The world dimmed on September 7, 2025, as we said goodbye to our sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Virginia Ruth Black ("Virg") a feisty red-haired, blue-eyed spark of life who left us far too soon at the young age of 77. While we deeply mourn the loss of our mother and dear friend, we find comfort in knowing she is now free from pain and at peace.

Born in New York, Virg carried her fiery wit and quick humor across the country before planting roots beneath the desert skies of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Virg filled every room with laughter, stories, and a dash of mischief. She was a master of sarcasm and a steadfast giver to those in need, and she was also a tireless cheerleader for the people she loved. Virg was a lifelong lover of books, reading was one of her most favorite joys. Her shelves overflowed with books and friends and family alike often found themselves gifted a favorite from her cherished collection. Virg often lost herself for hours in her reading, traveling through time and story to worlds far beyond her own.

Though life presented its challenges, she faced each one with grace, faith, grit and determination. She will be remembered for her kindness, her gift for making everyone feel loved and her habit of sharing her favorite crockpot recipes.

Her greatest adventure, however, was the legacy she leaves behind, raising five children: Nicole, Michael, Chance, Jamie and Sylvia, who blessed her with thirteen grandchildren, Amandee, Todd, Trey, Faith, Noelani, Laykenn, Blazer, Yvette, Katie, Brittany, Jonathan, Virginia and Tommi. She also had the joy of meeting the next generation - seven great-grandchildren Baylynn, Karsynn, Camdynn, Elaylah, Soren, Vadim and Rowan, some were lucky enough to know her sparkle. She is proceeded in death by her mother Dorothy, father John, two sisters Karen and Elaine, and brother Bobby. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her sister Patsy, her brother Kevin, her nieces and nephews Renee, Freddie, Steve, Bridget, Dawn, Davey, Lindsay, Lauren, Tyler, Kamren and Abbey and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her long-time friend Barbara and her long-time friend and devoted care giver Grace.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Grace for all her devotion and care she gave to Virg over these past years.

Though her journey ended sooner than any of us were ready for, her love, humor, grit and resilience live on in all who knew her. We will miss her voice, her wit, and the way she could make even an ordinary day feel extraordinary.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, November 8th, 2025, at 2pm at 1413 W. Union Ave. Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88005.

In honor of Virg, please join us to share a joke, a story, hugs and laughter and raise a toast. In the spirit of Virg, hug your loved ones tight and keep your heart just a little wild.... she'd like that.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul mailed to St. Genieves Parish, 100 South Espina Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88001 in Virg's memory.

Cremation has 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