It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maria G. Rigales, age 89, of Las Cruces on Saturday December 23, 2023, her final moments were spent peacefully in her home in Las Cruces, NM, surrounded by loved ones, family and close friends.

She was born January 3rd,1934 in Fabens, TX to Lucio and Ramona Garcia.

Maria was a devoted loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family meant everything to her. Maria was known for her fresh homemade tortillas and carne con papas and her sweet sun tea. And others remember her as the sweet kind lady from Lady Fair Coin Laundry on Mesquite St. which she worked there for 20 years.

Maria will be dearly missed by all who knew her. The Rigales and Garcia family ask that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing.

She is survived by her daughters and sons, Ernestine and Ernest Ontiveros, Pete and Bernadie Rigales, Luis Rigales, Maryhelen Garcia, Albert and Carmen Garcia, Ruben Garcia, Paul Garcia and Beatrice and Patricia Garcia.

Also survived by her grandchildren, Ricky Padilla, Marcelino Torres, Connie Ontiveros, Ernest Jr. Ontiveros, Stevie Ontiveros, Pete Jr. Rigales, Jerry Rigales, Luis Rigales, Connie Padilla, Crystal Garcia, Yolanda Garcia, Maria Garcia, Monica Garcia, Paul Jr. Garcia, Josephine Garcia, Warren Alvillar, and Lillian Alvillar.

And survived by her beloved 36 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her Father and Mother Lucio ad Ramona Garcia and her Husband Pete Rigales and brothers and sister, Jesus Garcia, Jose Garcia, Lucio Jr. Garcia, Luis Garcia, Robert Garcia, Tommy Garcia, and Petra Tellez.

Also preceded in death by her daughters and son and grandson, Sally Rigales, Lupita Garcia, Johnny Rigales and James Padilla.

"God made a wonderful mother, A mother who never grows old. He made her smile of the sunshine and molded her heart of pure gold, In her eyes he placed bright shining stars, in her cheeks fair roses you see. God made a wonderful loving mother, and he gave that dear mother to all of us."

The Rigales and Garcia family wish to thank all those who helped us and Mesilla Valley Hospice for their service as well. Your support has meant the world to us all.

A visitation will be held starting at 2pm Friday, January 05, 2023, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 East Boutz Road. A Prayer Vigil will begin at 3pm with a Funeral Liturgy to follow.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory. For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapleslascruces.com