Barbara Jane Melendrez Biel-Telles

In loving memory of Barbara Jane Melendrez-Biel-Telles, who peacefully departed this world on October 21, 2023.

Barbara was a remarkable soul with a knack for challenging even the divine, no doubt currently grilling God about "why He didn't make humanity better!"

Hailing from a lineage deeply rooted in the history of Southern New Mexico, Barbara was a descendant of Don Pablo Melendrez, the inaugural Justice of the Peace in Doña Ana County and one of the esteemed founding fathers of Las Cruces. This rich heritage endowed her with an extensive family tree and countless relatives throughout the Mesilla Valley.

Born on July 13, 1935, in Las Cruces, NM, to Ralph Melendrez and Manuelita Calles (fondly known as Nellie), Barbara was the eldest among her six siblings. Her brothers and sisters include Ralph Melendrez, Carlos Melendrez, Richard Padilla, Robert Padilla, Margaret (Margie) Padilla, and Norma Slone.

Being from such a large family, Barbara's greatest joy was spending time with those she loved. She was renowned for hosting Halloween parties that welcomed her grandchildren, family, and friends, later declaring, "I don't know how to cook for just a couple of people; I'm used to cooking for 20 or more!" Barbara was an avid reader and a wonderful cook, known for her red Chile meat and delicious biscochos. She enjoyed traveling, toasting life's moments with a hint of tequila, and maintained her quick wit until the end.

Barbara took on multiple roles throughout her career, starting as a bank teller at First National Bank. While working for the Las Cruces Public School system for 28 years, she also earned her real estate license. She served as registrar at Zia Junior High School from 1969 to 1983 before transitioning to the school administration offices, where she eventually retired.

In her later years, she found fulfillment in giving back, volunteering at the St. Albert Newman Center, where she was actively involved in the daily "Lunch Bunch" program, which provided meals to NMSU students. She also dedicated her time to the Safe Haven Thrift Store, a

non-profit venture supporting the Safe Haven Animal Shelter. Barbara was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church.

Barbara was a loving and caring daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Padilla, and her grandson, Ryan Rodriguez. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Ray Telles; her siblings; her children: George Biel Jr., Gary Biel, Ron Biel (MaryHelen), Carol Rodriguez (Carlos), and Michelle Biel-Tether (Russell); her grandchildren: Barbara Biel, Stephanie Almendarez, James Wilmoth, Whitney Blickem, Brooke Biel, Brittany Young, Eric Musshorn, Victoria Trujillo, Oriana Biel, Katalina Biel, Melanie Cortez, Nathaniel Rodriguez, Sarah Aguirre, Jessica Aguirre, and Christopher Aguirre; her great-grandchildren: Cameron Tankersley, Macy Almendarez, Celeste Almendarez, Liam Blickem, Conor Blickem, Blair Young, and Landon Young.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice.

A visitation will be held at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001, on Friday, November 10, from 1:30-2:00 pm. Services begin at 2:00 pm. Please visit www.getzcares.com to sign the local online guest book.