Jovita Torres

Jovita H. Torres, a life-long Carrizozo resident, passed away quietly in the early hours of Tuesday, November 8, 2022. The +98 yr NM native is remembered as a "never idle", "hard-working" individual. She was the daughter of Maria Sandoval & Francisco Hernandez. She was born & raised in Carrizozo, she met and married her husband, Pedro (Pete) G. Torres. Over the years Jovita's family grew to six children - three girls & three boys. When Pete died, Jovita sought full-time employment in order to support her family.

In addition to losing Pete Torres at a young age, she also lost her oldest son, Juan Torres, her grandson Ralph Kavaknaugh, son-in-law Jim Hampton, daughter-in-law Michele Torres, parents Francisco Hernandez, Maria & Lucas Ventura, as well as her siblings - Lina Padilla, "Speedy" Jaurequi, Ysabel Hernandez, Angelina Harney, Mary David, and Joe Ventura.

She started working, part-time, in the school cafeteria, and the AT&T telephone company as a custodian. Soon she started working full-time at Petty's "Ben Franklin (Five & Dime)". She was excellent in the retail business and particularly enjoyed meeting a large number of Lincoln County Residents. She also worked at Belco, a circuit-board manufacturing plant for their duration in Carrizozo.

Jovita had many challenges in her life. Yet, she was never afraid to face her challenges straight on. After Pete's death, she learned to drive, learned to plan & travel the world. She was and is a role model to her children. In 1962, she took her children on their first destination "train tour" to The World's Fair in Seattle, WA. She had a sense of adventure throughout her entire life. In her 70's she did her first hot-air balloon ride, rode her first snowmobile near the Arctic Circle in Alaska. At age 81, she fought & conquered breast cancer. Perhaps, raising her children, as a single parent, was her greatest challenge and greatest achievement.

Mrs. Torres was known for her humanity, her caring & comforting demeanor, helping her neighbors & friends in their time of need. When she learned that someone in the community needed help, she was among the first to show up to care for that person/family. She would cook & deliver her tasty dishes like beans, chile, and warm tortillas to those in need. She would always feed all who showed up at her door. She was beloved by all who knew her. Jovita never wasted a minute, hence she truly "lived life fully". Dancing was Jovita's most enjoyable past-time. She also viewed work as fun and did it all the time.

Jovita is survived by three daughters, Andrea Kavanaugh, Esther Hampton, Rosa Herrera (Ernie), and two sons - Manny Torres (Becky) and Ernest Torres. Jovita's living grandchildren are: Wanda, Janice, Gilly, Chris, Patrick, Miki, Amy, Gabriel & Emily and great grandchildren - Jonah Javas, Karen, Joe, Jonny, and Jake Wilson. Jovita had many nieces & nephews whom she loved deeply.

In lieu of flowers, Jovita ask that donations be made in her name to your favorite organization. She supported the Disabled Veterans of America (DAV), and the American Cancer Society.

The world is a better place because of Jovita Torres. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.