It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend, GUILLERMO "WILLIE" RODRIGUEZ, 87, of Las Cruces. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 31, 2024. "Willie," as he was known, was born January 10, 1937, in Mesilla to Amada Garcia and Florencio Rodriguez. He served his country honorably in the United States Army. After the Military, Willie was employed with the United States Postal Service, as a letter carrier and retired in 1998 after 37 years of service. He was a member of the Catholic Church, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Willie was an avid golf player and found any chance to get a round in. He loved all his many dogs and every dog on his mail route.

In May of 1962, Willie married Mary Margaret Maldonado and together they raised three children; daughter, Bernardine Rodriguez-Padilla of Santa Fe; son, Michael Rodriguez and wife, Maria of Las Cruces; daughter Patsy Wallace of Las Cruces; 7 grandchildren; David Padilla with Kelli Barela, Nicole Padilla with fiancé Joe Soukup, Arianne Padilla; Ryan Rodriguez with fiancée Ava Crichton, Briana Rodriguez; Brooke and Ian Wallace; 2 great-grandchildren Sophia Padilla and Cruz Padilla; and a sister, Herminda Roque of El Paso, TX; aunt, Lela Rodriguez, and niece Irma Thomas. Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and other family members.

Funeral arrangements will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina Street, Thursday, April 18, 2024. Visitation will begin at 11 AM, the Prayer Vigil at 11:30 AM, a Memorial Celebration of Life Mass will be celebrated at 12 PM. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army Honor Guard and The Marines Corps League El Perro Diablo Detachment immediately after the mass. Interment will take place at a later date at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Serving as casket bearers will be David Padilla, Ryan Rodriguez, Ian Wallace, Joseph Benavidez, Gilbert Guzman, and Joe Soukup. Honorary bearers are, Cruz Padilla, Art Serna, Willie Ramirez Sr, Willie Ramirez Jr, Sonny Lucero, Tody Diaz, Billy Bob Rodriguez, and Efren Benavidez.

Service arrangements have been caringly entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 575-527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com