Maria Rita Baca

Maria Rita Baca, a resident of Santa Rosa for most of her life, passed away on February 15, 2004 at the Santa Rosa Assisted Living Manor. She had recently celebrated her 99th birthday on January 13, 2004. She was born in Pintada, NM to the home of Ricardo Baca and Gertrudes Martinez Baca, pioneer New Mexico ranchers. She had attended School at Pintada and Santa Rosa graduating from Santa Rosa High School. In her later years Maria had spent 14 years at Van Ark Nursing Center in Tucumcari, NM and had returned to Santa Rosa two years ago to enter the Assisted Living. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Venancio Baca, Anacleto Baca, Cristino Baca and Liborio Baca, six sisters Demecia Baca, Honorata Baca, Victoriana Sanchez, Dome Baca, Amelia Bowling and Guadalupe Farley. Survivors include one sister Julia Isidora Baca and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a lifetime member of the Catholic Church and belonged to the Alter Society. Rosary services will be recited on Monday evening, February 16, a t 7:00 PM from the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 10:00 from St. Rose of Lima Church with Father Nick Nichols officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Canuto Sanchez, Jr., Felipe L. Sanchez, Jr., Phil Sanchez, Joe A. Martinez, Rudy Martinez and Curt Sanchez. All services were entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa.