Gloria M. Chavez, 82, a resident of Bayard and formally of Deming passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born January 24, 1944 in Deming, New Mexico to Tomas Medina and Bertha Dominguez.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 9 o'clock in the morning till 10 at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Deming, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary will commence at 10 led by Deacon Art Guiterrez. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 o'clock at St. Ann Catholic Church followed by the rite of committal and interment at Mountain View Cemetery. Fr. Tony Basso will be officiating.
Here are some reflections on the life of our mother, Gloria. A devoted homemaker and a pioneer in her field, she dedicated herself to teaching children with disabilities through Southwestern Services for the Handicapped. She successfully taught programs and collaborated with YARC teenagers to bridge the gap between children with disabilities and without disabilities in the Grant County area. She even drove a bus to ensure every child had a way to get to the program and back home.
Later in life, Gloria earned her bachelor's degree with honors from WNMU. Following graduation, she joined CYFD in Silver City, where she positively impacted the lives of many children. She eventually became a Supervisor in the Deming office and, after retiring, was specifically called back to continue her valuable service.
Gloria will always be remembered as a kindhearted, thoughtful, and compassionate person who would help anyone in need. She dedicated her life to our sister Yolanda of 60 years. She was well-known for her famous bread and red chili with meat, which she generously prepared for holidays, parties, and funerals. Often called "Big Mama," by grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was a mother figure not only to them, but also to the neighbors, relatives and friends she cared for so deeply.
Our mother touched many lives with her giving heart and kind actions. She is living proof that true beauty comes from within, and she will be cherished forever in our hearts.
Gloria is survived by her children Mark (Tabitha) Chavez, Natalia Quevedo, Delia (Paul) Cabrera, and Yolanda Milo; 3 siblings, Albert (Sally) Medina, Charlie (Patricia) Galindo, and Betty Cuhen; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren; as well as her brother-in-law, Bonnie Arrey.
She was preceded in death by her parents Tomas Medina and Bertha Dominguez; a son, Gilbert Milo; and 4 of her siblings, Annie Burgholzer, Clara Arrey, Lupe Medina and Bobby Medina.
Receiving the honor to serve as Gloria's pallbearers will be Paul Cabrera Jr., Gabriel Cabrera, David Cabrera, Adonai Chavez, Avran Chavez, and Desmond Arrey.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Medina Chavez, please visit our floral store.
