Melissa Ann Salazar

Melissa Ann Salazar, 59, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Roswell, New Mexico. Born on October 28, 1966, in Yuma, Arizona, to Evangeline and Frank Jurado, Melissa grew into a woman whose faith, kindness, and gentle spirit touched everyone around her. As a devoted member of the Door Church, she carried her love for God close to her heart, letting it guide her through every season of her life. Melissa found joy in caring for others. Her cooking and baking were more than meals—they were acts of love, filling her home with warmth, comfort, and the sweet smells of the treats she made for her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, her husband, and her beloved dogs, each one held close in the soft, steady way she loved. Her plants were another reflection of her nurturing spirit, tended with patience and affection, blooming under her gentle care. She delighted in the simple things that made her smile—cartoons, her favorite TV shows, and cheering proudly for the Washington Redskins and the New York Yankees. These small joys were woven into the fabric of her days, reminders of her bright, playful heart. Melissa’s presence was a quiet, constant source of love. She brought warmth into every room, steadiness into every moment, and tenderness into every relationship. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and she will be deeply, deeply missed by all who knew her. Those left to eternally treasure and cherish the memories of Melissa are her beloved husband, Phillip Salazar; children: Javier Gaytan Jr and spouse Monica Gaytan, Kyla Gaytan, Jacque Gaytan, Serena Collins; step-children: Philisha Lazos and spouse Sabino Lazos, Phillip Jr Salar and spouse Abby Salazar, Erica Perez and Spouse Wayne Perez, Gina, Frankie Tegeda, Phillip Ben Salazar; grandchildren: Hazel Phelps, Jacob Moreno and spouse Arienna Moreno, Renae Moreno and spouse Israel Tegeda, Jazmine Moreno, James Moreno; great-grandchildren: Aliyah Moreno and Joseph Moreno; step-grandchildren: Gentry Bobbitt, Alejandro Rivera, Sabino Lazos, Arianna Lazos, Alonzo Lazos, Andres Lazos, Mark Perez, Michael Perez, Madison Perez, Elias Salazar, Jacob Salazar, Jordan Salazar, Azzy Salazar, Phill Salazar, Luciano Salazar, Aria Salazar; step-greatgrandchild: Evee Riverea; brother: Frank Jurado and spouse Linda Jurado; numerous nieces and nephews; and loved dogs: Pacheco and Chiquita. Melissa is preceded in death by her grandchild: Amaya Moreno; parents: Evangeline and Frank Jurado; grandparents: Luica and Luis Jurado, Isabel and Manuel Lopez; great grandparent: Gabriel Acuna; sibings: Christine Jurado, Robbie Jurado, Carmen Jurado. Melissa’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kyla Graytan, Phillip Salazar, and Jacque Gaytan for the loving care they provided during her final days. They also wish to thank Pastor Jonah, Gwen Cruz, Pastor Mario, and Lydia Sanchez for lifting her in prayer and offering encouragement when she needed it most.

Melissa Ann Salazar

October 28, 1966 - July 14, 2026