Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great–grandmother, and sister CECILIA SERNA AYERS, age 84, of Las Cruces, New Mexico passed away July 21, 2026, in El Paso, Texas.

Cecilia “Cece” was born and raised in Las Cruces to Manuel and Maria Serna. She met her husband John in 1966 when he was stationed at White Sands Missile Range. They soon married and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1970 where they raised two sons. Always a working mother and wife, first as an ESL teacher, then a long career as an office worker in finance.

Cecilia fought and survived breast cancer in the 1980’s and became active in support and awareness groups for years after recovering. She dedicated countless hours to several church groups and was active in her free time with arts, crafts, sewing, and was an amazing yet humble home cook and baker. Her famous salsa, red Hatch Chile dishes and holiday baking were enjoyed by both family and strangers. She sold frybread for years at church fundraisers. She and John retired and moved back to New Mexico to care for both her parents in their final years.

Her lifelong dedication to the Catholic faith and reverence for family was ever present. Cece's warmth and kindness was also extended to friends and acquaintances: all who knew her can attest she was exceptionally kind, big-hearted and thoughtful. “Nana” would learn and remember the little things everyone loved and enjoyed. She always celebrated the changing of the season and birthdays of those lost before her. Above all, Cecilia’s greatest joy was her family, and the love, encouragement, and unwavering support she gave them throughout their lives will remain her greatest legacy.

Cecilia is survived by her husband of 57 years, John Ayers; two sons, Christopher and Jason Ayers (Barbara) of Phoenix, Arizona; sister, Ernestina Torres (Richard) of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Christina Gagliano (Anthony) of Phoenix, Arizona, and great-grandchildren Blakely, Savannah, and Grayson. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Manuel Serna Jr. and Arturo “Tudy” Serna.

Services and Prayer Vigil will be at 11 AM Wednesday September 23, 2026, at Baca’s Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road in Las Cruces with the Funeral Service to be celebrated immediately thereafter.

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