This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Villegas, Montes Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4910/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Joe L. Villegas, age 73, of Las Cruces went home to be with his heavenly Father on Monday, October 25, 2010 with his son, Jessie and daughter-in-law, Jackie at his side. He was born August 24, 1937 in Apache, Arizona to Juan and Maria de Jesus "Jesusita" Montes Villegas. Joe was a carpenter by trade and a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He was a foster parent to many children who did not have a safe place to stay. Joe loved to spend the day with his son and best friend, Jessie who together would make a stop at IHOP for pancakes. Joe was a fixer-upper, he could fix anything that was broken, always putting family and others needs before his own. He touched many lives with his kindness and great sense of humor, and his way with words. Joe loved being at home with his grandchildren, enjoyed the outdoors and would hate to see weeds growing in the yard. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. Those left to mourn his passing include his sister, Jovita Flores and his brother, Rudy Villegas; son, John Jessie and wife Jackie Villegas and their children, Frances Eve Mary and Enrique Joe Villegas and Justin Gibson, his other children John John Galindo, Jessie John Villegas and companion, Cathy Rosales and their son, Jaden, and his other children, Jessie Jr. and Isaiah Villegas, Johnny Ray Garcia and his children, Ayanna, Ajannette Garcia, Jessica Villegas Mata and her husband Chris Mata and their children, Anthony, Mariah, Marisa, Makayla Mata, Minerva Villegas Lewis and husband Gabriel Lewis and their children Cynthia Villegas, Lavina Villegas Lewis, Rusty and Dusty Thomas Villegas, Dakota Montoya Villegas, Naveen L. Applezoller Villegas; daughter, Elisa Villegas Baca and husband Robert Baca, Jr. and their children, Robert Baca III, Israel, Crystal, and Manuel Baca; son, Raymond Clark and his children Raymond Clark Jr. and his wife Jennifer and their children Julia, I! saiah, and Ray Ray Clark, Jessica Serena and her daughter Unique Serena; son, Octaviano Thomas Clark, Sr. and his children Tomas Jr. and James Clark; daughter, Cecilia Clark and her children Michelle, Rene, Cecilia, Reyna Villegas; son Greg Villegas and wife, Connie and Tony Alday (whom he loved as a son), and wife Maria Troncoso. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Frances Villegas, his parents, brothers Frank, Herminio, Lorenzo and Johnny Villegas, sisters, Margaret Villegas and Juanita Uraga, son, Enrique Clark and two grandchildren, Joshua and Johnathan Villegas. We would like to thank the staff at Mesilla Valley Hospice for taking such good care of Joe, as well as Dr. Joe Feagan and his staff, Mike Tellez for all his support, and Rita Reyes and girls for always coming over and taking such good care of Dad. A special thank you to Bishop Davis from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for all the kindness and support. At Joe's request, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at 4 PM Monday, November 1, 2010 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3210 Venus. Inurnment of cremains will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels and Sunset Crematory of Las Cruces. 527-2222 For online condolences go to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on November 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.