Our beloved sister, friend, aunt, god-mother, grandmother, and mother, Esther Marie Carrillo Lovato, peacefully departed on the evening of January 27th, 2025. She was called to heaven surrounded by her son Dennis Richard Lovato, her daughter Kim Lovato Mendes, and sister-in-law Martha Lopez, in the house where she and her husband Dennis James Lovato raised their family.

Esther lived to be 77 years of age, and was born on December 15th, 1947. She was the last child born to her parents, Cilia Barela Carrillo and Bernardino Carrillo, who shared 10 other children alongside Esther; Eddie, Rosemary, Willie, Bernie, Doris, Jennie, Ernestine, Carlota, Richard, and Johnny. Esther is remembered as a selfless daughter and sister, who endlessly cared and provided for her siblings throughout their lives.

She was born and resided in Dona Ana, New Mexico, then later moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1970, with her husband Dennis, whom she met in school. Esther graduated from Las Cruces High in 1965. She and Dennis married on February 1st, 1969. Together, they shared 50 years of marriage, and had their first child, Dennis, in 1970. Esther and Dennis then expanded their family with their daughter Kim, in 1972. Together, they were the grandparents of seven grandchildren (Jessica, Steven, Denice, Christopher, Jamie, Lexis, and Jordyn), and two great-grandchildren (Dominick and Aaliyah).

Esther dedicated 27 years of her life as an accountant with the city, retiring in 1993. She enjoyed spending her retirement by devoting her time to the Latter Rain Harvest Fellowship Church, where she offered her diligent service as a bookkeeper, and provided mentorship to church members, all of whom she recognized as a part of her family.

Esther is remembered for her resilient faith in God. She believed that God had an individual plan for everyone, and was known for encouraging her loved ones to confide in God for guidance through hardships.

Esther is survived by her children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters (Rosemary and Carlota).

The services for Esther will be held at 9:00 am on February 28th, 2025, at Latter Rain Harvest Fellowship Church. Burial will preside at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

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