On the 15" day of May in 2024, our Lord and Savior extended his hands to our precious Mother, to join him for the rest of eternity in heaven. Ernestine Delfina Garcia was born on February 6, 1931 in La Luz, NM to Juan and Pauline Garcia at the family home. The middle child of eleven, Ernestine chose to be a tomboy in her youth...roughhousing with her older brothers...climbing to the tops of the family's orchard trees to gather apples and pears. She grew out of it, though.

In high school, this beautiful young lady, played clarinet and taught herself to play the piano by ear. She was in the Spanish Club and the Pep Squad, and was selected Homecoming Queen in her junior year. While growing up, Ernestine loved when the nuns would visit her church. So much, that she actually yearned to be one. Thankfully, for us six children, she did not pursue that dream. During her three years in high school, Mom worked several jobs. As a cashier at Day's Pharmacy, at a 5& Dime making fountain drinks and cashier, and, three years as a clerk typist at Holloman Air Force Base.

In 1948, Ernestine went to the movies with a girlfriend and another young gentleman. he offered to pay. But, as he got to the window, inexplicably, the zipper on his wallet got stuck. Good trick, Dad! Yes, William (Billy) Bassford made his way into Ernestine's life. In 1951, a bond was created that would last for 66 years until Dad passed away in 2017. In 1952 and 1954, they welcomed in the first and second of their six children, Gary and Darlene. In 1960, Brian said hello. In 1967, Ron. 1969, Chuck. And finally, in 1971, Julie completed their wonderful brood. What a job raising six children that were separated by 19 years! But it was one that Ernestine so relished and embraced.

I'm not saying it's impossible, but one would be hard pressed to find a woman more generous and giving, more loving and lovable, more pious and devoted. Ernestine put all others above herself and asked for nothing in return. Those who knew her were blessed...both figuratively and literally. Always having a bottle of Holy water nearby, a splash, the sign of the cross, and God's blessing were going to be imparted with you at some point. Mom prayed the rosary multiple times daily, and watched the Mass every day on TV. She loved praying for others and reading her prayer books.

Mom's pleasures were oh so simple. Gardening and watering. Drinking her coffee outside while resting in her rocking chair. Painting. Playing the keyboard, organ or piano. Watching romantic comedies at the movies or on TV. Spending time with her family at their cabin in Creede, CO whenever possible. Looking at family pictures and getting phone calls from family and friends. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren...and she so loved her husband, Billy.

There won't be a second of every day that we don't miss you Mom. But we are all so grateful that now, you can truly rest...that you are Home. It's been said that goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with their heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation. Until we meet again, Mom...until we meet again.

Ernestine is preceded in death by her husband, William, by her mother and father, her brothers, Albert, Salomon, Theodore, and Benjamin, her sisters Agnes and Beatrice, and her granddaughters, Jessica and Alexis.

Those left to mourn her are her children, Gary (Jennifer), Darlene (Cory), Brian (Amy), Ron (Michelle), Chuck (Linda), and Julie (Jesus). By her grandchildren, Damon, Gabriel (Daisy), Stephanie, DesaRae, Austin, Brooke, Brayden, Noah, David and Erik. And, her great-grandchildren, Jordan, Isaiah, Jasmine, Leo, Leilani, Phoenix, Jacob, Adrian, Natalia, Saleen, and Ember. By her remaining siblings, Bertha, Tommy (Dora), Helen (Mickey), and Paul (Lucy). Numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends, including Peggy, Ruth, Lucille, Olivia, and, Donna and Kathy.

The family would like to extend our special thanks to Oncologist, Dr. Brenden Curley in Scottsdale, AZ, who treated Mom with so much care, love and compassion.

A prayer vigil and Rosary will take place at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E Boutz Road, on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 8:30 A.M. and 9:30 A.M., respectively. Funeral Mass will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, 1240 S. Espina Street at 10:30 A.M. Burial service will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 51401 W Picacho Avenue at 11:45 A.M.

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