Olivia A. Armendariz

Rosary will be live-streamed and may be viewed by clicking here.

Mass of Christian Burial wil be live-streamed and may be viewed by clicking here.

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Olivia A Armendariz gained her wings on June 20, 2023, at Lakeview Christian Homes, Carlsbad, NM surrounded by her loving family and long-time friends. Her departure leaves a void of love and compassion for those that knew her.

Olivia Armendariz, was born June 21, 1949, in Carlsbad, NM to Ursulo Martinez and Paula (Anaya) Martinez. She grew up en El Rancho Azul in Loving, NM, with one brother, Omar Martinez.

Olivia married the love of her life, late Francisco R Armendariz, on June 16, 1973. Together they made their homes in Loving, NM and Odessa, Texas. Odessa is where Olivia’s heart remained. She built many fond memories and friendships that she held near to her heart. In 1989, their journey led them back to Carlsbad, NM which became their permanent residence.

Olivia was a homemaker for most of her life. She was an excellent cook, affectionate, and an organized person. Her doors were always open to anyone who entered and offered any sort of meal she could prepare. Mom and dad, did not have much, but if she could offer you a warm plate of refried beans, homemade tortillas, and Chile macho, she would whip it up right away. She won many with her infectious smile and warmth. Anyone who met Olivia, she immediately friended and gained their trust, she never met a stranger. Organization for her was an important characteristic, her tidiness of her home was very important to her and no one dare step-foot on her recently mopped floors. Olivia’s love, smile, and feistiness will forever be remembered. Olivia loved to visit family and friends and cruise the backroads of Carlsbad listening to oldies and Spanish music. Olivia was a very simply lady. 

Olivia supported each one of children in life and instilled morals and responsibilities. Each one of her children were unique, but she managed to love and mentor all three children to who they are today. No family is perfect, but she prayed and advised that family is everything.

Olivia became disabled in 2004 and was left at the mercy of those who loved her to care for her. In 2009, Olivia became a resident of Landsun Homes and later relocated to Lakeview Christian Homes. Olivia would fight through her disability to enjoy and live life to her fullest.  She still enjoyed to bake bizcochos, go to bingo, play poker, and do crossword puzzles. Olivia loved her grandkids more than life itself. She helped raise them and would never miss an opportunity to make a game or school function. She spent countless hours loving them, watching them grow, taking them to school, and would take them traveling with her out of town. If you knew Olivia, her grandkids are what brought her the greatest amount of joy until the very end of her days.

Olivia, leaves behind a family and community that she impacted. Although her presence may no longer be with us, her spirit will continue to shine. I know that she was greeted at the heavenly gates by her loving husband of 50 years, Francisco R Armendariz and parents Urselo and Paula Martinez. May she dance with the Angels.

Olivia, is survived by her daughter, Margie Fernandez and husband John of Carlsbad, NM, two sons, Frankie (JR) Armendariz of Carlsbad, NM, and Omar Armendariz and wife Janelle of Parker, CO, one brother Omar Martinez and wife Claudia of Alto, NM; numerous grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5:00-6:30 pm, Tuesday, June 27, 2023 followed by the rosary at 6:30 pm at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 10:00 am, Mass of Christian Burial honor of Olivia’s life will take place at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez. The burial will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery, with a meal immediately following graveside services at the San Jose Catholic Church Hall.

Pallbearers will be: Omar Armendariz, Nathaniel Armendariz, Frank Fuentes, Rudy Dominguez, Isaiah Fernandez and Matthew Fernandez. Honorary Pallbearers are: Grandchildren.

A special thanks to all the nursing and CNA staff at Lakeview Christian Homes for loving and caring of Olivia. She was loved beyond measure. The self-love that we as a family witnessed touched our hearts immensely. Sincere gratitude to all of you.