Martha Legarreta

On November 15, 2024, Martha Legarreta went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

 Celebration of life on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1800 S. Locust St. Las Cruces, NM. Reception at Grapevine Plaza, 3900 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces, NM from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The family would like you to join them in wearing red, white, and/or gold in honor of Martha’s favorite NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers.

 Martha was born in Las Cruces, NM to Lorenzo and Nina Banegas. In 1979, she married her soulmate Richard Legarreta, and they spent 45 years together. 

 Martha was a faithful servant of God with a kind heart, a giving spirit, and a deep love for others. In service of the Lord, she touched many people’s lives spreading God’s word. She provided love, prayers, food, and friendship to her community. Part of Martha’s ministry was writing letters to family, friends, people grieving, and anyone in need. Martha never met a stranger. Her infectious smile attracted everyone around her and people were drawn to her joyful spirit. 

 Martha is preceded in death by her sons Angelo Legarreta and Antonio Legarreta. Her life’s work was spent caring for them and they are now reunited. She is also preceded in death by her stepchildren, Bonnie Rivera and Richard Legarreta, Jr., her brother Louie Banegas, and her parents, Lorenzo and Nina Banegas. 

 Martha is survived by her husband, Richard Legarreta; children Alanzo and wife Jasmine Legarreta, Angelina and husband Tony Olivera, and Arlando Legarreta. Stepchildren Chris Gamboa (husband Edward), Debbie Legarreta, Dario Rivera (late wife Bonnie); and many precious grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sisters, Anna Lisa Banegas-Peña (late husband Richard Peña), Janice Atkins (husband James), Vina Craig (husband Joel), Tessie Kinnikin (husband Clay), brother Lawrence (wife Pancha), sister-in-law, Lourdes Banegas (late husband Louie) and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.