Josefa Montes Ponce, 92, of Silver City went into the arms of the Lord Sunday, June 16, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 8-9am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Richard Maynes will follow at 9am. The funeral mass will take place at St. Francis Newman Center with Father Bartholomew Ezenwelem officiating at 10:30am. Concluding services and interment will follow at St.Vincent Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Larry Pacheco Jr., Horace Martinez, Nathan Martinez, Christopher Ponce, Eddie Rodriguez, Scotty Barela and John Paul Maynes. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Delgado, Manuel Pena, Johnny Esqueda, Willie Gonzales, John Madrid, Kiko Montes, and Larry Pacheco.

Josie was born in Silver City, NM on November 27, 1926 to Luis B. Montes and Dionicia S. Montes. Josie worked over 15 years at the Hillcrest General Hospital as a head chef. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who always put others first. She enjoyed caregiving and cooking. Anyone who walked into Josie’s home was always greeted with a warm smile, fresh tortillas and beans. She will be missed dearly.  

Josie is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Cruz Ponce; a son; Chris Ponce (Julie) of Silver City; three step-daughters, Cora Ponce, Romie Martinez, and Naomi Ponce of California. She also leaves behind two-grandchildren, Christopher Ponce of Silver City, and Erika Ponce (John Paul) of Phoenix; her beloved dog Toby; Nine brothers and sisters Antonia Castrillo of Tucson, AZ, Ramona Pena (Manuel) of Hurley, Henry Montes (Ruth) of Mesa, AZ, Jimmy Montes (Gloria) of California, Elsie Pacheco (Larry) of Chama, NM, Margie Esqueda (Johnny) of Bayard, Virginia Gonzales (Willie) of Bayard, Mary Dorcheus of Silver City, and Willie Montes (Mary) of Tennessee; numerous nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Dionicia Montes; sisters Teresa Lucero and Emilia Delgado; brother Ignacio Montes; and step-daughter Yolanda Gomez.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.