Our beloved brother, uncle, friend, and teacher, Robert "Beto" Saavedra, age 75 of Santa Teresa left his dwelling place on earth and entered eternal life to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at his home with his sister and brother-in-law, Maggie and Danny Herrera at his side to the very end.

"Beto," as he was fondly known to his family and friends, was born on September 13, 1949, in San Miguel, NM, to Enrique M. and Rosa Avalos Saavedra. Robert was a 1968 graduate of Gadsden High School and continued his education at New Mexico State University, from where he received his Master's Degree in Special Education. He was a Special Education Teacher with the Gadsden Independent School District for over 40 years, where he made a lot of friends and became a role model to his many students. Robert was the Director of Los Amigos de Gadsden Special Olympics and was a communicant of the Catholic Church.

Those left to mourn his passing include six sisters, Maggie Herrera (Danny) of Las Cruces, Gracie Hernandez of San Miguel, Elva S. Delgado (Paul), Irma Herrera (Ernest) all of Mesquite, Olga S. Reyes of Newport Beach, CA and Gloria Saenz of Sunland Park; three brothers, Henry Saavedra (Veronica) of Lemitar, NM, Efren Saavedra of Mesquite and David Saavedra of Las Cruces. Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Alvaro Avalos, Freddie, and Eddie Saavedra; a sister, Evangelina Herrera.

A visitation will begin at 9:30 AM on Monday, August 4, 2025, at San Miguel Catholic Church, 19217 S. Highway 28, where the Prayer Vigil is scheduled at 10 AM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter with Reverend Martin Cordero officiating. Cremation will follow, and Inurnment of Cremains will be held at a later date.

Serving as casket bearers will be Vicente Lopez, Danny Herrera, Daniel Herrera, Pat Ryan, Alvaro Herrera Jr., and Andrew Herrera, Honorary bearers will be Mark Serna, Tommy Botello, Miguel Monroy, Jehad Karakarh, and Cindy Hill.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mesilla Valley Hospice for the genuine care given to our brother; to Dr. Robert Prieto, his oncologist, for the special care; to the staff of Cimaron Park Rehabilitation Center for attending to his needs.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel 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