Our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and dear friend, MARIA ISELA MONTES, 65, of La Mesa passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at her home. She was born November 13, 1958, in Las Cruces to Esperanza Meraz and Manuel Diaz. Maria was a loving homemaker and a member of the Catholic Church.

Those left to mourn her passing include, two sons, Hector L. Montes of La Mesa and Orlando Montes (Sarah); daughter, Nicole Montes-Jiron (Josh) all of Las Cruces; a sister, Cecilia Villareal also of Las Cruces. Other survivors include eight grandchildren Alonzo, Isaih, Ruben, Joseph, Orlando, Destiny, Larissa, and Amarie; as well as nieces and nephews; and her best friend Virgina Sanchez. Maria was preceded in death by her parents: her loving husband, Hector Appelzoller Montes on March 4, 2023; three brothers, Reymundo, Francisco and Gilbert Diaz; two sisters, Manuela Landcaster, and Leticia Diaz.

Visitation for Maria will begin at 9 AM Monday, February 12, 2024, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road with the Prayer Vigil at 10 AM. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated thereafter. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers will be Orlando, Hector Lloyd, Isaiah, Hector Alonzo and Joseph Montes and Ruben Ramirez.

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