Jose (Pepe) Moralez, 87, from Dona Ana, N.M., passed away peacefully in the care of Mesila Valley Hospice on Monday, October 18, 2023.

Pepe was born in Berino, N.M. to Clemente and Ramona Moralez. Pepe worked side by side with his family on their farm. He loved to tinker with tools. He was very artistic by making art pieces out of aluminum cans. He also loved working in his mother's garden. He was an avid collector of everyone's tools, making sure they were safe in his closet. Pepe had pure unconditional love for his entire family. On our brother's last day at Mesilla Valley Hospice Father George prayed for our brother and he asked about Pepe. We told him he was our special brother and Father then said he was an angel now. When our brother passed away that morning, our hearts broke into a million pieces. His spirit will always be with us, and we will love him forever.

Pepe is survived by his brothers and sisters, Clemente "Junie" (Maria); Enedina Sanchez, Ernest (Chole); Dora Trejo (Orlando); Alice Long (Mike); Richard (Rose Estrada); Minerva Martinez (David); Orlando (Mary); Dolores De La O (Tommy); and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clemente and Ramona; his sisters, Gloria Abeyta and Virginia Vargas

A visitation for Pepe will be held starting at 9am on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Our Lady of Purification, 5525 Christo Rey Street. A prayer vigil will begin at 10am with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30am. Inurnment will be at Dona Ana Cemetery.

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