This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Torres, Matta Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4971/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Rita M. Torres, 79, of Las Cruces entered eternal life on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 7, 1931 in Balmorhea, Texas, where her fondest childhood memories were made. Rita is survived by her husband of 60 years, Mark Torres; her sons, Mark Alan (Valerie), Frankie (Patsy) and her daughters, Anna Lee, Josephine, and Kathy Provencio. She also raised two grandchildren as her own, Katherine Ware and Jose Gonzalez. Additional survivors include sisters, Eloisa Vasquez (George), Santos Guevara (Manuel), and Theresa Ramirez; a brother, Frank B. Matta (Barbara). She leaves behind 15 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren, and an abundant number of nieces, nephews, great friends whom she considered "family". She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Maria B. Matta; a daughter, Bernice Jones; sisters, Delila Herrera, Dora Telles, Patricia "Amor" Mata and brother, Jose Matta. In 1964, Rita began her 43 years of dedicated service to Doña Ana County, when she was hired in County Clerk's office by former County Clerk, Lorraine Gutierrez. While serving in the Clerk's office, she was elected as Doña Ana County Clerk in 1973, serving a total of four full terms through 2008. Campaigning for public office brought her great joy and with every victory came the honor and privilege of serving the public of Doña Ana County, which she cherished. She also served several years as the Chief Deputy Clerk for Gladys Hansen. Rita was instrumental in the Clerk's affiliation with New Mexico Association of Counties. Based on her knowledge and experience, she was frequently consulted and queried by other County Clerk's and Secretaries of State. She was a member of the Roman Catholic Church and would gladly support any fundraiser that included a game of Bingo. She was a very religious and happy lady, and Bingo always made her content. She was the #1 fan of many of her grandkids at all of their sporting events. She would spend endless summers at the ball parks cheering on all of her loved ones. She loved music and especially dancing. She would dance the night away at family gatherings. God Bless the Angels that ask her to dance in heaven for she has never-ending dancing shoes. Even though she was well known and highly respected in the community for her work ethic and accomplishments, those are not the characteristics she was loved for. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and great friend. To know her titles, is to respect her, but to know her for her character is to love her. She will forever be missed and will never be forgotten. The family invites everyone to join them at the celebration of Rita's life. A Memorial Service will be held at the Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3600 Parroquia Street in Tortugas on Saturday, December 4, 2010 to begin at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers her family request that donations be made to La Posada-Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels and Baca's Sunset Crematory. 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on December 1, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.