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On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Rachel Romero-Artiaga, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 90.
Rachel was born on December 16, 1935, in Tinnie, New Mexico to Antonio Romero and Carolina Silva Romero. Though she was orphaned at a young age, she was lovingly raised by her siblings. The challenges she faced early in life helped shape the values that would guide her throughout her ninety years: faith in God, devotion to family, perseverance, humility, and a servant's heart.
Rachel was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ben M. Artiaga; her parents, Antonio and Carolina Romero; her daughter, Angie Artiaga-Torrez; her son, Ben R. Artiaga; her sisters, Ester Pena, Presiliana Lucero, Leonarda Lopez, and Delfina Cervantez; her brothers, Aristotel Romero, Paul Romero, Manuel Romero, and Juan Romero; her father and mother-in-law, Ramon and Feliciana Artiaga; her brothers-in-law, Ray Artiaga, Manuel Artiaga, and Tony Artiaga; and her sisters-in-law, Georgia Munoz, Sally Montoya, and Lucy Trujillo.
She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Martinez and her husband Frank Martinez II, and Diane Mendoza and her husband Rick Mendoza; her son-in-law, Markus Torrez; her grandsons, Franky Martinez III and his wife Danelle, Eric Martinez and his partner Desmond Cano, and Richard Anthoni Mendoza and his wife Jacqueline; her granddaughter, Victoria West and her husband Garret West; her great grandchildren, Emiliano, Elias, Tristen, Lucan, Brayden, Gaius, O’Sanna, Ben, Emunah, and Franky IV; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who loved her deeply.
Rachel was known for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, and unconditional love. She opened her home and her heart to everyone. Family and friends were always welcomed with a warm meal, a listening ear, and words of encouragement. She was affectionately known as the family's “Chile Reyna,” and her kitchen became a gathering place where memories were made, stories were shared, and generations grew closer together.
A devoted Seventh-day Adventist Christian, Rachel lived her faith through quiet acts of service, humility, and kindness. She believed deeply in the importance of family, honoring commitments, helping others, and treating everyone with compassion and dignity. Her life was a testimony to the values she cherished: faith, love, loyalty, perseverance, and selfless service.
Rachel was a gifted seamstress, quilter, and embroiderer whose handmade creations continue to warm the homes and hearts of those she loved. She leaves behind a legacy not only in the family she cherished, but in the countless lives she touched through her kindness, wisdom, hospitality, and example.
Those who knew Rachel will remember her gentle spirit, her steadfast faith, her welcoming home, and the words she often shared before saying goodbye or goodnight: “I love you, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”
Serving as pallbearers will be Franky Martinez, Eric Martinez, Richard Anthoni Mendoza, Tristen Mendoza, Garret West, and Wallace Pena, each of whom shared a special bond with Rachel and were deeply loved by her.
Honorary pallbearers will be Albert Cervantez, Alex Artiaga, Joe Artiaga, Frank Martinez II, Markus Torrez, and Rick Mendoza, whose lives were likewise enriched by Rachel's love, guidance, friendship, and example.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Alamogordo Funeral Home, 2301 E. 1st Street, Alamogordo, New Mexico.
A Funeral Service celebrating Rachel's life will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Alamogordo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1000 S. Canyon Road, Alamogordo, New Mexico followed by interment at Monte Vista Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited to a luncheon celebrating Rachel's life immediately following the graveside service at Elks Lodge #1897, 2290 Hamilton Road, Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the faith she lived and the love she shared so freely. Her legacy will continue through the generations who were blessed to call her Mom, Grandma, Gramma, GMa, Tía, and friend.
