Maria Elena Perez, 65, of Las Cruces, N.M. passed away December 13, 2021 in Las Cruces, N.M.. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with Rosary Services at 6:00 PM Monday, December 27, 2021 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY with Mass of Christian Burial Services scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Friona with Father Gregory Bunyan as Celebrant. Burial following in the Friona Cemetery by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.

Maria was born February 17, 1956 in El Porevenir, Chihuahua, Mexico to Juan Perez Cano and Pomposa Gabaldon Perez. She was a person of much faith, independence and patience. She had a very caring heart and loved to do things for others, especially her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers-Sylvester, Lalo, and Augustin Perez, 2 sisters-Lidia Hernandez Perez and Hermiña Peña.

Those to carry on her legacy include 1 son-Eloy Castañon Jr. of Las Cruces, N.M., 2 daughters-Maria Elena Castañon and Denise Perez of Las Cruces, 2 brothers-Rosalio Perez of Friona, and Armando Perez of Amarillo, 3 sisters-Teresa Salinas and Maria Cruz Sanchez, and Maria Dolores Perez, all  of Friona. and 14 grandchildren.

UPDATE:  THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VIEWING