In Memory of Eva Marie Arone (Linehan)

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Eva Marie Arone (Linehan), age 61, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, on August 11, 2026.

Eva was born on September 1, 1964, in Rantoul, Illinois. As the daughter of an Air Force airman, she spent her early years living in several Air Force Base locations throughout the country, before her family came to Holloman Air Force Base in 1972. The following year, they settled in Alamogordo, a community that Eva would call home for the rest of her life and to which she would devote her talents, energy, and heart.

Eva attended North Elementary School for fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, Chaparral Junior High School, Alamogordo Mid High School, and graduated from Alamogordo Senior High School in 1982. After graduation, she attended local college classes and began working in Alamogordo, eventually discovering a career that would become her lifelong passion in the printing industry.

As the youngest of five children, Eva was deeply cherished by her family. Yet despite being the youngest, she was often the one who stepped forward when her family needed her most. Throughout her life, she provided unwavering support to her siblings and especially to her mother, Barbara, whose presence remained a source of comfort, friendship, and strength.

Eva's love for family was evident in both her words and her actions. When she and Rick built their dream home on South Canyon Road, there was never any question that it would include a place for her mother. Eva lovingly ensured that an apartment was part of the plan, creating a home where her mother, whom she considered both a parent and one of her very best friends, would always be welcome. It was a reflection of Eva's generous heart and her belief that family should remain close, connected, and cared for throughout life's journey.

Family was at the center of Eva's life, and nowhere was that more evident than in her enduring love story with her husband, Richard "Rick" Arone. The two found each other in the mid-1980s and quickly formed a bond that would last a lifetime. Together for nearly forty years and married for almost thirty, Eva and Rick built a life grounded in love, friendship, loyalty, and laughter. They often shared the story of how they cemented their romance and commitment to one another on the dance floor of the old Desperado Bar and Dance Hall, where their journey together truly began.

Rick was a loving and steadfast partner who stood beside Eva through life's joys, challenges, and periods of illness. Their relationship was built on a foundation of mutual respect, devotion, and unwavering commitment. No matter the circumstances, Rick remained a constant source of strength, comfort, and support. Whenever the subject of her marriage arose, Eva was quick to say that Rick was "a good man and a loving husband." Those simple words reflected the deep appreciation and gratitude she felt for the life they built together. The bond they shared was one of Eva's greatest treasures and a source of strength throughout her life.

After several years working in the printing industry, Eva joined forces with her colleague, trusted friend, and self-described "partner in crime," Mike Cross, to pursue their dream of owning a business together. In 2002, they opened A C Print & Design on White Sands Boulevard.

Built on hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in the importance of serving the local community, A C Print quickly earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and outstanding customer service. The business became a trusted partner for local organizations, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community events throughout Alamogordo and Otero County.

Eva and Mike were passionate about A C Print and dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to its success. Together they invested countless hours, often working long days, late nights, and weekends to ensure the business thrived. Their commitment required personal sacrifices, but they never lost sight of their goal: creating a successful local business that would support their families, serve their customers, and contribute to the well-being of the Alamogordo community they loved.

Through their leadership and dedication, A C Print became one of Alamogordo's most respected small businesses and was recognized multiple times by the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce for outstanding business achievement. For Eva, however, the greatest reward was not the recognition but the relationships she built and the opportunity to help others succeed through the work she loved. The success of A C Print stands as a testament to the vision, determination, and community spirit that Eva and Mike shared.

Eva was admired for her strength, generosity, creativity, determination, and unwavering commitment to those she loved. She made lasting friendships wherever she went and touched countless lives through both her professional accomplishments and her caring spirit. Her kindness, warm smile, and willingness to help others created a lasting impact on all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard "Rick" Arone; her brothers, David Linehan and Patrick Linehan; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and community members who will cherish her memory.

Eva was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Eppler Linehan; her brother, Danny Linehan; her sister, Theresa Linehan; and her longtime friend, business partner, and trusted confidant, Mike Cross. Together, Eva and Mike built not only a successful business but also a lasting legacy of service to the Alamogordo community.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we take comfort in the many memories Eva leaves behind and the enduring legacy she created through her family, her friendships, her business, and her devotion to her community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

"A life measured not only by accomplishments, but by the kindness shared, the friendships formed, and the lives touched along the way."