Celina M. Sierra

Our beautiful and beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Celina M. Sierra went to meet our heavenly father on Tuesday, February 27, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Celina’s greatest joys were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Celina was born on December 14, 1942 in Santa Rosa, NM to John H. Martinez & Dora Garcia Martinez. She was raised in Santa Rosa where she attended school and graduated from Santa Rosa High School. On July 29, 1961 Celina was united in marriage to Ralph E. Sierra at Saint Rose of Lima in Santa Rosa. 

She was a devoted catholic and member of Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas, NM.

Celina went on to attend NMHU where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi. She worked at The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute until she retired in 2004. Following retirement Celina attended Cosmetology School at Luna Community College and took turquoise jewelry making classes at NMHU.

Celina was the former Chairwoman of the Hispano Round Table of New Mexico and a former Democratic Precinct Chair for San Miguel County. She was a former member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Las Vegas Fiesta Council. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Rita Olivas, niece Luanna Martinez Sena, her mother and father in-law, Felix & Eva Sierra, sister in-laws Clara Gonzales & Rosemary Cordova, and brother in-law, Daniel Lee Sierra. 

Celina is survived by her husband Ralph Sierra, daughter Veronica Sierra Maestas and spouse Geno Martinez, grandchildren Christopher Maestas, Martinika Maestas & fiancé Arthur Geoffrion, & Girard Maestas & great grandchildren Jaxon Geoffrion & Madison Geoffrion. She is also survived by her brother Johnny Martinez, sister in-law Yvette (David) Rivera, brother in-laws Gene (Angela) Sierra and Steve (Dolores) Sierra, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. 

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary will be Friday, March 3, 2023 at 7pm at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10am at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Christopher Bernabe officiating the service. Interment of cremains will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa.

Urn Bearers will include: Christopher Maestas, Girard Maestas, Martinika Maestas & Arthur Geoffrion. 

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online condolence or tribute, please visit www. chavezfuneralhome.com.