Lori), with numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren whom she loved each and everyone.

Visitation will begin at 10 AM Friday, August 7, 2026, at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church, 1178 N. Mesquite Street with the Prayer Vigil at 10:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers, Isaiah Bustamante, Antonio Sanchez, Michael Sanchez II, David Moore, Jeremy Moore, and James Lujan. Honorary bearers are Dennis Sanchez and Raymond Sanchez.

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