Rito (Rocky) Stella, 65 of Las Cruces, NM passed away December 11, 2023, at Memorial Medical Center, Las Cruces, NM.

Rito was born in Silver City, NM to Antonia and Pete Stella. Rito worked at Zia Middle School for 18 years and 17 years at Southwest Counseling Center Warm Line. He was on the Alliance on Mental Illness Board of Directors for 10 years. Rito enjoyed going to the High School football games, watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys, and World Wresting Entertainment.

Rito was survived by his partner Kelly Martin; his brother Oscar Stella; his nephew Daniel Stella; and niece Amanda Madrid.

He was preceded in death by father Pete Stella; his mother Antonia Stella; his two sisters Flora Stella and Linda Stella.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11am, Friday, January 12, 2024 at the  Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 South Espina.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapaelslascruces.com.