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Elisa Gutierrez passed away peacefully in her Tularosa home on January 8, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. She had been cared for lovingly until her passing by her devoted son and daughter-In-law, Philip and Martha Gutierrez. Just weeks earlier, she joyfully celebrated her 100th birthday on November 17, 2025.
Elisa was born on November 17,1925, to Ramon and Rumalda Flores in Tularosa where she grew up and graduated from Tularosa High School in 1944 as class Valedictorian. During World War II, she traveled to San Francisco with family members to support the war effort. After the war, she returned home to Tularosa and married the love of her life, Ricardo "Wero" Gutierrez, on March 2, 1946.
Together, Elisa and Wero raised their family in Tularosa and were deeply involved in the life of St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church. They served as mayordomos for many years, generously giving their time and energy. When their children were young, the aroma of Elisa's fresh tortillas drifted through the neighborhood, and she shared them freely with anyone who stopped by.
Elisa cherished family gatherings in her backyard where her grandchildren and great grandchildren played. Her sweet rice and countless homemade dishes were family favorites, and no one could match her love for chile as hot as she could eat it. She was a gifted storyteller, always ready with a memory from "old Tularosa" and her laugh was unforgettable.
Elisa loved attending her children's and grandchildren's ball games and never lost her cheerleader spirit, something she carried from high school well into her 90s. On Sunday afternoons after church, she enjoyed playing the one-arm bandits at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. She was a Loyal Wildcat fan. She was a closet Dallas Cowboys fan, even knowing her kids and grandkids cheered for other teams. She looked forward to the church fiesta every year and in recent years, loved to sit outside her house and visit with the passerbys.
Elisa was an extraordinary mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, and friend, a devout Catholic and Christian, and a role model to all who knew her. She gave of herself endlessly and never asked for anything in return. She was patient, good-natured, and never complained. She cared and prayed for everyone she knew.
Elisa is preceded in death by her parents, Ramon and Rumalda Flores; her husband, Ricardo (Wero) Gutierrez; her daughter, Camille; her 6 brothers and 3 sisters.
Elisa is survived by her children, Steve (Jill) Gutierrez, Patsy (Dean) Taliaferro, Ricky (Yvonne) Gutierrez, Artie (Teresa) Gutierrez, Philip (Martha) Gutierrez; grandchildren, Eric (Karen) Gutierrez, Michelle Taliaferro, Sara (Kelly) Messer, Raul (Codi) Gutierrez, Angie (Cody) May, Greg Gutierrez, Amber Taliaferro, Larissa Taliaferro, Krista (Ramsey) Itani, Kenny (Amber) Gutierrez; 17 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; special nephew, Jackie Sandoval; close friend and dear confidant, Esther Rodriguez; close friends Barrett and Patty Covington.
Funeral Services for Elisa Gutierrez will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am with Mass celebrated at 10:30 am.
Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Eric Gutierrez, Raul Gutierrez, Cody May, Kenny Gutierrez, Greg Gutierrez, and Alfredo Carabajal. Honorary pallbearers are Barrett Covington, Maurice Gutierrez, Eddie Torres, Mike Flores, Pancho Guerrero, Zeke Castro, Michelle Taliaferro and Sara Messer.
