This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Montes, Hernandez, Barraza, Soto Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5054/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Melecio M. Montes, a Mesilla, NM resident for 40 years, died on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 with his loving family by his side, he was 80 years old. He was born January 30, 1930 in Villa Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico to Melecio Sr. and Maria Montes. At the time of his death he was retired from Stahmann Farms where he worked as a farm laborer. He enjoyed being with his family, making discadas and listening to and singing Mariachi music. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maria Luisa Hernandez Montes; his children, Fernando Montes and wife Lupe, Maria Elena Moreno and husband Gilberto, Bertha French, Carmen Mendoza and husband Jose, Mary Lou Soto and husband Willie, Margaret Stolp (Rafael), Ramona Marquez and husband Richard, Tina Soto and husband Arnold, Dolores Meraz (Gilberto), Virginia Montes, Janet Montes (Chris), and 33 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Carlos Montes, a daughter Martha Barraza, and granddaughters Vanessa Barraza, and Rachel Soto. The family would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank you" to Mesilla Valley Hospice and Staff and a special thank you to Julie Phillips and Nurse Nana. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador Ave. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 27, 2010 at La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home from 6-7 P.M. with the praying of the Rosary to follow with Father Narciso Rivera. A mass will be celebrated at San Albino Church in Mesilla, NM on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. Casket Bearers will be grandsons: Gilbert Moreno, Daniel Montes, Miguel Mendoza, Raul Hernandez Jr., Fernando Montes, Jr. and Willie Soto, Jr. Interment will follow at San Albino Cemetery. To send the Montes family condolences log on to www.lapaz-grahams.com 526-6891. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on December 23, 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.