Rita R. Muniz

Rita Romero Muniz, 80 of Milagro, NM passed away peacefully Friday, May 27, 2016 in Puerto De Luna, NM with her family at her bedside. Rita was born August 5, 1935 in Pastura, NM to the home of Paubline and Cleotilde (Armijo) Romero. She grew up in Los Terreros near Pastura. She attended schools in Pastura and Santa Rosa. Rita married Leopoldo J. Muniz on November 25, 1951 in Anton Chico. She was a ranch wife for over 30 years. She also worked in the construction industry, at Stucky's west of Santa Rosa, Motel 6, and in later years worked as a home health aide. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Santa Rosa, Our Lady of Sorrows in Milagro, and San Isidro in Borica. She was also a member of the Mile High Extension Club in Santa Rosa. She enjoyed her grandkids, gardening, cutting wood, and any activity that included her family. Rita made her home on the family ranch in Los Terreros for 40 years, and later moved to the Milagro ranch for 28 years, she made her home in Puerto De Luna for the past two years. Rita is preceded in death by her parents Paubline and Cleotilde, a grandson William Andre Enrico Serrano, a great-granddaughter Serenity Chavez, three sisters Lydia Encinias, Venny Tapia, and Dora Garnand, five brothers Isidro Romero, Paulin Romero, Pete Romero, Trinidad Romero, and Greg Romero. Survivors include her husband of 64 years Leopoldo "Leo" J. Muniz of the family home in Milagro, two daughters Lucille Serrano and husband Enrico of Milagro, Esther Johnson and husband Melvin of Corona, two sons Leopoldo Muniz Jr. and wife Catherine of Milagro, and Melvin James Johnson and wife Denette of Logan, two sisters Soledad Saiz and husband Enrique of Fort Sumner, Joel Johnson and husband Bill of Santa Rosa, two brothers Leroy Bonney and wife Darlene of Santa Rosa, and Wilfred Romero and wife Rhonda of Hereford, TX, two brothers-in-law Roger Encinias of Santa Rosa, Onesimo Tapia of Albuquerque, four sisters-in-law Otilia, Muniz, Estella Romero of Pastura, Emma Romero of Milagro, and Christine Romero of Santa Rosa, along with 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. The family requests memorial contributions in memory of Rita Muniz to Our Lady of Sorrow's Catholic Church, c/o St. Rose of Lima Parish, 439 S. Third Steet, Santa Rosa, New Mexico 88435. Visitation hours will be Sunday and Monday 1pm to 5pm at the funeral home. A rosary will be recited at 6pm Monday, May 30, 2016 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Mass will be celebrated from the church at 9am Tuesday, May 31, 2016 with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Pallbearers will include grandchildren - Jordan Johnson ,Nathan Johnson, James Sanchez, Jason Sanchez, Mateo Olivas, Jacob Sanchez, Jaron Sanchez, Jonathan Mulkey, Jayce Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Melvin James Johnson, Marcus Johnson, Leo Muniz III, Jaxon Moorehead, Jeremiah Brando, Isaac Brando, Monte Dimas, Magic Dimas, Jerrich Mulkey, Chad Mulkey, Joel Chavez, Victor Perez IV, Josh Madrid, and Ryan Madrid. Honorary pallbearers will include Rudy Tenorio, Jessica Zamora, Joseph Muniz, Olivia Kuchta, Louanna Gutierrez, and Evelyn Parreck. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street, Santa Rosa, NM (575) 472-3369.