Josie M. Parra, 76, resident of Deming, entered eternal rest Friday, January 27, 2017, at home with her children surrounding her. Josie was born on November 14, 1940 to Mateo Martinez Sr. and Andrea (Perez) Martinez in Columbus.
She is survived by four sons, Roy Jr. Parra and wife Angela and Henry Parra of Tucson, AZ, Daniel Parra and wife Marina of El Paso, TX, Gilbert Parra and companion Jenifer Smyer of Tucson, AZ; seven daughters, Yolanda Avelar and husband Luis of Las Cruces, , Alice Stinnett and husband Robert of Hortense, GA; Bertha Taylor of Tucson, AZ; Margaret Portillo and husband Lisandro of Tucson, Sally Rush and husband Dan of Snowflake, AZ and Lorraine Paschal and husband Dale of Tucson, AZ; Melissa Hove and husband Matt Hove of Minot, ND; four sisters, Rita Holguin and husband Felix; Socorro Gonzalez and husband Angel of El Paso, TX; Tina Guereque and husband Richard of Norwalk, CA and Eulalia DeLira of Deming, ; step-mother, Hignia Martinez; one step-brother, Armando Martinez of Columbus, one step-sister, Estella Casas and husband Ernesto of Deming; one step brother-in-law, Inez Porras.
Nineteen grandchildren, Jenifer Conley and husband Brent, Vanessa Castillo, Bronson Stinnett and wife Darby, Daniel Jr. Parra and wife Kelsey, Melanie Hukins and husband Craig, Danielle Marie Biondo, Mary Rush and wife Amanda, Stacy Rush, Michael Pruyn, Arthur Parra, Barry C. Brown, Josh Parra, Gabriel Parra, Joel Parra, Cristobal Parra, Christopher Parra, Sofia Hove, Robert Fielding, Nikki Fielding. Thirteen Great grandchildren, Zackary, Matthew, Michael, Reagan, Jayleen Page, Cayden Joe, Selena, Jose, Rosie, Adalyn, Chance, Tristen and Kaydence with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband Roy Q Parra '2000; her three sons, Baby Parra '64, Arthur Parra '79, Thomas Parra '81;grandson, Jonathan Maynes '08; granddaughter, Daniella Parra '07, three brothers, Juan Martinez, Mateo Martinez and Ramon Martinez and two sisters, Patsy Arenibas and Carmen Maynes; two step-sisters, Paula Miller and Rosemary Porras.
Josie was a long-time resident of Deming and was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. She was an amazing woman, strong willed, and loved everyone as her own. She always had a beautiful smile with so much love to give.
Holy Rosary will be recited Friday morning led by Cristina Milo, February 3, 2017, at 10 am at St. Ann's Catholic Church with the Mass of the Christian Burial following. Concluding services with inurnment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband. Fr. Manuel Ibarra, Pastor, will officiate.