EDUVIGES "NEGRA" YBARRA RAMIREZ, age 87, lifelong resident of La Mesa entered eternal life on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Born October 17, 1935, to Francisca Archuleta and Felipe Ybarra. During her younger years, "Negra" as she was fondly known to all her family and friends, played fastpitch softball for the Southern Valley League. She pitched and played 3rd base for her team, Sykes Grocery, which ended up winning the championship during one of those summers in the 1950's. She was a proud graduate of Gadsden High School Class of 1953. She enjoyed playing Bingo every chance she got, it did not matter which venue, as long as her dabber worked, she was there. She was quick to make friends with her charismatic trait and quick wit. She was also very competitive; an avid Cowboy and Yankee fan, Negra could talk "smack" with the best of them. After 27 years of service, she retired as a food service employee for the Gadsden School District.

She was a lifelong Communicant and member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at San Jose Catholic Church, where she and her church group visited the Holy Land and made stops, in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, St. Peter's Basilica, Spain and Portugal. Negra loved her road trips with her sister, Mary and friend, Sandy; one being riding the Pacific Coast Highway all the way to Canada.

Survivors include her sons, Joe "Bird" Ramirez, and Manuel "Manny" Ramirez all of La Mesa; and Abel Ramirez (Leticia) of Las Cruces. Other survivors include 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Marissa Ramirez, and her son Ezequiel "Ziki" Ramirez on February 13, 2023; 5 brothers, and 4 sisters.

Visitation for Ms. Ramirez will begin at 10 AM Friday, September 29, 2023, at San Jose Catholic Church, 353 Josephine Street in La Mesa with the Prayer Vigil at 10:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the San Jose Cemetery where she will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers will be Felicia, Jesse, Josh, Jeremiah, and Galen Ramirez, and Priscilla Lara.

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