MARIA SOTO OROZCO, age 78, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Hospice of El Paso, TX. Born September 2, 1947, in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Albina Armas and Felipe Soto, Maria lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service.

A devout wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Maria was known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love. She was a proud and active member of the Roman Catholic Church and gave her time joyfully to the Santa Rosa de Lima Fiestas and parish activities, embodying the spirit of community and devotion.

Maria survives by her beloved husband of 58 years, Rodolfo Orozco, and their nine children: Rodolfo, Fernando, Sergio (Sylvia), Rogelio (Denice), Ricardo (Christina Lozano), and Gerardo (Kimberley), all from Las Cruces; Araceli Guadarrama (Jorge) of Las Cruces; Maria Arambule (Enrique) of Phoenix, AZ.; and Angelica Orozco of El Paso, TX. She also leaves behind her cherished brother, Ruben Soto (Maria) of Ciudad Juárez; sisters Paula Fierro (Baltazar) of Los Angeles, CA., and Guillermina Ronquillo of Ciudad Juárez; her loyal canine companion, Canela; 23 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Albina and Felipe; her sister Julietta Palacios; her brother Felipe Soto; a great-granddaughter; and her daughter-in-law, Anna Orozco.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church, 5035 Holsome Road, followed by a Prayer Vigil at 10:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter with Reverend Gino Wilcox, Celebrant. Maria will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue, in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers are Rogelio, Sergio, Joseph, Madden, and Alexander Orozco, and Andres Arambula.

In accordance with Maria's wishes, the family kindly requests no flowers.

Maria's legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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