Benito R. Baca

Benito R. Baca, age 80 of Anton Chico, NM passed away Tuesday evening, April 4, 2017 at Heart Hospital of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He was born March 21, 1937 in Anton Chico to the home of Fernando and Emilia (Romero) Baca. He grew up and attended school in Anton Chico. Benito was a lifelong Anton Chico rancher and farmer. He married Abenicia Lopez on February 5, 1966 in Anton Chico. Benito attended school in Toledo, Ohio where he became a certified meat cutter. He worked for over 38 years as a meat cutter, seven years at Boyd's Market in Albuquerque, 21 years at Safeway in Las Vegas, and seven years at Smith's, Albertson's, and Furrs in Santa Fe. He retired in 1998. Following his retirement, Benito continued as a meat cutter at his home in Anton Chico. He enjoyed making chile ristras, and writing music. As a young man he played the drums for Los Amigos, a local band. Benito also enjoyed riding horseback, team roping, and especially spending time with his family. He was a devoted member of San Jose Catholic Church in Anton Chico where he served as mayordomo. Benito is preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, Estella Baca, Asulema Mendez, Antonia Gonzales, Celina Pino, and Louisa Lucero. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Abenicia Baca of the family home in Anton Chico, three daughters Barbara Jaramillo and husband Bobby of Anton Chico, Dorothy Lopez and husband Levy of Los Montoyas, and Rachel Chavez and husband Robert of Anton Chico. Also surviving are six grandchildren Jordan Lopez, R.J. Lopez, Antonio Jaramillo, Patricio Jaramillo, Desiree Lujan, and Levy Lujan, one brother Fernando Baca and wife Dulcinea of Tecolotito, four sisters Corrine Gabaldon of Las Vegas, Rita Lucero and husband Leroy of Las Vegas, Leonila Lucero of Anton Chico, and Margaret Gonzales and husband Juan of Bernal along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation hours will be Thursday from 1pm to 6pm at the funeral home. The casket will be open at the church one hour prior to the rosary and funeral Mass. A rosary will be recited at 7pm Friday, April 7, 2017 at San Jose Catholic Church in Anton Chico, NM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday, April 8, 2017 with Father Antonio Mondragon officiating. Burial will follow at San Jose Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Manuel Pino, Ralph Lucero, Arturo Pacheco, Ricky Romo, Florian Castillo, Joseph Lucero, Miguel Lucero, Gabriel Lopez, Jerry Jaramillo, Leroy Sandoval, Donicio Lopez, and Eduardo Madero. Honorary bearers will be grandchildren Jordan Lopez, R.J. Lopez, Antonio Jaramillo, Patricio Jaramillo, and Father Antonio Mondragon. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street, Santa Rosa, NM. (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com