Eva Inez Hernandez, age 65, of Las Cruces, NM passed away on November 14, 2023. She was born on May 17, 1958 in El Paso, Texas to Ramon and Vicenta Hernandez.

Being Vicenta and Ramon's first born girl, she was immediately the apple of her father's eye. Many of her fondest memories growing up include her dear daddy. Whether she was welcoming him home from work and getting a gum ball in return, or coming home from church on Sunday mornings, with her mom cooking breakfast and making fresh tortillas, while her daddy immediately began playing his vinyl and asking her to dance. She recalled, "He would immediately stand on his two feet and would lead me dancing all over the house. I'd be giggling and loving on my daddy without a worry in mind. BUT THEN…I got too heavy. Daddy would say, 'We can still dance. And we did! 'Times like these always made her feel special and loved.

A graduate of the Las Cruces High School Class of '76, Eva would soon become a mother to the apple of her eye, Elizabeth Perez. Eva and Liz would live in Las Cruces, would later move to Oklahoma, and eventually would return to their home and family in New Mexico. All the while, Eva was taking on various professional roles, enjoying time with family and friends, and building her reputation as "best dressed," the auntie who would inevitably spoil you, the sister who would fiercely love you, and mom who always did her best.

Later in life Eva would meet her husband and companion of over 25 years, David Pruett. The two built homes together, raised beloved dogs together, enjoyed traveling to see numerous NFL games, and never ceased sharing their rare and special blend of humor with each other.

Eva's laugh had the ability to ignite an entire room, just like the pitch and volume of her voice upon her getting excited—which happened often! She was the life of the party and had a heart of gold. Eva was charismatic, vibrant, witty, bold, beautiful, and a classic people pleaser who was always the hostess with the mostess.

Eva loved luxuries big and small: a smooth glass of red wine, deep purple hues, poodles, a well-done charcuterie board, and the holidays! She found inspiration in everything from Marilyn Monroe to the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Her impeccable eye and elegant and whimsical taste added beauty, fun, and class to this world. She knew better than anyone how to create a magical scene for memories to unfold.

Though she struggled at times with anxiety, lung cancer (which she kicked in the butt!), and eventually urothelial carcinoma, no matter what Eva faced she found a way through. She was strong, yet vulnerable, and those lucky enough to see that side of her understand what a diamond in the rough she truly was.

Eva is now a heavenly angel, along with her daddy, Ramon Hernandez, brother Lazaro Hernandez, aunt Juanita Gallegos, cousins Mathilde Silva Gonzales and David Gallegos, and her sister-in-law Donna Marie Hernandez. She will be watching over her daughter Elizabeth Perez, husband David Pruett, mother Vicenta Hernandez, brothers Frank (Nicole) and Ruben (Yolanda) Hernandez, sisters Norma (James) Noel and Maria (Steve) Thomas. She will continue to guide her nephews and nieces; Rocky Lujan, Trevor (Justis) Noel, Cory (D'Andra) Noel, Elijah Severns, Franky Hernandez, Jayce Noel, Melinda (Tim) Severns, Joni Lujan, Dana Rae (Will) Hernandez, Hannah Severns, and Journee Noel. She will be missed dearly by her in-laws, JB, Libby, and Gary Pruett, as well as numerous friends and coworkers.

Eva was known to send unique morning and evening blessings to dozens of friends and family every single day. Now, we can rest assured she is blessing us directly from heaven.

God rest your soul, Eva. We love you beyond measure.

A celebration of life will be held on November 26, 2023 from 11am-3pm at The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, NM 88011.

In lieu of flowers Eva requested donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Lastly, the Hernandez family sends heartfelt thanks to all of the friends, family, and complete strangers that came to her aid over the last six months. We felt every prayer, enjoyed every meal, and cherish every visit and gift. We are also supremely grateful for her radiation oncology physician, Dr. Call, who saw her humanity and treated her with the utmost dignity and care. You all constantly remind us of the goodness the world has to offer. Keep spreading kindness.

At Eva's request, cremation has already taken place.

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