It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Walter "Wali" Maya on Sunday, August 4, 2024. Wali was born on June 21, 1951, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Jake and Ella Salcido Maya. His early years were marked by the tragic loss of both parents; his mother passed away when Wali was just 4 years old, and his father when he was 16. Following these losses, Wali was lovingly raised by his maternal grandparents, Pablo and Cala Salcido, in Mesilla, NM, and his paternal grandparents, Reyes and Salome Maya, in San Miguel, NM.

Wali graduated from Gadsden High School in 1969 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Western New Mexico University. He also pursued his passion for craftsmanship at the Colorado School of Trades in Denver, Colorado, where he earned his license as a gunsmith. He spent many years designing and crafting rifles for himself and for others.

In 1972, Wali married the love of his life, Gloria Serna, beginning a beautiful partnership that would last one day short of 52 years. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and community, raising two daughters, Ella and BreeAna, who were the pride and joy of their lives.

A man of many talents, Wali followed in his father's entrepreneurial footsteps, becoming the owner of La Copita Bar in San Miguel, NM. His love for connecting with people led him to open Cactus Video, where he relished the opportunity to interact with his customers, many of whom became lifelong friends. Later in life, Wali dedicated several years to public service, working as an Income Support Specialist with the State of New Mexico's Income Support Division, from which he eventually retired.

Wali's passions extended far beyond his professional life. He was a devoted music lover, traveling far and wide to see many artists, including his favorite, Santana, perform live all over the United States. His enthusiasm for sports, especially his beloved Raiders, was infectious, and he passed on these passions to his daughters, sharing countless memorable moments at concerts and sporting events with them.

Wali was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Ella, his grandparents, and his parents-in-law, Anne G. Serna and Ramon L. Serna. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Gloria; his beloved daughters, Ella Maya of Phoenix, AZ, and BreeAna Maya-Villegas; his cherished son-in-law, Joseph Villegas, whom he loved like a son; and his adored grandchildren, Ian, Mia, and Kai Villegas, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. Wali is also survived by his aunts, Velia Chavez, Virginia Maese (Lalo) and Nicolasa Maya, cousins George and Roger Maya who were more like brothers than cousins, as well as numerous cousins, and dear friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Mesilla Fire Department and Marshal Department for their compassionate care of Wali.

Services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM, followed by the rosary at 11:00 AM and mass at 11:30 AM at the Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla, NM. A reception will follow at Palacio Bar. Wali will be laid to rest at the Basilica de San Albino Columbarium, where he will be forever remembered with love and honor.

Wali's love for his family, his adoration of his grandchildren, his outspoken nature, and his love to share good food and a good story touched the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

We hope you are now free from pain, surrounded by the music you loved, playing the air guitar over and over, watching all the You-Tube videos way too loud, and embracing those who have gone before you. Save us a seat in the front row, Dad. You will forever live in our hearts.

"Somewhere in heaven there is a place waiting for you and me…" Carlos Santana

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.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com