Kate Fisher Iturralde, 96, a former resident of Santa Clara, now of Las Cruces entered eternal rest Monday, June 29, 2026 at her residence. She was born April 1, 1930 in Silver City, NM to Milton Fisher and Isabel Vallejos.
Kate also called "Sadie" Iturralde raised her children in Santa Clara NM. She worked at WNMU Cafeteria as a dessert chef. She was a prolific writer of poetry and historical references. Authored The Yellowcake Genie, and published in several poetry collection books. She was a devout Catholic and prayed her rosary daily. Her roots can be traced to the Upper Gila Chiricahua Apache Peoples. She welcomed everyone into her home offering a cup of coffee and a listening ear. She was a strong advocate for the Cold War Patriots. Kate was a much-loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie, and friend. She never knew a stranger as she traveled from NM, AZ, CO, NV, and South Carolina, with the families of hardrock underground miners. Special mention her favorite niece Priscilla Chaires.
Kate is survived by two sons, Salvador "Sal" Iturralde and companion Elizabeth of Las Cruces; Robert Iturralde of Radium Springs, NM; two daughters, Gloria Iturralde of Radium Springs, NM; Cynthia Iturralde of Las Cruces, NM; seven grandchildren, Armando Torres, Isabel Elson, Marielena Torres, Geraldine Iturralde, Starlett Iturralde, Fernando Padilla Jr., Gabriel Padilla; thirteen great grandchildren; special extended family, Steven and Denise Robles and Sammie Ramirez; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Salvador T. Iturralde; her son, Steven Iturralde; three brothers, Joe, Benjamin, and Robert Fisher; three sisters, Evelyn Arellano, Alice Easterwood, and Eva Alvarado.
The holy rosary will be recited by Dr. Gilbert Arizaga on Wednesday, July 8th at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. Memorial mass will follow at 12 noon at Santa Clara Catholic Church with Father Peter Okonkwo officiating. Concluding service inurnment will take place at Santa Clara cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are Armando Torres, Isabel Elson, Marielena Torres, Geraldine Iturralde, Starlett Iturralde, Fernando Padilla Jr., and Gabriel Padilla.
Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
