Rachel T. Mestas, 77, a lifelong resident of Lordsburg passed away Monday May 9, 2016 at her home.

Rachel was born April 12, 1939 in Lordsburg to Hilario and Carmen (Estrada) Talavera.

She attended the Lordsburg Schools and afterward worked as a dispatcher with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Rachel later became Magistrate Court Clerk and held that position for over 25 years.

After retirement she was able to spend more time enjoying her cooking skills, crocheting, gardening and what was of utmost importance to her was that she had a sincere dedication in assisting her family and friends with anything they needed.

Rachel unselfishly gave much of her time in making sure her family was taken care of.

She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Lopez and Yolanda Robles of Lordsburg, Linda Cain (Michael) of Central, AZ; stepson, Michael Mestas of Las Cruces; her brother, Hilario "Lalo" Talavera (Moni) of Lordsburg; sisters, Avelina Hood of Vail, AZ, Melinda Brown (Gene) of Tucson, AZ, Rosanna Ortega (Joe) of Las Cruces, NM, Josie Talavera of Lordsburg; 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, Ismael G. Mestas, her parents, Hilario and Carmen, daughter, Erlinda Robles, and brother, Joe Figueroa.

A prayer vigil will be Saturday morning, May 14, 2016 at 9 o'clock at St. Joseph's Catholic Church where a memorial mass will begin at 10 o'clock Fr. Jude Okonkwo, Pastor officiating. Cremation will take place at Baca's Mimbres Crematory.