RAUL B. TELLEZ, age 84, from Las Cruces, New Mexico entered eternal life on Monday, December 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 26, 1940, in Tellezville - La Mesa, New Mexico. As a child he grew up in La Mesa and began his education at La Mesa Elementary and graduated from Gadsden High School in 1958. The negotiation skills he used in life began very early while attending elementary school in La Mesa when he proudly staged a "walk-out" after lunch one day because of the fact, that Hispanic students were not allowed to ring the school bell. From that day forward – ALL students were given the same opportunity to ring that bell.
During high school he discovered an interest in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Anthony Chapter. His passion for this specific organization developed at young age as he was raised and worked on the family farm where he grew up. Upon becoming a member of FFA, he was elected by his peers as the Secretary of the Anthony Chapter and later served as the Chapter & State of New Mexico Vice-President in 1956-57. His position in FFA made it possible for him to attend the National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, a moment he was very proud of and still spoke about it today. He received his State Farmer Degree, a Certificate of Merit from A.T.&S.F. Railroad, National FFA Foundation Award for soil and water management and the Santa Fe Award. A memory he shared often was the fact his dinner program had been signed by President Harry S. Truman.
Upon graduation he married the mother of his daughters, Patsy Bustamante and began a career that would take him from assembling bikes for Schwinn in Downtown Las Cruces, to becoming "the milkman" for Prices Creamery to later becoming a truck driver for Whitfield Transportation from 1962-1980. Raul began his political calling when he was elected to serve on the Doña Ana County Commission for 2 terms and enhanced the lives of many residents that put their faith in electing him to office to represent them in District 1. He was also appointed to the Greater Las Cruces Industrial Development Board. In 1971 he was appointed to the New Mexico-Chihuahua Border Commission – this was the beginning of the work he truly was passionate for when he began working toward agricultural trade between the two nations. In the early 80's he was appointed by Governor Bruce King to serve on the New Mexico Economic Development Board yet making another impact on the state he loved so much. During this time changes took place in his personal life, and he was reunited with his high school classmate Gloria Acosta. They were united in marriage in 1977 and spent the last 47 years embarking on a life that would take them across the United States, Canada & Mexico, and the fortune of meeting acquaintances along the way that became very close friends on both sides of the border. This was the beginning of a life together that brought him tremendous joy in everything they encountered.
In 1984 he was hired as Marketing Specialist at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) at New Mexico State University (NMSU). This position was one of the most rewarding for him during his 26-year career at NMDA. The friendships and improved opportunities for cattlemen on both sides of the border that were established during this time proved to be his most recognized accomplishment that increased his circle of friends to a quantity that is indescribable. He was a leader in the development of agricultural trade, not just in New Mexico but around the nation, The exporting he executed went way beyond cattle. Anything agricultural related was going to be located once you asked him to find it. His "yellow legal pad" was his version of an IPad and you would never see him without one. Upon retirement from NMSU in 2010, he continued working on a consultant level up until his last day. The passion he had to help the Mexican cattlemen was always his priority and was very proud of the multitude of people he was able to assist over the past 40 years in the agricultural industry. The numerous accolades, awards, magazine articles written about him and everything in between was just a small testament to the major impact he made in the agricultural community. He never sought recognition or reward, only the satisfaction of knowing he was making a difference. He focused solely on helping others succeed whether it was about selling cattle, improving genetics, or navigating the industry.
He loved to tell stories to anyone that would listen, he encouraged everyone he met to become bilingual if you were not already and explained the important impact of speaking Spanish had in his life and career. His knowledge on the history of New Mexico, the history of our relatives, cattle breeding, etc., is indescribable and was always a pleasure to listen to. The love and support he had for his children; grandchildren & great-grandchildren was unmatched. You would find him at any event they were participating in, whether it was in town or out-of-town, he was there. In most recent years he was delighted with his new title of "Great-Grandpa Uber" as he proudly picked up the kids from school and enjoyed a quick meal with them before his next scheduled destination. Besides spending time with his family and attending every celebratory event, he enjoyed watching a variety of sporting events on television and was always eager to report scores to those of us unable to watch. Raul's physical appearance was one that was complimented often in the way he carried himself as he always strived to be in the best physical shape possible. He had a huge heart that allowed him to give to many and never expect anything in return. He left behind a legacy of trade relationships and improvement in the cattle industry on both sides of the border.
Raul's survivors include his wife of 47 years, Gloria; his three daughters, Sandra Tellez (Marcus), Anna Marie Maya (George) & Patricia Lucero (Willie); stepchildren, David Morones (Lucy), Andrew Morones (Annie) & Monique Gonzales (Inocencio Jr). The marriage of Raul & Gloria blessed them with 22 grandchildren, Cristal Cruz (Ashley), Jake Maya (Mariella), Jeneca Maya Montoya (Justin), Ernestina Lucero (Robert), Willie Lucero IV (Hallie), Cerina Lucero (Justin), Sara Silva (Heath), Katie Silva (Milagro), Jessica Morones, Andrew Morones Jr. (Haydee), Daniel Solis, Noemi Solis (Jimmy), Jeremy Morones, JD Navarro, Justine Branch (Jonathan), Joseph, Gonzales (Aracely), Clarissa Chavez, Alyssa Chavez, Amaris Chavez (Cristian), Maressa Chavez, Adrian Gonzales (Abby) & Mathias Hagan; 26 great-grandchildren Ashlyn, Zayden, Aulani, Kaleb, Dredyn, Wyatt, Wade, Wrenley, Eva, Benito, Mason, A.J., Olivia, Sofia, Jimmy, Santino, Leann, Adalynn, Aaliyah, Maddie, Penelope, Brandon, Makai, Camila, Santiago & Nicholas; His siblings - three (3) brothers, Reymundo Tellez (Anne), Jose Tellez (Vangie), Ramiro Tellez (Hilda); nine (9) sisters, Angelita Rede, Martha Rodriguez (Rod), Amelia Gonzales, Eva Tellez, Corina Gonzales, Yolanda Hanway (Billy), Sylvia Tellez, Bonnie Lopez (Johnny) & Laura Blanco (Luis). He is also survived by numerous nieces & nephews and a friendship list that overflows. He was preceded in death by his parents Avelino & Carmen Tellez and a brother, Miguel Tellez.
Family & Friends will gather on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina in Las Cruces with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM, the Holy Rosary at 11:30 AM followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM.
Serving as casket bearers will be his grandchildren, Jake Maya, Cristal Cruz, Willie Lucero IV, Jeremy Morones, Andrew Morones Jr. & Clarissa Chavez. Honorary bearers will be Justin Montoya, Hallie Lucero, Mariella Salayandia, Ashlyn Maya, Zayden Maya, Aulani Montoya, Kaleb Montoya, Dredyn Colt, Wade Willie, Wyatt Lee & Wrenley Jane.
At his request, cremation will follow, and inurnment will take place at a later time.
Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com