In Loving Memory of Honorable Retired Judge Ygnacio Barreras "YB" Morales A Tribute to a Life Well-Lived | August 8, 1928 – March 28, 2026
It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Honorable Retired Judge Ygnacio Barreras "YB" Morales, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and pillar of the community, who peacefully passed away surrounded by family and loved ones on March 28, 2026 in El Paso, Texas.
Judge Morales, was a proud man of Indigenous roots, carried his heritage with dignity and pride. His resilience, courage, and unwavering beliefs shaped not only his life, but the lives of all who loved him. Born in 1928 in Chamberino, New Mexico to his parents Clementa Barreras and Juan P. Morales. His family moved to Santa Rita, NM in November 1928 to 1930 and returned to Chamberino during the depression to work in the cotton fields. The family returned to Santa Rita in 1935 and made Grant County their home. Judge YB Morales lived a life defined by strength, integrity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, during the Korean War, and Army Reserves. He worked for Kennecott Chino Copper Mines for 36 years in Santa Rita, New Mexico.
For more than four decades, Judge YB Morales dedicated his life to public service earning respect for his fairness, integrity and commitment to justice. As Vice-President of Local 890 Mine Mill Workers Union, he was one of many leaders who led many struggles for racial equality and civil rights in Grant County, New Mexico. He fought for the upliftment of La Raza and of workers everywhere, and stood unyielding in the face of exploitation and injustice. Even into his later years, he never stopped standing up for what he believed in. At 97 years old, he was still marching, still speaking out, and still showing up—demonstrating a lifelong commitment to social justice that inspired generations.
Judge YB Morales served from 1963-1968 as Justice of the Peace and was appointed as the first Magistrate Judge Division II by Governor Dave Cargo. Through subsequent elections, he served as Grant County Magistrate Judge from 1968-2006. Throughout his career, he was supported by his longtime Chief Court Clerk, Carmen Reese, of 28.5 years, serving the community with dedication and care. Judge YB Morales was widely respected throughout the Sixth Judicial District. The legal community held him in high esteem by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Beyond his public life, Judge Morales was a deeply devoted family man. He approached life with a warm heart, an infectious smile, and a joy for living that could light up any room. His sense of humor and exuberant enjoyment of life were unmistakable. He loved his family who were always close to his heart and Peaches, his dog, who brought him endless joy to the very end. Judge Morales was a man of deep faith, had many lifelong friendships, and he brought laughter, love and joy to everyone around him. His handshake was his seal and his word was his bond.
He is survived by his blended family: Children: His daughters: Maria Morales-Loebl, Mary Ann Aguiar (Morales), and Eva Morales Herrera (Carlos Herrera Sr.); His step-daughters: Tammie Dominguez, Judy Dominguez and Rosalinda De La Luna. Grandchildren: Joshua Loebl, Benon Morales-Loebl, Vanessa Aguiar (Francisco Anaya), Eileen O'Brien (Patrick O'Brien), Angelique Herrera, Deanna Duran (Armando Duran), Jessica Munguia (Kegan Munguia), Carlos Herrera Jr., Leala Martinez (Anastasia Ruiz), and Marcos Martinez. Great-grandchildren: Isaiah B. Anaya, Alicia M. Anaya Aguiar, James Y. O'Brien, Marissa A. O'Brien, Emily M. Anaya, and Kegan C. Munguia He will be missed by numerous nephews and nieces, compadres and friends from near and far that he maintained ongoing relationships with.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ermelinda Morales; his parents, Juan P. Morales and Clementa B. Morales; his brothers, Manuel B. Morales and Lorenzo Morales; his sisters, Jessie M. Torres and Ramona Morales; his son, Richard S. Morales; his daughter, Priscilla Morales; and his granddaughter, Adriana Herrera.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks: Memorial contributions may be made to the WNMU Foundation: Honorable Ygnacio B. Morales Scholarship (PO Box 1158, Silver City, NM, 88062). Online donations are also accepted at https://wnmu.edu/wnmu-foundation-online-giving/ - for questions, please call 575-538-6310.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 9th from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to commence at 6pm with Danny Legarda reciting. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 10th at 12:30pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Concluding service interment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers are Carlos Herrera Jr., James Ygnacio O'Brien, Isaiah Benon Anaya, Armando Paul Duran, Benon Juan Morales-Loebl, Marcos Martinez, Arnulfo Morales III, and Matthew Morales. Honorary pallbearers are Honorable District Judge Jim Foy, Honorable District Judge Tom Stewart, Honorable Retired Judge J.C. Robinson, and MaryLynn Newel, Francesca Estevez, David Lopez, Eric Schuler, Curtis Hayes, Steve Reese, Eddie Flores, Waldo Winborn, Mary Moreno, Jannell Serrano, Selah Lee Bencomo, Comadres, Emma Sanchez, Ramona Morales, and Georgia Frankle, Dave Wilguess, Joshua Loebl, Richard Loebl, Luis Aguilar, Francisco Anaya, Patrick O'Brien, Arnulfo Morales Sr., Ignacio Morales, Francisco Morales, and the countless others who carried him with love and respect
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .
