Maria Ontiveros

On March 4, 2025, Maria P. Ontiveros was called to her eternal rest at the age of 77 following a lengthy battle with carcinoma stage 4 lung cancer. Visitation will be held at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home, in Roswell, New Mexico, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with the recital of the Holy Rosary at 12:00 PM on March 13, 2025. Born January 31, 1948, in Fabens, Texas, she joins her parents Catarino and Marina, her brothers Luciano and Juan, great granddaughter Cherish Ontiveros, and all the deceased members of the Porras family. Left to honor her memory is her husband of 58 years, Jesus Ontiveros. They were married on September 30, 1966, in Artesia, New Mexico. Daughters, Janie Archuleta, Rafaela and Mercy Ontiveros, sons, Eddie Ontiveros and wife Irene, followed by David Ontiveros, and the pride of her life, her eight beloved grandchildren and her fifteen great-grandchildren. They will hold the memories they shared throughout her life and honor her by living their lives with dignity and respect. Maria’s greatest earthily treasure was her family. She enjoyed her home life very much and had no bounds for the love that she had for her daughters, sons, and grandchildren. She was the happiest when she was busy in her kitchen, rolling out the flour tortillas, frying potatoes with chorizo, and assuring that all were well fed. One thing is for certain, you never left her home hungry. She was the very definition of that old Spanish saying, “pansa llena, corazon contento.” Apart from cooking, baking, and household chores, the Dallas Cowboys could count on Maria cheering them on throughout their games. WWE wrestling was another spectator sport that she also enjoyed. But never let it be said that she didn’t dance. From cumbias, salsa, to fast pop and rock music, she could boogie all night long. Her 77th birthday marked the final curtain call. Seated in her wheelchair, her sisters gathered around her, held her hands, and moved to the music, thus marking her last dance. Not only was Maria a devoted wife, mother, a caring grandmother, sister, and she was also a friend to many. She leaves behind five sisters, Lucia, Fina, Irma, Gloria, Margie, and a brother Daniel, numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins in El Paso and Ft. Worth, Texas, and cherished friends in Artesia, Roswell, and Carlsbad. Sisters-in-law, Angie Fernandez and Anita Ramirez, brothers-in-law, Vicente, Cirildo, and Isador Ontiveros. Vaya con Dios. Your spirit will shine forever in the lives you touched. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.”

Maria Ontiveros

January 31, 1948 - March 4, 2025