Maria "Lala" Garcia

Maria "Lala" Garcia, 68 of Fort Sumner passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas following an illness. She was born October 14, 1946 in Fort Sumner to the home of Maximiliano and Gregorita (Griego) Lopez. She grew up in Fort Sumner and attended Fort Sumner Schools, graduating in 1964. While in high school she participated in FHA, Pep Club, and Choir. She and her sisters loved to sing and sang with Tiny Lynn at one time. Lala worked in a metal production factory in Pacifica, Missouri for several years. She moved her family to Las Cruces where they made their home before moving to Fort Sumner in 1996. She was a member of the Democratic Party, an avid Washington Redskins fan, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Missouri, and a member of the Amateur Bowlers Association in Missouri. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, fishing, cooking, singing, and especially spending time with her family. Lala is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Lilly Lopez, two daughters DeAnna Sue Foster on December 13,2012, Eva Annette Chavez on July 13, 2015, three brothers Isaac Lopez in 2005, Richard Lopez in 2009, and Justo Lopez in 2010. Survivors include a son Ernesto Chavez (Gina) of Fort Sumner, two brothers Max Lopez Jr. of Fort Stockton, TX, Bobby Lopez (Sharon) of Lake Sumner; seven sisters, Esther Segura (Luciano) of Roswell, Gertrude Preece of Las Cruces, Rita Gallegos (Greg) of Fort Sumner, Frances Potts (Tommy) of Tipton, OK, Betty Jo Montalvo (Bobby Cooperrider) of Las Cruces, Velen Anthony (Bill) of Albuquerque, Yolanda Knodle (Mark) of Las Cruces, and a sister in law Sally Lopez of Las Cruces, also surviving are two aunts Eloisa Lopez and Louisa Gonzales both of Fort Sumner, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation hours will be Thursday from 11am to 6pm at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 10am Friday, September 4, 2015 at The Church on The Hill with Pastor Anna Teeter-Gentile officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her granddaughters, Stephanie Marie Lopez, Jessica Barton, Elizabeth McConnell-Metzger, Christina McConnell, Rachael Chavez, Mariah Chavez, Angelica Chavez, Catrina Chavez, and Rachelle Willie. Honorary bearers will be all her family and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311