Mary "Rita" Baca

Mary "Rita" Baca passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 30, 2023. She was born in Gallup, New Mexico on June 18, 1944

Rita enjoyed playing Bingo, fishing, spending time with her grandchildren, spending many hours calling friends and family daily, and socializing on Facebook. She will be greatly missed by many and loved by all.

She is survived by her daughters; Pumpkin Grijalva and her husband Santiago Grijalva, Jeannie Ramirez and her husband Heda Ramirez, and Tina Martin and her husband Robert Martin. 4 Grandchildren; Stephanie Martin, Antoinette Martin, Santiago Enrique Grijalva, and Alejandro Grijalva. 7 great-grandchildren; Christina Villicana, Noah Martin, Avery Martin, Trinity Villicana, Jenesis Tapia, Felicity Tapia, and Sadie Romero. Her brother; Robert Salazar. Along with numerous nieces and nephews that also survive her. 

She was preceded in death by husband Norman A Baca. Her parents; Melicio Salazar and Sylvia Montano. Her grandson; Santiago Antonio Grijalva. Her sister Gloria Lopez. Her brothers; Pat Salazar and Melicio Salazar.

On Thursday November 9, 2023 at St. Teresa Catholic Church, a Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM, At 10:00 AM a Mass will be celebrated by Father John Paul Sauter. Interment will follow at Grants Memorial Park.

Pallbearers include Santiago Enrique Grijalva, Alejandro Grijalva, Anthony Salazar, Gerardo Ramirez, Santiago Grijalva, and Patrick Salazar.

Honorary Pallbearers include Noah Martin, Stephanie Martin, Antoinette Martin, and Josh Ramirez.

Cope Memorial Chapel of Gallup is entrusted with arrangements.