In Memory of Arianna "Ari" Hamilton-Cordova

It is with heavy hearts that we honor and say goodbye to our precious daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, devoted friend, and soon to be aunt (Ari was so excited to welcome a baby niece due later this Summer 2026), Arianna "Ari" Hamilton-Cordova, age 14. Ari was born September 20, 2011, in Ruidoso, NM and was received unto the Lord December 27, 2025. She came into the world so perfect and delicate and was lovingly raised by her devoted father and grandfather Raynaldo “Sonny” and John Cordova. Ari was surrounded by her immediate and extended family members who supported and unconditionally loved her throughout her life.

Ari had the most vibrant and magnetic personality. She was generous, sincere and full of life. She had a big heart and a beautiful giving soul. She was actively involved in her community where she loved to help others. She frequently assisted Ms. Linda at the Tularosa Public Library. In 2024, during the South Fork and Salt Wildfires, she served as a volunteer at the Tularosa Community Center assisting with the distribution of clothing, household and nutritional essentials. She also enjoyed supporting her extended family members in Mescalero, NM as they prepared and celebrated their coming-of-age ceremonies.

Ari lived her entire life in Tularosa, NM. She was a cherished and beloved member of the eighth-grade class at Tularosa Middle School and had previously been recognized as a student of the month. Ari was part of the Tularosa Wildcat Cheerleading Program and was deeply devoted to spreading her leadership, enthusiasm and boundless spirit with her teammates and the Wildcat Community she loved and so proudly supported. In her seventh-grade year she received the Middle School Cheerleader of the year award. Ari loved cheerleading, regularly attending cheer camps, and dance classes, always striving to improve her skills and confidence. She worked diligently to help with fundraising and could always be counted on for conditioning and practice, consistently going above and beyond what was expected. Ari’s hard work, determination and growth during her eighth-grade season were evident to everyone who coached and admired her. Ari also enjoyed running track, participating in relays and distance events, and was looking forward to the 2026 track season where she hoped to become a skilled hurdler.

Ari had a very creative spirit and loved drawing and painting. Music brought her so much joy, and she could often be found singing and dancing. She treasured time with her friends and had a special way of always including younger children, making them feel seen and valued. She loved to indulge in shopping anytime she had the opportunity and especially delighted in “thrifting” with her Grandpa John. Ari loved her family and friends unconditionally and often left heartfelt notes and drawings expressing her love, encouragement and support.

Ari is survived by her devoted father, Raynaldo “Sonny” Cordova; her loving and ever-present grandfather, John Cordova; her grandmother, Donna Ward. She is also survived by her great grandparents, Rosemary Cordova, Alice and Bobby Diaz; her siblings whom she treasured and celebrated, Caleb (Alyssa) Cordova, Samaire Cordova, Genevieve Sanchez, Raynaldo Cordova, Jr., Oakley Shendo, Nataanii Cordova. She is lovingly remembered by her aunts, Raleigha (John) Cordova, Alicea Olascoaga, Chrislyn (Blair) Senneff, Darlene (Aaron) Marrujo, Tiffany (Brian) Guilez; her uncles, Lorenzo and Jacob Olascoaga, Ray (Annette) Herrera, David and Doug Cordova, Gilbert Guilez, Dalton Hamilton, Jacob Spitty; her Godparents, Tiffany Guilez and Joe Flores. She is also survived by numerous great-great aunts/uncles, special cousins, and many cherished friends. Lastly, she leaves behind her two beloved dogs, Bella and Ruby Roundhouse.

Ari was preceded in death by her grandmother, Genevieve Guilez; grandfather, Dalton Hamilton; great grandparents, Teresa and Trinidad “Pate” Guilez; cousin, Kimberly Duran; great grandfather, Ray Cordova; her dearly beloved “Pampo”, Danny Cordova (whom she shared a very special bond with).

Ari expressed a strong interest in becoming a future Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), as she wanted to assist those in great need. She continues to inspire friends and family alike in fostering a spirit of service through acts of kindness, especially to those less fortunate or who struggle with their mental health.

Ari would want to be remembered as a genuine goofball who brought smiles to the faces of everyone around her. Her legacy of love and laughter will remain infinitely in our hearts. She will be forever remembered and forever missed.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church in Tularosa, NM. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am by Aunt Corina Duran with Mass celebrated at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Tularosa, NM. Ari’s family invites all who knew and loved her to join them as they honor and celebrate her life and memory.

Pallbearers include Raynaldo “Sonny” Cordova, John Cordova, Caleb Cordova, Doug Cordova, Tim Duran, Carlos Guilez, Gilbert Guilez, and Dominic Montoya. Honorary Pallbearers include David Cordova, Robert Cordova, Lorenzo Olascoaga, Jacob Olascoaga., Ed Calhoun, Connor Senneff, Dalton Hamilton, Jacob Spitty, Andy Duran, Sam Duran, Manual Duran, Antonio Marrujo, Silas Mendez, Junior Cordova, Casey Hamilton, Isabella Marrujo, Cyrus Mendez, and Ezra Mendez.