Guerreros Gildardo 'Gil' Huerta

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gil Huerta, age 67, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. After a hard fought battle with cancer, on August 31, 2021, Gil passed into the loving arms of God and was received by the angels and family who watched over him during his life. Even though his passing has left a void in our lives, we are grateful that he is no longer suffering from the devastating disease that is cancer. Gil was born on December 14, 1953 and was a life-long resident of Dona Ana County, NM. He was raised in La Mesa, NM with a large family of siblings and relatives surrounding him. He was known by his friends as the "Smiling Cowboy" for his wonderful smile and his sense of humor. While not rich in material things, Gil had a heart of gold and would do anything for his family and friends. He was a hard worker all his life and became a jack of all trades, learning from an early age that a man took care of his family, and that generosity extended to friends and neighbors. Gil will be remembered as an avid sportsman. Hunting and fishing were his passion and he loved spending time outdoors. Gil was a fantastic cook and he was known for his pit barbecue, fajitas, and "carne con chile colorado". He was always ready to cook for family gatherings. After graduating from Gadsden High School, Gil served proudly in the United States Army during the Viet Nam Era. Returning home from serving his country, Gil went to work at Valley Transit Mix as a welder and a driver. His work ethic gained him the reputation of being an honest man who learned all he could from each experience and was willing to share his knowledge. He retired from the City of Las Cruces as a heavy equipment operator. Waiting for Gil at the end of his journey were his parents Francisco and Maria Huerta and his father-in-law Tony Gil was born on December 14, 1953 and was a life-long resident of Dona Ana County, NM. He was raised in La Mesa, NM with a large family of siblings and relatives surrounding him. He was known by his friends as the "Smiling Cowboy" for his wonderful smile and his sense of humor. While not rich in material things, Gil had a heart of gold and would do anything for his family and friends. He was a hard worker all his life and became a jack of all trades, learning from an early age that a man took care of his family, and that generosity extended to friends and neighbors. Gil will be remembered as an avid sportsman. Hunting and fishing were his passion and he loved spending time outdoors. Gil was a fantastic cook, and he was known for his pit barbecue, fajitas, and "carne con chile colorado". He was always ready to cook for family gatherings. Gil is survived by his wife of 36 years, Teri Gonzales Huerta, who supported, comforted, and strengthened him during his fight against cancer. Also left behind are his sons Victor (Araceli) and Gil (Lorena), both of Phoenix, AZ; and his Chiquita, daughter Jacquelin Jimerson (Nathan) of Las Cruces, NM. Gil is also survived by his siblings: one brother Hector (Sylvia) Huerta of Las Cruces, NM; five sisters, Maria (Jorge) Ramirez, North Riverside, IL; Eva (Paul) Pavia, Glen Ellyn, IL; Maria Elena (Larry) Portillo, San Antonio, TX; Dora Madrid, Las Cruces, NM; and Lisa (Glen) Kline, St. Augustine, FL. Other survivors include his six grandchildren, Isaiah of Canutillo, TX, who deeply shared his Grandfather's passion for the outdoors; Kaleb of Chester, NH; and Ava, Amaya, Kaydence, and Zoei, all of Phoenix, AZ. Sharing in this loss are his mother-in-law, Gloria Gonzales; sisters-in-law Lola Gonzales (Ron Romero), and Irene Gonzales, plus brother-in-law John Gonzales, all of Las Cruces, NM, and brother-in-law Tony Gonzales, Jr. (Maria) of San Antonio, TX. Gil leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members and friends who no doubt have many stories and memories of him to help them through the loss of this good man. The family especially wants to thank the nurses and staff of the ICU at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso who were so kind and dedicated to his care at the end of his life. Their support was a gift to his family. Many thanks also to all the people who worked with Gil during his chemotherapy and treatments. Gil was greatly appreciative of all the medical support and assistance he received from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Las Cruces, NM, who made it easier for him to concentrate on the fight of his life. Per Gil's wishes, he was cremated, and a private family burial of his ashes will be held. A rosary and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 18, at 10 a.m. at Getz Funeral Home, Las Cruces, NM.