Sabas Espinoza Villagran, 90, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, NM. Sabas was born in Chihuahua, Mexico on December 5, 1932 to his parents Melquiades and Esther (Espinoza) Villagran. From a very young age, he learned the value of hard work. He enjoyed swimming in the river and was nicknamed “la rana”. He moved to New Mexico and worked at the H-Y Ranch in Mule Creek where he and his wife started their lives together. He later went on to work in various local mines. Sabas retired from Brown and Root but didn’t like staying home. He worked as a custodian at the Silver Schools and enjoyed interacting with the students and staff. Sabas enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his great grandkids. He was a person of great honor and had a laugh that will be unforgettable. He passed peacefully with family by his side.
He is survived by his son, David Joseph Villagran (Sonia) of Silver City, NM; his daughter Roxanne Yvette Ogas (Michael Sr.) of Silver City, NM; his sister Rosita Villagran Espinoza; his three grandchildren, Sasha Azua (Stephen), Michael Jr. Ogas (Leandra) and Hunter Sabas Ogas; his six great grandchildren, Arianna, J.C, Lilah, Aiden, Abriana and Rory and his numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rosamaria (Villagas) Villagran; his seven siblings; his grandson, Daniel Lopez.
The Holy Rosary will be on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 10:00am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels, with Deacon Bill Holguin reciting. The Funeral Mass will he held at St. Francis Newman Center in Silver City at 11:30am with Father Bernard Okafor officiating. Pall Bearers are Stephen Azua, Michael Ogas Jr., Hunter Sabas Ogas, Joe Espinoza, Carlos Villegas, Peter Magdeleno.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory following the services. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.