JOSEPHINE B. CHAVEZ-DEASON, aged 90, of Las Cruces, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Born April 4, 1936, Josie was the fourth of five children born to Valentin and Aurora Balizan. After graduating high school, she married Louis Chavez. Together they built a family from love and faith and shared many memories in their 50-year marriage before his passing in 2009.

Josie and Louis would often pack up their camper and go to Silver Lake where they enjoyed being in nature, cooking out, and inviting their children for picnics. She was a faithful Catholic and attended Mass often at Immaculate Heart of Mary or Holy Cross church. She was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends with lively music playing in the background.

She was a proud member of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, where her great-grandfather was once Cacique (Chief). She felt privileged to pass her heritage to her descendants. She sang in the IHM choir for many years and was a member of the Christ Child Circle. Many of her family members are recipients of her hand-made quilts.

She worked at various times for the Doña Ana County Clerk, United Fashion, Las Cruces Public Schools, Farmer’s & Craft Market, and NMSU.

Josie was blessed to find happiness again when she met Thomas “Tom” Deason at a church function, and they married in 2012.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Valentin & Aurora Balizan; her first husband, Louis Chavez; second husband, Tom Deason; sister, Rosina Balizan; and brothers, Valentin “Tino” Balizan; Ernest Balizan (Esperanza).

Josie is survived by her sister, Irene Bailey; brothers, Albert Balizan (Carla); Patrick (Pat) Balizan (Euna); Arthur (Art) Balizan; sister-in-law, Martha Balizan; children, Felicia Krynitz; Cindy Burrell (George); Anthony Chavez (Kristin); step-children, Carol Pollard (Mike); Thomas Deason Jr.; Patrick Deason (Judy); grandchildren, J.C. (Jae Young); Jim (Trina); Justin (Adryana); Sheila (Billy); Katrina (Justin); Paul; step-grandchildren, Kenneth; Ryan; David; Kevin; Andy; Shelby; Estrella; Christopher; great-grandchildren, Elijah; Malia; Nathaniel; Aria; Jerin; Norah; Amara; Amelia (JoJo); Jaxin; Spencer; Aeisha; Reagene; Sean; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Malakai; and Salem.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to La Posada-Mesilla Valley Hospice in loving memory of Josephine.

Visitation will begin at 4 PM Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Baca’s Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road, with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina Street with The Reverend Bill McCann, Celebrant. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Road where she will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers will be J.C. Krynitz, Jim Burrell, Justin Krynitz, Billy Gibbons, Justin Monton, Paul Candelaria, Elijah Burrell and Nathaniel Hernandez.

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