Ismael "Smiley" Ybarvo, 66, returned to our Heavenly Father on November 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Ismael was born to David and Josefina Ybarvo on September 15, 1958, in Canutillo, Texas. Ismael was the fourth of six children. Ismael graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1977. Ismael grew up in Stahmann Farms and enjoyed playing basketball. Ismael and his brothers learned the love of working on machinery and cars from their father David who was a mechanic for Stahmann Farms. The love of working on cars continued throughout his life and he especially loved working on vehicles alongside his brother Joel. Ismael and Joel took an old tractor and rebuilt it to working condition. Ismael was often asked by his neighbors to level out their properties with his tractor or fix their vehicles. There was no job too big or small that Ismael would not tackle.

From a young age Ismael was a hard worker. He would help the family by picking pecans during the school Christmas breaks and was often put in charge of keeping track of the pecans the family picked so the family could get paid accordingly. Ismael worked various jobs throughout his life which included Coca-Cola, Sisbarro, Southwest Septic Service, and found his final home at GCC where he worked for the last 21 years. Ismael fell ill several years ago, however despite his illness, he always kept working and never slowed down even when his family recommended, he do so. Ismael was a dedicated worker who showed up to work no matter how sick he was or felt.

Ismael's proudest days were when his daughter and son were born. He was a dedicated father and enjoyed spending time with his children. He instilled in them the pride of working hard, making an honest living, and that the most important thing in life is the love of family.

In his early 30's Ismael took dance lessons at the Triple R Bar which began his love of dancing, especially to country music. He met the love of his life, Debbie Fernandez, in 1990 at that same bar. She walked in, he bought her a drink, took her out to dance and when she was leaving for a friend's birthday party, he asked to tag along. At the birthday party they spent the whole night talking and laughing and forgot about everyone else at the party. He married Debbie on April 15, 1994, and blended their two young families together.

Ismael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Ismael, later nicknamed "Smiley", had the most beautiful hazel eyes and a gift of making everyone around him laugh with his pranking, joking demeanor, infectious smile, and contagious laugh. Life was fun and full of laughter when Smiley was around. No matter how tired or sick he felt, he always made an effort to attend any family gathering, birthday parties, a sporting event, graduation parties, weddings, and holidays. If family was involved, he would show up.

Just like Ismael was given the nickname "Smiley", he had a nickname for everyone he considered a true friend or loved one.

Smiley was a big, kind and strong man with an even bigger, kinder and stronger heart. He was always willing to help someone in need, even if it meant he would have to do without. His death was a shock to all as this giant of a man had previously beaten all the odds. Smiley will be missed by all who knew him.

Ismael was predeceased by his parents David and Josefina Ybarvo, brother David, Jr., and great-nephew Kinito Perez.

Ismael is survived by his wife of 30 years Debbie of Las Cruces, New Mexico; daughter Cecilia Ybarvo-Perez and son Joel David "JD" both of Antioch, Tennessee; and his three stepsons whom he considered as his own, Mario Sanchez (Kasia) of Cedar Hill, Texas, and Michael and Matthew Sanchez of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was a proud grandfather to Jose Roberto, Ismael Jesus and John Paul Perez; Allison and Alejandro Ybarvo; Avayah, Syriah, Nathaniel, Reyna and Ussiah Sanchez. He is also survived by his brother Joel Ybarvo (Maria Martinez), sisters Socorro Rayas (Leon), Yoli Ibarbo (Richard Rose), and Susie Contreras (Jaime), along with 14 nephews and nieces, 16 great-nephews and nieces, aunts, uncles and countless cousins.

Ismael's family would like to thank his co-workers at GCC who noticed he was not feeling well and took him to the emergency room even though he did not want to go; the wonderful ICU doctors and nurses at Mountain View Regional Hospital; the amazing Air Medical Staff; as well as the ICU doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, who provided such loving and tender care for him. Words cannot express how grateful we are to our niece Dr. Sukie Rayas from San Antonio, Texas, for the tireless and constant effort she gave in making sure the best care was provided to Ismael. Our niece Vanessa Ibarbo, her fiancé Cristian Bustillos, and our cousin Laura Ibarbo for staying by his side in Rio Rancho until family could get there, all those who visited, called, checked in and especially prayed for Ismael and our family during this difficult time.

We are all blessed to have met such an amazing person in this lifetime and may we always live like Ismael did, with fun and laughter always in our hearts.

A visitation for Smiley will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, starting at 10am at Heart for the World, 1605 South Valley. A celebration of life will follow at 11am. Cremation will follow services.

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