Consuelo Casares

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 2, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for Consuelo “Connie” M. Casares of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mrs. Casares, 85, went to join our heavenly father on November 27, 2019, in Artesia, New Mexico.

Bishop Webster will officiate at the services with burial to follow at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Paul Casares, Eric Casares, Michael Casares, Anthony Ponce, John Hernandez, Ricky Ponce, Joseph Ponce and Brandon Hinds. Honorary pallbearers include: Paul Casares, Jr., Fabian Casares, Sophia Munoz, James Ponce and Angel Garcia.

Visitation will be at Terpening & Son Mortuary Sunday, December 1, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Mrs. Casares was born on September 12, 1934, in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico, she was the daughter of Felipe Lira and Jesus (Benuelos) Lira- who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Casares came to the United States in 1956 at the age of 22 and married Steven Casares-an army veteran. Mrs. Casares had 16 children, many grandchildren, including many great and two-times- great grandchildren. Mrs. Casares was a life-long resident of Artesia, alternating her time between living in Artesia and Mayhill, New Mexico. Mrs. Casares was a home maker, but also worked on the family farm.

Mrs. Casares had a green thumb and loved caring for her many plants and flowers, and also enjoyed gardending. However, her favorite pastime was spending time with her many grandchildren, including her great and two-times-great grandchildren. Mrs. Casares was an avid pet lover, and her Chihuahua dog, "Dugleey”, was at her side when she passed. Mrs. Casares had a strong belief in her religion, and although she was unable to attend services for several years, due to her illness, her faith and belief never wavered.

Mrs. Casares was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Casares, her two (2) sons: Steve Casares, Jr. and Benny Casares, her daughter, Chelo Sombrano, her grand-daughter, Cassandra Chavarria, and her grand-son, Isiah Hernandez.

Mrs. Casares is survived by the following family: Daughters-Connie Casares, Peggie Baggerly and husband Phillip Baggerly, Tammy Ponce and husband, Abel Ponce; Mary Williams, Lola Casares, Barbara Casares, Julie Hinds and husband Roy Hinds, and Connie Terrazas; Sons-Paul Casares, Eric Casares, Sammy Casares, Rogelio Lira, and Fernando Lira. Fifty-nine grandchildren, Ninety-three great grandchildren and thirteen-two times- great grandchildren.

Mrs. Casares was loved by many and at the time of her passing was surrounded by her loved ones, her legacy of love and the importance of family will live on through her family.