Maria Dolores Esparza

While we thought we were ready for this loss, Lord, we were not prepared for how much this would hurt. Sometimes it is hard to see through our tears, but even though we have entrusted Dolores (Maria Dolores Esparza) to you, knowing that she belongs to You, we wait for the day when you will turn all our mourning into laughter in remembering the happy times we shared in love with her. Dolores, also affectionately known as "Otis", was born to Frank M. Ramrez and Concepcion (Conchita) Duran Ramrez on December 29, 1941 in Las Cruces. After a strong fight with illness the last two years, she passed suddenly, but peacefully, on September 3, 2015 at the age of 73. What the family can affirm is that she was tired and ready to find peace. Dolores graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1960 and almost immediately began her federal service at White Sands Missile Range. She retired after working at McAfee Army Hospital and in recent years worked as a medical transcriptionist at the Las Cruces Imaging Center. Everything else the family feels is important to say about her life does not include a list of her awards and recognition. We want her to be remembered simply as a strong soul with a caring heart and a tough will (some of us knew it as "stubborn"). And, to so many of us, she was also beautiful-- a "diva" who always worked hard at looking her best when she left the house even though she found her freckles annoying - enough for her to try whatever lotion, potion or contraption to make them go away! Dolores is survived by her son, William "Gerrie" Apodaca and his father, Ricardo Apodaca (Yolie) of Las Cruces; and by her sister Frances Ramrez-Maestas of Santa Fe. Other surviving family include Monica Maestas and son Mateo of Santa Fe, who knew Otis as a "Nana"; Christiana Maestas of Albuquerque; sister-in-law Clara Ramirez of Las Cruces; Larry (Nancy), Ted, and Steve Ramirez of Las Cruces ;Vince Ramirez of Grand Prairie, Texas; Mary (Rudy) Audetat and Ruth Ramrez of Las Cruces and Judy (Dave) Long of Scottsboro, Alabama. Not forgotten are her cousins from the Duran, Ramrez, and Apodaca families. Special thanks to her cousins, Louise Romero Cavatta, who helped with her care during her cancer recovery in Santa Fe; and Olivia "Libby" Chavez , who cared for her when she returned to Las Cruces. Others include the family friend, Dan Clark, the "golden girls" who accompanied her on Fridays to hear the mariachis at Roberto's; her coworkers; and those that are unknown to us that loved her during her life. Remembered at this time are the predeceased - our dad, Frank (1984); our mother, Concepcion (1987); and our brother Vicente (1989). And, the list ends with the last, but not least -- her beloved dogs, Flor and Chapito, including those that are now predeceased, namely, Rowdy, Skittles, Syra and Sombra. A Rosary and Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 21, 2015, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 South Espina, with the Reverend George Soria officiating. Immediately following the services, all are welcome to a celebration of life reception and lunch in Finley Hall, which is adjacent to the church. Dolores' remains are to be placed with her parents, Frank and Concepcion Ramirez, in a graveside service to be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Dolores' name to ACTion Program for Animals (APA), 800 W. Picacho, Las Cruces, NM 88005 or to the Spay and Neuter Awareness Program, 2405 W. Picacho, Las Cruces, NM 88007. PDF Printable Version