Cristina C. Castañon Flores, 95, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Friday, January 23, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 1, 1930 in Santa Rita, NM to Juan Castañon and Bonifacia Martinez.
"Mom" to her children and friends, and lovingly by her husband. "Grandma" to her grandchildren, greats, and great greats. She raised nine children and two grandchildren. She was a very loving person, and amazed everyone who met her with her strong faith in God, her grace, gentleness and happy calmness.
She was a wonderful cook. Her family looked forward to the "Red Enchilada Fridays", a tradition derived from no-meat Fridays in the Catholic Faith. Her kids and grandkids remember fondly, it was a time to catch up with each other, and some street baseball.
Mom lived in Santa Rita most of her early years until 1964 when the townsite was cleared by the mine. In Santa Rita she was known to feed the neighborhood kids. They recall the memory of fresh tortillas, fried potatoes and peanut butter burritos, their fav! She sewed her daughter's Easter outfits and celebrated holidays with enthusiasm. She celebrated every child's birthday as well as Monce's and her own. The BIG one was on the kid's 5th birthday, where all the cousins, grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, and neighbors were invited.
Cristina had a great dedication to God, and was faithful in giving of herself completely to the many activities in the Catholic Church. Among these were Catholic Family Movement, Marriage Encounter, Guadalupanas, Pre-Confirmation, many levels of catechism, was a Cursillista, sang in the Church choir, kitchen helper for the Fiestas and Knight of Columbus and Guadalupana benefits, various prayer groups, and hosted Posadas. She dedicated the entire month of May to the Virgin Mary with the traditional rosaries, song, flowers and culminating with the organization of the Queen of the May Ceremonies. She continued her works until she was no longer able to get to the ceremonies in old age. The only outside-the-home job she held was serving as hostess for the Holiday Inn restaurant. She made many friends there, and she is remembered by Patrons and co-workers for her friendly, loving, disposition and her ability to stay calm, and her caring dedication.
She is survived by her loving husband Monce Flores of the family home; four sons, Felix Flores of Bayard; Alfred Flores (Margie Gomez) of Silver City; Andy Flores (Yolanda) Bayard; Adam Flores (Alice) of Bayard; six daughters, Mercy Flores of Tempe, AZ; Lori Gabaree (Steve) of Bayard; Evangeline Flores of Tucson, AZ; Mary Isabel Krasnik of Apache Junction, AZ; Rita Madrid (Benny) of Santan Valley, AZ; Cristina Amador (Marco) of Santan Valley, AZ; twenty-nine grandchildren; fifty-nine great grandchildren; seventeen great- great grandchildren; two brothers, Deacon David Castañon (Virginia) of Bayard; Arthur Castañon (Lupe) of Santa Clara; one sister, Mary Ann Jaurequi of Silver City; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Ernesto and Juan Jr., one sister, Amalia Ortiz; two brothers in-law, Juan Jaurequi and Samuel Ortiz.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 5th from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon David Castañon at 6pm to follow. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 6th at 11:30am at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. Concluding services the interment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Willis Flores, Danny Martinez, Jacob Flores, Sebastian Cruz, Andrew Flores, Steven Estrada, Joey Corbett, and Gabriel Salazar. Honorary pallbearers are Aaron Flores, Cristchen Flores, Michael J. Martinez, Jeramie Gabaree, Salvador Cruz, Kyle Corbett, B.J. Madrid, and Isaiah Amador.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
