Maria Fuentes

Maria Elena  Fuentes, 70, of Carlsbad, NM passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. Maria was born on May 13, 1954, in San Diego, TX to Timoteo and Maria De La Paz. 

Cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, September 20, 2024, at St. Edward Catholic Church with Fr. Hruday Kumar Pasala officiating. Interment will follow at the Carlsbad Cemetery in Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Maria a great mother to her children, and a wonderful grandmother to all her grandchildren. She loved her family dearly, and cherished every moment she had with them. Maria was a very active woman who was always on the go. She loved playing bingo any chance she got, and working out in her garden and flower beds. She also enjoyed listen to music and dancing along with it. Her vibrant personality and joy in life will be missed by all who knew her. 

Maria was preceded in death by her father, Timoteo De La Paz; mother, Maria (Guzman) De La Paz; husband, Frank Fuentes, Sr.; two children: Nancy Hobby-Fuentes and Frances Torres; and brother, Ricardo De La Paz.

Maria is survived by seven children: Sandra Hernandez and husband, Ruben of Austin, TX; Cynthia Sotelo and husband, Jose “Nene” of Carlsbad, NM; Belinda Gutierrez of Carlsbad, NM; Rosalinda Ybarra of Carlsbad, NM; Christina Coronado of Carlsbad, NM; Frank Fuentes, Jr. and wife, Katy of Carlsbad, NM; and Lisa LaMaster and husband, Scott of Alva, OK; twenty-five grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; five siblings: Gloria Tanguma of San Diego, TX; Sylvia Betterton of Midland, TX; Nolia De La Paz of San Antonio, TX; Elva Amesquita and husband, Richard of Midland, TX; and Timoteo De La Paz, Jr. of Carlsbad, NM; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.