JOSE MARIA "CHEMA" MORALES, age 94, of Las Cruces and formerly of Santa Rita, NM entered eternal rest on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Memorial Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones. "Chema" as he was loving known to family and friends was born January 11, 1931, in Santa Rita, NM to Rita Navarro and Pedro N. Morales. He retired as a miner from the Copper Mines in Grant County after numerous years of service and was member of the Roman Catholic Church.

In 1982, Chema married the love of his life, Lorenza "Lorie" Chavez; and is survived by his stepson, Paul Guerra (Stephanie) of Lacey, WA., and stepdaughters, Teri Guerra of Las Cruces. Other survives include four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Chema was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Joe Morales Jr., and daughter, Jeannie Morales.

Visitation for Mr. Morales will begin at 1 PM Friday, May 9, 2025, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road with the Prayer Vigil at 2 PM. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated immediately thereafter. At his request cremation will follow and Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date in Hanover, NM.

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