Lorretta Nunez

Loretta Villa Nuñez was carried home to our Lord on Saturday, December 21, 2019. She was born to Abel and Christine Nuñez on September 15, 1953 in Artesia. She is preceded in death by her father, Abel. She leaves behind her mother Christine of Artesia, the loves of her life, daughter Mia Nuñez Morales (Eric) of Artesia, grandchildren Urijah and Eligh. She also leaves behind her sister Violanda Nuñez of Santa Fe, niece Niko Milan Newton (Tadeo) and great nephew Gabriel of Santa Fe. In addition, she leaves behind her best friend and confidant Nora Sanchez (Lorenzo) her daughter Audrey (Nathan) granddaughter Kathryn and son Sergio.

Loretta attended elementary, junior high and high school in Artesia. After graduation she attained her B.S in Elementary Education and a minor in Language Arts from Eastern NM University. She also held certificates in Early Childhood Education, Bilingual Education and was a Certified Reading Recovery Teacher. Her 30 year teaching career included teaching in Hobbs, Roswell, and Artesia. She retired from teaching in Artesia after 20 years. She received many accolades from her peers, supervisors and students. She was dedicated to her profession and committed to her students. She kept a note from one of her students that says, “Mrs. Nuñez has a big smile. She works hard to help kids…” and that describes who she was; she touched many lives through her teaching and her love of life. She was adventurous, gregarious (never met a stranger), and loved music, enjoyed following favorite TV shows, watching movies and trying her luck at the casinos. Loretta had an ability to make you smile and laugh; she could lift your spirits with her humor. She had a sense of wonderment and viewing Christmas lights and July 4 fireworks were two of her favorite pass times. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her and loved her but it brings us peace to know she is no longer in any pain. She will not be forgotten and lives on in our hearts and minds.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Grace on January 8, 2020. Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. with mass to follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Woodbine Cemetery. Thanks go to all who have helped with the arrangements especially Mary Flores at Our Lady of Grace and Terpening & Son Mortuary staff.