In the early hours of November 14, 2023, Debra Anne Esqueda (Baca) went to be with the Lord after a short and difficult battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family, with the love of her life, her husband Gabriel Esqueda by her side.

Gabriel and Debra celebrated 20 years of marriage this year. Their love story began at a call center job where the two of them formed a friendship which eventually blossomed into a romance. They were just the right amount of sarcasm, chaos, joy, and love and were perfect for one another. During their union they witnessed growth in careers, in homeownership, and their greatest legacy, the birth of their three beautiful children, Alaya, Gabriel Jr., and Sophia. Deb's children were the center of her world.

Deb and Gabe enjoyed watching their Cowboys play (less enjoy, more stress out over) and spending time with family and friends, often being at the center of many wonderful family events hosted in their beautiful home. Deb and Gabe loved decorating their home year-round and for every holiday. Deb's creativity shone through the beautiful, themed trees she would decorate. Deb's most recent holiday tree is still up; Sunflowers and bumblebees—sunny and warm just like Deb—is the current theme.

Debra Anne Baca was born January 27, 1979, in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Angelita Virginia Jimenez (Baca). Although Deb was the baby to her siblings Norma, Junior, Richie, and Gina, she was very much an older sibling to some of the nieces and nephews, whom she affectionately referred to as her 'cabbage patch kids,' born during her pre-teen/teenage years. A true 80's kid, Deb loved the music, the movies, the books, the fashion of that time. When one thinks of Deb's favorite things, images of John Hughes' films, Stephen King books, new wave music, and 80s fashion are at the forefront, with Valley Girl and the Goonies (Deb's favorites) being the center. Deb's 'Cabbage Patch Kids' can attest to the fact that some of their favorite bands and movies were very much influenced by Deb's taste.

Deb attended Las Cruces High School and was a part of LCHS Marching Band's Color Guard. She met her best friend, Veronica "Vero", during her teen years, a friendship that continued through graduation, relationships, jobs, apartments, kids, and would have been lifelong. Deb graduated in 1998 and attended NMSU that fall while also working grave shift during that time. The combination of late nights and living her young adult life to the fullest might have pushed NMSU to the backburner, but this was only temporary as Deb eventually returned, became a Crimson Scholar, and achieved her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

In her professional life, Deb dedicated herself to positions where she could be a beacon of hope for those impacted by poverty, violence, and the system. Despite working jobs that could often be very disheartening, Deb always kept her light, and this strengthened her faith in God and humanity. She cared for siblings, her momma (Mum-Mum as referred to by Deb's kiddos), nieces, nephews, and friends whenever they needed it most. Gabe and Deb often opened their home to loved ones during their toughest times.

Deb is now with her momma Virginia who left us in 2020 and her niece Leanne who left us this August 2023. She leaves behind the love of her life, Gabriel Esqueda, children Alaya Marie, Gabriel James Jr., Sophia Grace, and their Frenchie Chookie; father Demetrio Jimenez; siblings Norma, Demetrio (Lillian), Richie, and Gina; In-Laws George (LaTiese), Candy, Georgy, Joel, and Jennifer; Nieces and Nephews Angela (Stephen), Daniel (Erica), Bryana, Monique (Jason), Jessica (Eric), Joshua (Alexis), Hector (Jocelyn), Ricky, Armando (Vanessa), Lucas (Desirae), Sarah (Austin), Justine, Hennessy (Xavier), Anthony, Lorelei, and Otto; Goddaughter Gabby, and many cousins, grand-nieces/nephews, and friends.

Services to celebrate Deb's life will be held Monday, November 27, 2023, with the visitation at 10 AM at Calvary Chapel Las Cruces, 139 S. Main Street. Funeral Service at 11 AM with Pastor Jay Wisner officiating. At her request cremation will follow and Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date.

Deb was bubbly, hilarious, fun, and truly a good person, touching the lives of many as a coworker, sister, daughter, wife, and friend. The narrative of her life would be chapters long if the names of each person who was positively impacted by Deb was listed. It is our hope that anyone who is learning of the loss of Debra through this obituary is warmed and comforted by the memories they shared with her. She is deeply missed but will forever be in our hearts.

Until we see you again, Debbie Deb.

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