Sylvia Ann Castillo, 73, born January 9, 1953 in Silver City, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, surrounded by her family in Arenas Valley.
She is survived by her husband Rudy Castillo; sons Jonathan (Jose) Ojinaga, Benjamin Ojinaga, and Daniel (Geneya) Ojinaga; granddaughters Maya Barboa-Ojinaga and Mikayla Ojinaga; her stepchildren, Alyssa, Aaron and Hollie; her step grandchildren, Jose, Gilbert, Xavier, Cataleeya, Zaeleandra, Aiysliyenah, Acniyazsha, and Armor; her brothers Michael (Toni) Salaiz, Steve Salaiz, and David Salaiz; and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Olivia Galaz Salaiz; mother Corina Galaz Salaiz; step-mother Annie Romero Salaiz; father Jose Salaiz; and aunt Elsie Galaz Roman.
Sylvia was a graduate of Cobre High School. She worked for the State of New Mexico and Grant County as a Civil Servant at the Sheriff & Office, District Attorney's Office, and County Clerk's Office until her retirement. She enjoyed baking, sewing, visiting her friends and family, and loved going on camping and road trips every summer with her husband. Sylvia had an appreciation for nature and spent many happy years nurturing her thriving indoor and outdoor plant collection. She was a loving wife, devoted mother to her three sons, proud grandmother, beloved sister, aunt, and godmother, and a dear friend to many. Sylvia will be remembered for her laughter, love, and friendship. Her presence will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing she is at peace with our Lord and reunited with her loved ones.
Services will be on Thursday, June 11th, beginning Terrazas Funeral Chapel with Visitation at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10 a.m., and the Funeral Mass following at 12 noon at San Lorenzo Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow the Funeral Mass at San Lorenzo Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her sister Olivia Galaz Salaiz and mother Corina Galaz Salaiz. Pallbearers are Thomas Saenz, Jacob Zamora, Andres Quintero, Robert Salaiz, Frank Contreras Jr., and Adrian Alvarado.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Sylvia's honor.
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sl=donate-
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
