MANUELA GRADO THOMPSON, 77, a longtime Deming resident, entered eternal rest on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Manuela was born March 11, 1948, in Janos, Chihuahua Mexico, to Jesus and Antonia Caballero Grado. Manuela will always be known for her feisty and independent personality. As the oldest child and big sister of 7 siblings, she took great pride in keeping them all in line and was not shy about making sure others knew that she was their protector and big sister. Manuela had a passion for shopping for great deals at her favorite thrift stores, which included Savers and Goodwill, where she would spend several hours. We are very happy that she was able to enjoy concerts and trips to California, Arizona, and Ohio with her daughter Melissa and her grandsons, Brayden & Ryan.

Manuela will be deeply missed by many; however, we find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and reunited with her husband, Webb, her son, Daryl, and many other family members. We can only imagine that upon her arrival in heaven, our Dad made sure to greet her with open loving arms, as well as his music blaring in the background. To which we are certain she quickly got on him to turn it down just like the old times.

Manuela is survived by son, Jason Thompson of Deming; daughters Melissa Thompson of Deming and Kimberly Thompson of Las Cruces; brothers, Manuel "Manny" (Cindy) Grado, Arturo (Norma) Grado, Jose "Lupe" Grado and Fernie Grado all from Deming; sisters, Maria Grado of Deming and Ernestina "Tina" Grado of Sierra Vista, AZ; beloved granddaughters, Kaitlynn, Audrey, and Kalaya of Las Cruces; grandsons, Brayden and Ryan of Deming, Jose (Leilani) of Deming, and Brandon of Las Cruces; beloved great-grandchildren J'armanni of Deming, Xaivanney of Las Cruces, Yari of Deming, and many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur "Webb" Thompson; son Daryl Thompson; parents, Jesus R. and Antonia C. Grado; sister, Susan Grado, and brother, Adofo "Fito" Grado.

Per Manuela's request and wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service for the celebration of her life will take place at a later date.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces 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