Lucinda (Lucille) Puentes Delgado, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at Fort Bayard Medical Center.
Lucille was born on April 15, 1934, in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Mexico, to Heriberto and Josefa Arvizu Puentes. She later grew up in Santa Rita, New Mexico, where she built lifelong roots and friendships. She married the love of her life, Richard Ogas Delgado in September of 1952 and enjoyed 17 wonderful years of marriage before his passing.
After the loss of her husband at a young age, Lucille displayed remarkable courage and strength, raising her children with resilience, faith, and unwavering unconditional love. She became the backbone of her family, a steady source of comfort, guidance, and encouragement whose love knew no limits.
Lucille dedicated much of her life to caring for children. She worked in the cafeterias within the Cobre Consolidated Schools, where she nurtured countless students with kindness, warmth, and a familiar smile. Later, she continued as a Foster Grandparent, touching the lives of many children who came to know her lovingly as "Nana." Her gentle spirit and generous heart left a lasting impression on generations.
Lucille is also survived by her four children: Ralph Delgado and wife Betty of Tucson, AZ; Priscilla Barela and husband Eddie of Bayard, NM; Randy Delgado of Chandler, AZ; and Richard Delgado and wife Christine of Los Lunas, NM. She is also survived by her siblings: her twin sister Lucia Nuanez and husband Anastacio of Las Cruces, NM; Samuel Puentes and wife Rosemary of Las Cruces, NM; Erlinda Puentes of Las Cruces, NM; and Manuel Puentes of San Clement, CA.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Alfredo and Salvador Puentes; her sisters Berta Puentes, Emma Eres, and Margaret Udero; her beloved husband Richard Delgado in 1969; and her son Raymond Delgado in 1999.
Her legacy continues through her 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, January 30th from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The holy rosary will commence at 6pm with Deacon Art Gutierrez reciting. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 31st at 9am at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. Concluding service interment will follow at Hanover cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Ryan Armijo, Mason Chavez, Eddie Barela, Sammy Nuanez, Steve Delgado and Ricky Puentes. Honorary pallbearers are Sam Delgado, Ben Armijo, Pat Puentes, Tommy Williams and Eddie Montoya
Our family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Fort Bayard Medical Center for the compassionate care and kindness shown to our mother and grandmother.
Lucille will be remembered for her strength, selflessness, and boundless love. Her life was a testament to resilience, family, and service, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
