It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our treasured matriarch, Juanita Duran Tellez, who entered the kingdom of Heaven on February 24, 2026, at the age of 95. Born prematurely in Loving, NM, on May 16, 1930, Juanita was so small at birth she could fit into a shoebox. As the eldest daughter, she left elementary school early to run the family household in La Mesa, NM due to her mother's failing health. She learned to cook on a firewood stove and often shared stories noting her father would always eat her meals even when she was still learning and burning some, but eventually she became a great cook.

Throughout her early life, she worked in the fields and did ironing for laundry in Colorado, keeping a single quarter for herself and giving the rest to her mother each payday. Despite poverty, she always took immense pride in her feminine appearance and in keeping a clean, welcoming home.

As a teenager, she caught the eye of her husband, David, who was 10 years her senior, and they married in 1947. Together they built a beautiful family. Juanita became a mother in 1948, welcoming a child every spring for five years, and again in autumn of 1968. While her favorite place was always her own home, she touched many lives by babysitting her grandchildren and the children of friends from nearby Mayfield High School. She had a unique gift for connecting with others—offering food, advice, humor and she was a powerful example of how to face life's hardships with grace, strength, and a good touch of stubbornness. Juanita possessed an incredible memory for family history and a deep love for plants and animals.

She is survived by her youngest son, Louis (Hortensia Espinosa), daughters, Elvira, Rachel (Doyle Knudson) and Melissa (Anthony Viola) plus 12 grandchildren: Pamela, Celia, Daniel, Carla, Celina, Orlando, Gabriel, David, Christopher, James, Jace and Tony; 22 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren, with two more expected this May; as well as siblings, Anita Archuleta, Connie "Chelo" Thayer and Justo Duran Jr., (Antonia) and a vast number of nieces and nephews who mostly knew her as "Tia Honey", but the nickname was based on Juanita, anglicized to Jane, pronounced like "Ha - neh".  Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, David, who was an ex-POW from WWII; two beloved sons, David Jr "Lickie" and Daniel; her parents, Justo Duran Sr., and Josefa Ramirez-Villescas Duran; her older brother, Maximo and younger, sister Benita. She leaves behind a tremendous void, but also a wonderful and enduring legacy.

She loved flowers and plants; if anyone wishes to order more, please consider Flowerland in Arroyo Plaza 575-525-1850.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Thursday, March 12, 2026, at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina Street. The Rite of Committal and Entombment will followed at Hillcrest Mausoleum, 5140 W. Picacho Ave. A gathering will follow at Finley Hall at IHM afterwards, to be catered by her dear Goddaughter Cecilia Yañez, owner of the famous Chope's restaurant.

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