Linda P. Payanes

Linda P. Payanes of Carlsbad, NM, passed away Friday, February 12, 2021, at the age of 71.

Visitation is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Later the family will have private services at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating. Interment will take place at Carlsbad Cemetery Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

You may view the livestream at 9:30 AM, MST, Thursday, February 25, 2021, by clicking the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/view/linda-payanes-998492

Graveside Service:

https://boxcast.tv/view/patricia-rodriguez-gravesi...

Linda was born February 21, 1949, in Carlsbad, NM, to Monico and Consuelo Aguilera. She graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1967. Following graduation, she moved to Houston, TX, to pursue a career as a flight attendant for Trans Texas Airway. She later returned to Carlsbad, NM to be closer to family and continue her education. Linda married Jose Payanes in June of 1975 in Carlsbad, NM. Jose and Linda remained in Carlsbad where they raised four beautiful children. Linda Payanes worked for the Carlsbad Municipal Schools for many years where she served in various capacities; most recently, librarian for Puckett Elementary. During her time with the Carlsbad schools, she also served as Union President for the American Federation of Teachers, where she was nationally recognized for her leadership efforts. Linda retired from Carlsbad Municipal Schools in 2012.

Throughout her life, Linda had a passion for helping people and had an extraordinary ability to give love. Whether family, friends, students, or strangers, Linda’s presence was always felt. She constantly put the needs of others before her own. Linda was an inspiring soul, always offering kind words and compassion to all who came to her with their troubles. Her home was open to everyone and her affection made them feel important and loved. Linda enjoyed many hobbies; she loved traveling with her closest friends, reading, writing, dancing, baking, and most importantly, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She always said her grandchildren were her greatest gifts. Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved everyone unconditionally and will be missed dearly by those who knew her.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Monico and Consuelo Aguilera and brother, Rafael “Felo” Aguilera. Survivors include husband, Jose “Mike” Payanes of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Kathy Payanes of Santa Fe, NM; son, Michael Payanes and wife, Enedelya of Carlsbad, NM; son, Carlos Payanes and partner Melinda Olivas of Roswell, NM; son, Jose Payanes III and wife Veronica of Carlsbad, NM; grandchildren, Santiago, Nallely, Amari, Matteo, Mia, Thalia, Eliana, and Natalia; siblings, Bigo Aguilera, Monica Aguilera, Oscar Aguilera, Pablo Aguilera, and Martha Aguilera; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Martha Aguilera, Jaime Aguilera, Santiago Payanes, Nallely Payanes, Matteo Payanes, and Johnny Rodriguez. Honorary Pallbearers will Bigo Aguilera, Oscar Aguilera, Pablo Aguilera, and Monica Aguilera.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com