Kitty R. Romero, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully into the presence of our Heavenly Father on March 26, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by her loving family and virtually via Facetime by those who could not be there in person.

Kitty was born on March 28, 1938, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Joe M. Rivera, Sr. and Martina M. (Tini) Rivera. A lifelong resident of Las Cruces, she will be remembered for her strength, resilience, and caring spirit. Kitty was a beautician, later worked as an insurance clerk at Memorial Medical Center, and finally retiring after 23 years of service in the Printing and Duplicating Department at New Mexico State University.  Even before ride-sharing services became common, Kitty was known for her generous spirit, often chauffeuring her extended family and friends to appointments, errands, and shopping trips. This was a testament to her life, hard work, dedication, caring spirit, and willingness to help.

Beyond her professional life, Kitty found joy in the simple pleasures. She was an enthusiastic Bingo player, a frequent visitor at the horse races and casinos, and a passionate dancer—especially the jitterbug.  Her strong personality and unwavering faith were instrumental in raising five successful children, instilling in them the values of hard work, resilience, and unwavering love.

Kitty is survived by her five children: Ricky Romero (Denise) of Forney, TX; Annette Barela (Steve) of Las Cruces, NM; Eddie Romero (Lori) of Las Cruces, NM; Jackie Garcia of Copperas Cove, TX; and Pami Weems (Brandon) of Spokane, WA; as well as two siblings: Jesus "Chickie" Rivera (Gina) of Las Cruces, NM, and Rachael A. "Cala" Rivera (Charles)of Upper Marlboro, MD.  She leaves behind a legacy of love shared with eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Jacob Barela and Ralphie Romero; her brother, Joe B. (Tito) Rivera; her sister, Lorraine Gutierrez; and her parents, Joe M. Rivera, Sr., and Martina M. (Tini) Rivera.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Richard "R.J." Romero, Frank-E Garcia, Dominic Garcia, and Jordan Weems. Honorary pallbearers are her granddaughters: Celeste Romero, Yvonne Romero, Shannel Garcia, Armani Garcia, and Ryann Weems.

Kitty's vibrant spirit, unwavering faith, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  May her memory be a blessing

A visitation for Kitty will begin at 9am on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at St. Genevieve's Catholic Church, 100 South Espina Street. A memorial mass will be celebrated in Kitty's honor at 10am. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com