Arturo Varrela Ortiz, 91. Deming resident passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Luna Wellness & Rehabilitation Center, surrender by his loving family.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Baca's Funeral Chapel at 9 o'clock in the morning. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will start at 10 o'clock in the morning led by Maria Lozano. Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Father Ivan Torres, officiating. Cremation to follow as were his wishes.
Arturo was born on May 1, 1935 in Temosachic, Chihuahua to Consuelo Ortiz Torres and Tomas Varela Enriquez. Arturo was one of the hardest working people you could ever meet. He took great pride in being able to work and help others, and he continued doing so until his final moments. He found joy in caring for his yard and watering his trees. When he finished working in his own yard, he would often head next door to find another project because there was always something that needed to be done. Arturo loved telling stories. Sometimes they grew a little bigger each time he told them, and even when we knew they couldn't possibly be true, we would simply smile and listen because those stories made him happy. Arturo liked doing things his own way, but behind that strong will was an even bigger heart.
If anyone needed help, he was there, usually wearing his sombrero and cowboy boots, ready to lend a hand without hesitation. Above all, Arturo loved his family. His children were his greatest pride, and his grandchildren brought him endless joy. He loved his stepchildren and step-grandchildren as his very own, cherished his siblings, and spoke often and lovingly of his parents throughout his life. Family was the center of everything he did. Though Arturo spoke softly, his kindness, generosity, and love touched everyone who knew him. We will honor his memory by caring for the things he loved, sharing his stories, and keeping our families close, just as he always did. Now it is our turn to water his trees, and knowing Arturo, we better, or somehow, he will find a way to remind us. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.
Arturo is survived by his son; Sergio (Araceli) Varela, daughters; Carmela (Vicente) Aguilar, Oralia (Jose) Barrera and Manuela (Cruz) Barrera, stepchildren; Tim (Angelica) Grattan, Manuel Perez, Lorena Grattan and Elizabeth (Jose) Cruz, 9 grandchildren, 18 step-grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 14 step-great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, sisters; Dolores (Gustavo) Marquez, Elena Varela, Esperanza (Guillermo) Medina and Monina Varela.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Tomas Varela and Consuelo Ortiz, son; Tomas Varela, siblings; Socorro, Olga, Ernesto and Manuel Varela.
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