Craig Gilcrease

Craig Albert Gilcrease was called home to be with our Heavenly Father on March 6, 2022. Craig was born on December 1, 1960, in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Lois and Arthur Gilcrease. At the age of one, Craig moved with his parents and two sisters to Anchorage, Alaska, followed by moves to Merritt Island, Florida in 1964, Lompoc, California in 1965, and returning to Las Cruces in 1973. Craig attended Zia Jr. High and graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1979. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 70, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1983 Craig received a Bachelor of Science Agriculture degree from New Mexico State University. After graduating from college, Craig enjoyed a career in pc operating systems, rail transportation, and pricing analysis in Southern California. In 2011, Craig returned to Las Cruces to be near his parents. He changed course in his professional career and became a social worker for The Village at Northrise in the transitional care unit. He found his work very rewarding and was a compassionate advocate for the patients. His kindness, thoughtfulness and the ability to coordinate the many aspects of his position were great assets in his work. Craig then accepted the position of Payroll Manager at Northrise. While working at Northrise, Craig met and fell in love with Monica (Mony) Martinez, and they were married in 2016. Craig found great love and joy with Mony and her two children, Christopher and Emely, who he raised as his own. Craig's life took on new meaning as a husband and father. Craig and his family (including ZZ, the family dog) enjoyed many outdoor adventures, including hiking, camping and travelling in the Southwest. Regardless of what they were doing or where they were, they always treasured their time together. Craig was a strong believer in Jesus Christ our Lord and was a member of Real Life Church. He found strength in his faith and lived his life trying to reflect God's kindness and love. Craig had a wonderful dry, witty sense of humor, and had a way of making those around him feel valued and welcome. He made a difference in people's lives. Craig loved music, and especially enjoyed the numerous Rolling Stones concerts he attended over the years. He was a walking encyclopedia of rock and roll knowledge and trivia. Craig will be remembered lovingly and greatly missed by his family and friends who survive him. Craig is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Gilcrease. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Monica (Mony) Gilcrease, stepson Christopher Martinez, stepdaughter Emely Martinez; Mother Lois Gilcrease, sisters Zantha Gilcrease, and Crichton Gilcrease (Phoenix, AZ); and many dear friends. A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 9:30 am at Real Life Church, 1040 El Paseo Rd., Las Cruces, NM 88001. To honor Craig's memory and in lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Mesilla Valley Hospice and Assisted Living, 299 E. Montana Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88005 (online at www.mvhospice.org); the Alzheimer's Association New Mexico chapter (online at www.alz.org); or to a charity of your choice. Service Information

Real Life Church

1040 El Paseo Rd
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001






Interment Location
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 9:30am,
Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

Address Not Available