It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, NATALIA M. TRUJILLO, on March 30, 2026, in Las Cruces, NM. Natalia was born December 1, 1934, in Gila, NM, to Santos and Jose Medrano.

A devoted mother and proud matriarch, Natalia found her greatest joy in supporting and loving her family. She was the heart of our home, offering a lifetime of wisdom and unwavering affection to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends alike.

With a cheerful spirit and a wide range of passions, Natalia truly loved life.  She loved learning, reading, listening to music, dancing, and watching her favorite Novelas. She was also a dedicated sports fan, rarely missing NASCAR, NBA, WNBA, NFL, NCAA or the Olympics—where she especially loved the grace of ice skating, and the thrill of downhill skiing.  Her ritual at the racetrack was legendary: making the sign of the cross for Smitty as he raced around the track. However, her favorite athletes were always her own children and grandchildren. As our #1 fan, she was known to be quite vocal from the sidelines; you certainly didn't want to strike out in baseball when Natalia was watching! Her fiery spirit gave us the confidence to face any challenge head-on.

Her creativity shone through her love for art, painting, and drawing. Even in her final days, her curiosity never faded—she was always asking questions and eager to learn something new. For instance, when she decided she wanted to master a peach cobbler pie, her son Stephen taught her the recipe, only for her to quickly perfect it and make it even better than before.

Natalia stayed sharp and engaged with the world, reading two newspapers every day (except on Saturdays when the Las Cruces paper didn't print). She loved keeping up with the headlines and ending her day with a laugh while watching Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel, or other late-night talk shows. More than anything, she cherished the simple joy of sharing stories and laughing with the people she loved.

The foundation of her beautiful life was her 66-year romance with her husband, Benny G. Trujillo. They met at a Western New Mexico University Newman Club meeting, where Benny sent her a simple note asking to share a Coke and to "give a sign for yes or no." That note began a journey of 24,068 days of marriage — a lifetime of love that remains an inspiration to us all.

Those who knew Natalia recall her kind, warm heart and a smile that lit up the room. Throughout her life, she worked with the administration at Bayard City Hall and served as a substitute teacher with the Gadsden School District, all while creating a home filled with love. She was our biggest fan and was immensely proud of each one of us.  We, in turn, were extremely proud of her when she returned to college later in life, earning her Associate of Applied Science in Mid-Management from Eastern New Mexico University in 1995 at the young age of 60.

Natalia was preceded in death by her loving husband, Benjamin "Benny" Trujillo; her son, Michael Trujillo; and her daughters-in-law, Bethyl Begay Trujillo and Maria Esther Trujillo. She was the last surviving member of the Medrano family. Preceded by her three brothers, Ramon, Gilbert, and Joe, and her four sisters, Regina Medrano, Hortencia Maldonaldo, Juanita Maldonaldo, and Helen Monje.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sylvia Smithberger (Joe) of Santa Fe and Carolyn Aragon (Joe) of Las Cruces; and her two sons, Stephen Trujillo of Santa Fe and Jerry Trujillo (Cindy) of Albuquerque. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Steven Aragon (Ashley), Andrea Aragon, Alyssa Trujillo, Anneliese Trujillo, Dominik Trujillo, Estevan Rael (Janevi), Andrew Rael Trujillo (Amada), Jered Dominguez-Trujillo, John Dominguez-Trujillo, RJ Ramos, Robert Ramos (Carmen), Rene Ramos (Sandra), and Jessica Ramos along with thirteen great-grandchildren.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 1 PM Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 1240 S. Espina Street, with the Funeral Mass immediately following.

We will be celebrating Natalia's life on Thursday afternoon, the time and location will be announced at the end of the Funeral Mass.

The Rite of Committal and Interment will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 2 PM. at the Fort Bayard National Cemetery, 200 Camino De Paz, Fort Bayard, NM, where she will be laid to rest with Benny.

Serving as casket bearers will be Steven Aragon, Estevan Rael, Andrew Rael Trujillo, Jered Dominguez-Trujillo, Dominik Trujillo, and John Dominguez-Trujillo. Honorary bearers will be the remainder of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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