In the early hours of Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, the door of Heaven opened to receive the soul of Beatriz Miranda Melendrez. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, humility, loyalty, and devotion to family and community. Bea was born on April 27, 1928, in the village of Lincoln, New Mexico, to Emilio and Francisca Miranda. The Miranda family moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1941. The transition to the hot desert town wasn't easy for the family. But Beatriz, with her characteristic determination, adapted to the urban surroundings and came to love her new home in Las Cruces. There she became a successful student and proud graduate of Las Cruces High School in 1946. A lifelong learner, Bea aspired to attend college, following in the footsteps of her older siblings. However, she set aside her ambitions to avoid placing a financial burden on her parents and chose to work full time instead. As a young adult Bea worked various jobs until meeting the love of her life, Samuel L. Melendrez, at the Cotton Gin Mercantile, also known as "The Farmers' Market".

Their love blossomed quickly, and they married just five months after meeting. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their large family in Las Cruces. The Melendrez home served as a welcoming gathering place for family, friends and out of town guests. After retirement, Sam and Bea moved to Deming to be closer to their daughter, Imelda, and her husband, Elmer Veeder, who eventually became their primary caregivers. Bea often spoke of her desire to return to Las Cruces, likely in part to recapture the cherished memories of her home and life there. A perfectionist at heart, Bea instilled in her children the importance of excellence in all things. Her well managed home was a reflection of her high standards. Bea was known for her natural sense of orderliness and exemplary organizational skills. These qualities served the family well as Bea transitioned to working outside of her home. Bea had an eye for style and design which she applied to crafting, quilting, home decor, and sewing. Her creativity was evident in the beautiful clothes she sewed for herself and her children. The garments she created were admired by many and were a testament to her skill and dedication to creating beautiful wardrobes on a budget. Bea was a full-time homemaker until she accepted a position as a Nutrition Aide with the Dona Ana County Extension Service at NMSU. When she returned to the workforce in 1972, Bea took on a variety of roles that allowed her to combine her passions for sewing, reading, and homemaking into fulfilling paid positions. Bea also served her local parish community, Immaculate Heart of Mary, as a devoted member of the Altar Society. Family events brought Bea great joy. Two of her favorites were Miranda Family Reunions, held every three years and "Old Lincoln Days" held yearly in August, in her hometown of Lincoln, New Mexico. Throughout the years, Bea scheduled trips to Lincoln as often as possible, creating fond memories that her children will carry with them always.

Bea was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Sam; siblings, Nellie Trujillo, Ofelia Salas, Max Miranda, Mabel Ramsey, Lucila Arguello, Gilbert Miranda, Henry Miranda, Geralda Chacon, Dolores Faglier; and granddaughter, Lela Miranda Martinez. She is survived by her sister, Frances Gallegos, and her brother, Gus Miranda. Descendants include eight children: Samuel Patrick Melendrez (Nina), Imelda Veeder (Elmer), Claudia Rel (Ed), Michael Melendrez (Anna Forester), Faviola Martinez (Manuel), Mercedes McFerrin (Rick), Regina Melendrez, and Lydia Zerwekh (John). Bea was the proud grandmother of fifteen grandchildren: Christina, Sam, and Daniel Melendrez, Albert, Fred, and Isaac Veeder, Alexis Rel, Lynette and Amanda Melendrez, Vincent and Lela Martinez, Julia Goldhirsch, and Natalie, Andrew, and Benjamin Zerwekh. In addition, she had twelve great-granddaughters and nine great-grandsons, all of whom were a source of immense pride and joy for her. Other survivors include: Mark Goldhirsch, Kari Melendrez and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family whom Bea dearly cherished and loved. Bea's life was a testament to the values of hard work, family, and faith. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

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