In Memory of Aylâ Hightower

Jul 12, 1939 - Jun 26, 2026

Aylâ Hightower of Alamogordo, NM, passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on July 12, 1939, in Istanbul, Turkey, to Zehra Ener.

Aylâ immigrated to the United States as a young woman and married Richard Underwood in the late 1950's. The couple settled for a time in Lincoln, NE where they began raising their family. Together they had three children: Richard "Rick" Underwood, Tammy Underwood, and Wendy (Underwood) Muñiz.

In 1972, she opened Aylâ's Hair, Skin & Fine Fragrances at 1513 E. 10th Street in Alamogordo, where she lovingly served her clients for more than four decades before retiring in 2014. She was an exemplary businesswoman, tireless and exacting, who never compromised quality for convenience and set a standard few could match.

She later married Leroy Hightower in the late 1970's. Together they raised their grandchildren Brandon and Amber.

A woman of deep and steadfast faith, Aylâ was a devoted prayer warrior who prayed for anyone and everyone in need. She was known for her style, her candid outspokenness, and she never hesitated to advocate for the underdog and the less fortunate. A prolific writer, she published hundreds of articles on current affairs and on local and global politics, always in service of her community and the greater good. She was strikingly beautiful, the kind of beauty people remembered, and she carried that presence and style all her life.

Aylâ's home was a gathering place, and her table was its center. She was famous for her cooking, her börek especially, which disappeared as fast as she could make it; additionally, she was celebrated for a warmth that drew people in and never let them go. To more people than anyone could count, she was simply "Mom" and created a home teeming with life. She was, by every account, one of a kind, and those who knew her will not see anyone her like again.

Aylâ was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leroy; the father of her children, Richard Underwood; her daughter, Tammy Underwood; her grandson, Elijah Freedom Hightower; her son-in-law, Herbert Muñiz. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as their partners: Richard "Rick" Underwood and Laura Hawkins, Wendy Muñiz, Tammy Underwood's fiancée Freddy Padilla, Brandon and wife Rachel Hightower, Megan and husband Henry Valenzuela, Amber Underwood and fiancée Frank Stroehmer, Ayse Muñiz, Richard Muñiz and husband Gavin Williams, Dylan Muñiz and fiancée Amanda Townsend, Nikolas Valenzuela and fiancée Leilani Holt, Jeremiah Valenzuela, Rhiannon Valenzuela, Maximus Valenzuela, Xaniel Valenzuela, Kenzie Hightower and her fiancée Carson Martinez, Jeremiah D'Arezzo, Drake D'Arezzo, Julie D'Arezzo, Zeth Muñiz, Hadley Muñiz, Zayden Muñiz, and Lilly Muñiz, as well as a host of extended family, Glenn and Susie Underwood and their children Jason and Samantha. At the time of her passing, she was joyfully awaiting the arrival of her first great-great grandchild, expected later this year to Nikolas Valenzuela and Leilani Holt.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Christ Community Church. All members of the community impacted by Aylâ's life are encouraged to come.