With hearts shattered yet full of love, we share the passing of our beloved Cruz Joaquin Chavez, who was called home to his Heavenly Father on October 17, 2025, surrounded by his family's unending love and prayers.

Born on June 20, 2007, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Cruz entered this world with a light that could never be dimmed. His laughter carried warmth, his presence brought peace, and his spirit shone with a quiet strength that inspired everyone who knew him.

Cruz was a deep thinker and a dreamer — a boy with a tender soul and an adventurous heart. He found joy in music, movies, anime, fishing, and exploring the trails that made him feel free. He had a gift for finding beauty in the simplest moments and for bringing smiles even on hard days. His friends and family will forever remember how he saw the world differently — with curiosity, courage, and grace.

He loved fiercely and without hesitation. His bond with his mama and pops was unbreakable — a love that ran deeper than words and will stretch beyond time.  His heart was kind, his hugs healing, and his presence a reminder that love, in its purest form, never fades.

Cruz was a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. A precious gift to his parents, Ramon and Vanessa Chavez, whose devotion to him is infinite and eternal. Though their hearts ache beyond measure, they take comfort in knowing his soul is free — embraced by the arms of God, where love never ends.

He leaves behind his loving siblings Raymon (Olia) Chavez, Michael, Avi, and Santino, who adored him and will forever carry his light within their hearts. He is also survived by his grandparents Tomasita and Ramon Chavez, Maria Rico, and John (Martha) Tarango; his aunts and uncles Samantha and Anthony Muñoz; Luna Tarango; John and Jessica Tarango; and Merced Tarango; many cousins, aunts and uncles each blessed by the moments they shared with him.

He is preceded in death by his Auntie Inez Chavez and great-grandparents, Amelia Tarango, Cristobal and Maria Chavez, Cleto and Lupe Valles, and Tomas and Juanita Rico. Though his time here was far too short, the love he gave and the lessons he taught will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 3600 Paroquia Street. Visitation: 9:00 A.M. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 10:00 A.M. and the Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m.

Serving as Casket Bearers include Raymon Chavez, Michael Chavez, Santino Chavez, Ayden Munoz, Joseph Valles, David Quintana.

Honorary Pallbearers include Avi Chavez, Nick Rojas, Christopher Terrerezas, Marissa Cervantes.

In honor of Cruz, the family asks that those attending wear light colors — purples and pinks — and carry his memory forward through kindness, curiosity, adventure, laughter, and faith, just as he lived.

Though our hearts are broken, we hold on to the promise that this is not goodbye — only see you later. For love  such as his is eternal, and his soul will forever be our guiding light.

"We will endure a lifetime of missing you for the privilege of loving you."

In loving memory of our sweet mijo

Cruz Joaquin Chavez

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels 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