Maria Romero

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary (Maria) Padilla Romero, age 86, of Ruidoso Downs, NM passed away on March 15, 2023 at home surrounded by loved ones.

Mary was born on October 17th, 1936, to Abran and Sarah (Padilla) Garcia in Capitan, NM. In 1947, the family moved to Dexter, NM. On June 27th, 1959 she married Ralph (Rafeil) Romero in San Patricio, NM. She lived a long and fulfilling life first in Roswell, NM then moving to Ruidoso, NM in 1972.

Mary was predeceased by husband Ralph Romero; her parents Abran and Sarah Garcia; son Bobby Romero; four sisters, Barbara Otero, Emma Torres, Zenida (Ida) Montoya, Josephine Ruiz; three brothers, Roman Garcia, Julian Garcia and Tony Garcia.
She is survived by five sons, Alfred Romero, Jerry (Jannette) Romero, Steve (Susie) Romero, Andy (Denise) Romero, Jimmy (Marla) Romero; twelve grandchildren, Aaron Romero, Jenee Crow, Austin Romero, Jalyn Romero, Laura Romero, Danny Romero, Alex Garcia, Maya Romero, Erin Romero, Claire Romero, Evan Romero and Dillen Romero; 5 great-grandchildren; Aiden Crow, Carson Romero, Amelia Garcia, Caleb Romero, Emilio Garcia, two sisters, Minnie Barela, Dora Castillo, and many nephews and nieces.

A special tribute is given to Jannette (Chica) Fratzola, who was with Mary daily while in hospice care until the time of her passing, and Oso her guard dog.

A viewing will be held at La Grone Funeral Home in Ruidoso on Friday, March 24th from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at St. Eleanor Catholic Church on Saturday, March 25th, 2023, at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date.

A reception will be held after the funeral services in the meeting hall at Slow Play RV Park (26514 U.S. Hwy 70) Ruidoso Downs at noon.