It is with heavy hearts and extreme sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of our baby girl, Kayla Justine Apodaca. Kayla was 38 years old and loved by all who knew her. Kay was born on a hot summer night under the blanket of a huge full moon. She was so excited to come into this world that the doctor had just enough time to get in the room and catch her. Kay loved to hear that story. Kayla was an honor student all through her school years and worked in the legal field thereafter. She was so vibrant, beautiful and fun to be around. She had such an infectious smile that you could not help but love her when you'd meet her. All who knew her loved her. Kayla was always there to lend a helping hand and never hesitated to do her most to put a smile on your face.

Kayla was born on September 19, 1986 and left us on April 17, 2025 to be with her daddy and brother. She was the best daughter, granddaughter, sister, auntie, cousin and friend that anybody could have asked for. We are going to miss her extremely. There are no words.

Survivors include her children, Isaiah Rey and Jazmyn Danielle Valenzuela, her mother, Reneé Banegas-Apodaca, her special nephews, Dayvian Gonzales and Charles Joseph Apodaca, III. Her special cousins, Crystal Ann Linares, Amber Barreras, Ajia DeLaO, Sonrisa and Arturo Via.

Surviving grandparents, Marina Banegas, and Martin and Silvia Arrey. Her goddaughter Heaven Woods. Her godparents, Steve and Kathy DeLaO and Raymond and Lisa Fernandez. Others left to mourn her are her Uncle Art Banegas, Jr. (Rachael); Uncle Anthony "Tony" Banegas, Auntie Anna Linda "Lindy" Barreras (Jerry) and Marina Banegas (Bob), and all her friends and family who loved her unconditionally with all their hearts.

Kayla was preceded in death by her grandfather Arturo A. Banegas, Sr., her awesome dad Charles Joseph Apodaca, Sr., LCPD "215", and her brother and best friend Charles Joseph "Joe" Apodaca, Jr.

Casket bearers will be her son, Isaiah and his father Justin Valenzuela, her nephew, Dayvian Gonzales, her uncles, Geronimo "Jerry" Barreras and Robert "Bob" Via, and her godfather, Raymond Fernandez. Honorary casket bearers will include her nephews, Charles Joseph Apodaca the third (III) and Kai Flores.

A prayer vigil will be held in honor of Kayla on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, located at 1240 South Espina Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Recitation of the rosary will begin at 2:00 p.m. and the mass will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. Following services, cremation will take place and inurement will be at a later date where she will be placed in IHM columbarium beside her father and brother. In honor of Kayla the family asks that you wear purple, as that was her favorite color.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels 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