MARIBEL MERCADO ESTRADA, a lifelong resident of Las Cruces, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Mesilla Valley Hospice–La Posada, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 57 years old.

Born August 9, 1969, to Aurelia Mercado and Margarito Herrera, Maribel grew into a woman known for her strength, dedication, and warm spirit. She worked as a sales manager at Designers Mart where her leadership, kindness, and professionalism earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike.

In 1992, Maribel married the love of her life, Charlie M. Estrada, and together they built a beautiful life filled with devotion, laughter, and shared purpose. Their bond was one of deep affection and unwavering partnership. In 2002, Maribel and Charlie entered the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where they were sealed together for time and all eternity.

Maribel is survived by her husband Charlie, along with their beloved son, Karl Castaneda (Megan) of St. Cloud, Florida; and their cherished grandchildren, Cristiano and Leyla Rose Castaneda, who brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her sister, Olga M. Herrera; her in‑laws, Charlie V. and Nellie Estrada; brother‑in‑law, Anthony Estrada (Zoraya); sister‑in‑law, Faith Estrada; and nieces Josalyn Estrada‑Kekuewa and Chastity Dally (Dustin), along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her loving parents; her brother, Enrique Escarcega; and her maternal grandparents, Roman and Leonarda Mercado.

Visitation will be held on September 25, 2026, from 9 AM to 9:45 AM followed by service at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3210 Venus Street, with Bishop Andrew Costin officiating. Concluding Service and Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue. A reception will follow the Interment at 3210 Venus Street.

Serving as casket bearers are all nephews: Isaac Torres, Justin Rossman, Christopher Smith Escarcega, Michael Escarcega, Adam Estrada Campos, Michael Estrada Nunez, and Xzavier Estrada. Honorary bearers include Gabriel Estrada Nunez and Zayien Estrada.

Maribel’s strong testimony and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is what always kept her positive throughout her journey, and she always had a prayer in her heart.

Outside of work and church service, Maribel loved and enjoyed making jewelry, crafting, scrapbooking, and thrifting. Maribel was smart, creative, a problem solver, and a positive example to everyone around her.

Maribel’s life was defined by love, love for her family, love for her work, and love for the people she encountered each day. Her memory will remain a blessing, and her legacy of kindness, devotion, and quiet strength will continue to live on in all who knew her.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the entire Designers Mart family for the incredible trust, kindness, and support you showed Maribel. Thank you for going above and beyond with your generosity and compassion, and for honoring her life and memory in such a meaningful way. We will forever be grateful to the entire Designers Mart family.

Our family also wishes to thank Ruth & all the other nurses at Memorial Medical Cancer Center for their kindness and care. As well as Erica H. with Mesilla Valley Hospice for her compassion, kindness, and respect she showed Maribel while caring for her at home.

Many thanks also go out to everyone, especially family, friends, and church members for their time, help, and donations.

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