Maria Avalos Rueda, 83, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Monday, May 29, 2017 at her residence surrounded by her family.

She was born February 24, 1934 in Hurley, NM to Marcello L. Avalos and Mercedes Rivas Avalos.

"Maria" will always be remembered as a loving and faithful wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed being an active member in her church and participated in many of the church activities. Her love of God and His teachings is what kept her going every day.

When she was younger, she loved playing softball and volleyball with her friends and family. She would even slide into the base just so she wouldn't be out. She also left her collection of Barbies whom she loved to sew for passed down to her daughters and granddaughters. Cooking for the whole family was always an event for her but her beans are what kept all the family asking for more and coming back for seconds.

She loves sitting outside and enjoying the birds chirp and admiring the flowers that her and grandpa planted. She left a legacy of loving God, faith in God and the love of family, particularly her grandchildren. She will be missed dearly.

She is survived by three sons, Rafael A. Rueda Jr., and wife Drucilla of Albuquerque; Tomas A. Rueda and wife Geraldine of Silver City; Santiago R. Avalos and wife Alice of Las Cruces; four daughters, Elizabeth R. Morales, and husband Sam of Silver City; Silvia A. Rueda of Silver City; Mercedes R. Leyba and husband David; Ernestina A. Dominguez of Silver City, NM; sister-in-law, Joella Avalos; twenty-eight grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Rafael Rueda Sr. ('15); two sons, David R. Avalos; Ruben R. Avalos; one daughter, Rachael R. Avalos; two brothers, Lucio R. and Manuel R. Avalos; two sisters, Amelia A. Baquera, and Josephine R. Avalos.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 3 from 9-10 a.m. at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The Funeral Service will commence at 10 a.m. with his son Pastor Rafael Rueda officiating. Concluding services and interment will follow at Hurley Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Avalos, Jon Leyba, Daniel Rueda, David Kostachek, Juan De La O, Tommy Rueda Jr., Matthew Molano, and Julian Rueda. Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph A. Rueda III, Robert De La O, AJ Tow, Ben Correa, Samuel Morales, David Kuant, Ryan Erpestad, and Jack Handson.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.

To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.