Dolores, simple, humble virtuous daughter, mother and grandmother passed from Earth February 26, 2025 in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Born Christmas Eve 1936 to Jose Angel and Aurora Ramirez in Laredo, Texas, she was a descendant of the original settling families of Laredo, Texas and of Don Tomas Sanchez.  The world lost a saintly woman but Heaven gained a pure soul.

As an academically accelerated student, Dolores graduated from Martin High School to attend Laredo Junior College on LULAC and Pan American Round Table scholarships.  She then worked as a Laredo Housing Authority secretary and married the love of her life Mario Luna at Our Lady of Guadalupe church.  They moved to Waco and then El Paso, Texas when Mario accepted a US Department of Labor Wage and Hour investigator position.  Dolores there completed her Bachelor of Science Education degree at Texas Western College (now UTEP) before moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1967 upon Mario's assignment to open a Las Cruces USDOL office.

Certified in bilingual education, Dolores touched many students' and parents' lives in various primary grade levels within the Las Cruces Public Schools district with the majority of her cherished career spent as a Valley View Elementary kindergarten teacher.  (One year she serendipitously taught one of her own children - sparing no unbiased discipline or accolade.)  She completed required graduate education coursework at New Mexico State University and took necessary semester breaks to care for her family at home.  After retiring, former students thanked her for being a positive influence in their lives.

Proud of her Texas roots, Dolores loved New Mexico culture, people, and life.  She participated in Las Aguilas (Spanish-Speaking) Toastmasters and danced with the Las Perlitas del Pueblo ballet folklorico (in her own-sewn dress).  Dolores was a devoted Catholic parishioner and catechist, faithful Knights of Columbus Lady to her 4th degree husband, volunteer March of Dimes fundraising team member, proficient sewing machine seamstress, and forerunning soccer and tennis mom circa 1980s.  She enjoyed playing Sudoku and loteria, baking biscochos with her children, watching her grandkids' soccer games, reading devotional books, and visiting out of town relatives.

Preceded in death by her parents; her siblings: Maria Trevino, Maria Luisa Montoya, Manuel Ramirez, Enrique Ramirez, Miguel Ramirez, Carmen Santos, Estella Mendoza, Alica Ramirez, Yolanda Trevino.  Survived by her siblings: Irma Ramirez, Josefina Ramirez, Rose Trevino, Alberto Ramirez; her children: Mario Jr., Jesse, Veronica, David; and grandchildren: Christopher, Julianna, Julian, Alexa.

A note of gratitude to all medical staff who attended to Dolores including Dr. Constance Wash and William J. Martin.  Special thanks to St. Albert the Great Newman Center clergy/religious, Isabel Gallegos, and homebound ministers.

Las Cruces sunset over Picacho Peak was Dolores' favorite time of day with a crimson western sky bringing the blood of Jesus Christ to her mind, heart, and spirit.

Our Lady's rosary, her tried and true prayer unto the end of her earthly pilgrimage.

Vaya con Dios mom - until we meet again ...

Recitation of the holy rosary will begin on March 29, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. with Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 at St Albert the Great Newman Center, 2615 S. Solano, Las Cruces.  Inurnment and rite of committal will be on March 31, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240. S. Espina Street.

In lieu of flowers the family requests family, friends, and neighbors live their lives with virtue in faithful remembrance of Dolores.

… BELIEVE …

Service arrangements and cremation have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces.  For online condolences logon to   www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com.