LUCY PANTOJA ESPARZA, 67, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2023.  She was born on July 1, 1956, in Silver City, NM, to the late Manuel and Aurelia Esparza.

Lucy was a loving individual who had a deep affection for her family. Her smile and laughter were contagious, bringing joy to those around her. She had a particular love for sports, especially football, tennis and golf. Lucy enjoyed watching the games and spending time with her loved ones.  She cherished her family and always made sure to stay connected through phone conversations.

Lucy is survived by her companion, John Ramirez, and her stepdaughters, Johnesse Ramirez and Christina Ramirez. She is also survived by her step-grandsons, Ben Ramirez and Thomas Manning, as well as her nieces who were like daughters to her, Arlene Camarena (Santiago), Yesenia Camarena (Benjamin), and Yamira Camarena. Lucy is also survived by her sisters, Hope Holland and Aurora Kane, and her brothers, Gilbert Esparza and Manny Esparza, and her brother-in-law, Oscar Merino. She also survived by numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.   She was preceded in death by her father, Manuel Esparza, her mother, Aurelia Esparza, her brother, Danny Esparza, her sister, Mary Esparza Merino, her brother-in-law, Daniel Holland, her brother-in-law, William Kane, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Lucy attended Cobre High School and later pursued a career at Tri-State in El Paso, TX.

A Celebration of Life for Lucy Pantoja Esparza will be held on November 11th at 2:00 pm at the Hurley Community Center, located at 302 Carrasco Ave, Hurley, NM.

Lucy will be deeply missed by her loved ones and all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her memory will forever be cherished.

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