Paula "Polly" T. Esparza, 95, of Bayard N.M. entered eternal rest peacefully in Santa Clara at the home of her son Richard and daughter-in-law Wera, on Tuesday March 27, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.

Polly was born February 7, 1923 in Hanover, N.M. to Prudencio Tellez and Florentina Martinez. She married Margarito "Lito" R. Esparza and together they bore and raised four children. Polly worked for Hillcrest General Hospital and then later retired from Fort Bayard Medical Center as a CNA Supervisor. Following retirement she was the sole caregiver of her husband and assisted in the care of her grandson Richard Paul. In addition, she was a consultant for Avon ("the Avon lady") for many years. Polly was a very devout Catholic who instilled the love of her faith onto her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished spending time with her family, while enjoying red enchiladas, cookies and a nice cup of coffee. She loved her family unconditionally and without end. She enjoyed listening to music and singing songs of Elvis Presley and any type of Spanish music. Polly was well known for her galletas, burritos and empanadas. She will be most remembered by her children and generations of grandchildren for her humorous antics. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Association and a Guadalupana from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish.

Polly is survived by her four children, Richard T. Esparza and wife Elizabeth from Santa Clara, N.M., Ernesto T. Esparza and wife Sheila from Paramount, CA., Bernadette E. Tovar and husband Alex of Bayard N.M., and Angelita E. Murillo of Silver City N.M.; 16 grandchildren, Albert L. Esparza (Yvonne), Dora Simpson (Albert), Liz Flores (Nick), Lita Martinez, Paula Cobian (John), Ernesto Esparza Jr., Debbie Esparza, Annette T. Diaz (Rick), Cindy T. Campos (Dennis), Alex Tovar Jr. (Audrey), Regina T. Vega (Frank), Steven E. Murillo, Carla M. Cain (Aaron), Bryan E. Murillo, Serena E. Murillo, Michelle E. Murillo (Justin); 35 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren; sister Aurelia T. Ribera and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Margarito; two infant children; grandchildren Richard Paul Esparza and Alize Simpson; son-in-law Rudy C. Murillo; sisters Jesusita T. Duarte and Librada Tellez; brothers Pedro, Alejandro, Eduardo and Luis Martinez, Abel and Luis Tellez.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. with Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Baca's Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Bayard N.M. with Fr. Abraham Soliz officiating. Concluding Service and burial will follow immediately at Fort Bayard National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Margarito. Serving as pallbearers are Albert Esparza, Ernesto Esparza Jr., Alex Tovar Jr., Steven E. Murillo, Bryan Murillo, Shawn C. Esparza and Robert T. Duarte. Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and Mary Duarte.