Maria Hernandez

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for Maria B. Hernandez of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mrs. Hernandez, 90, died December 11, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.

Fr. Frances Lazer will officiate at the services. Burial will follow the services at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Benjamin Herrera, Demetrio Lozano Jr., William Hernandez, Chris Trujillo, Cisco Lozano, Anselmo Herrera Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve Herrera, Paul Fuentes and Lorenzo Sanchez.

Visitation will be at Terpening & Son Mortuary Sunday, December 15, from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

A Rosary will be recited Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace. Mass following at 10:00 a.m.

Maria was born May 31, 1929 in Dayton N.M., the daughter of Federico Balencia and Augustina (Ruiz) Balencia. She was a long time Artesia resident.

On November 27, 1944 she was married to Espiridion Hernandez in Dayton. He preceded her in death on July 13, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents Federico and Augustina Balencia, a daughter Rosita Hernandez, sisters Senona Chapman, Lola Hernandez, Manuela Acosta, Emma Villegas. Brothers Leroy Balencia, Porfido Balencia, Elias Balencia. Grandson Espiridion Hernandez, III, and great grandchildren Damian Herrera and Danielle Trujillo.

Maria was a homemaker and an active member at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. She served on the San Jose Committee, the Apostolados, a bible group and her choir. She loved cooking for others, crocheting, sewing, crafts, and working in her rose garden. She enjoyed singing and listening to Christian music. Maria loved her family including her chihuahuas. Her strong faith and love for God will be remembered by everyone.

Maria is survived by one sister Sylvia Merez. her daughters Jane Trujillo and husband Robert, Margaret Chavarria, Lupe Herrera and husband Anselmo, Cuca Fuentes and husband Fred, and Sylvia Lozano; sons Espi Hernandez and wife Mary Grace, and Pete Hernandez and wife Juanita; 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 29 great-great-grandchildren.

The family of Maria would like to express a deep gratitude to Encompass nurses, CNA's, and doctors along with Maria Porras who all helped with her care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Terpening & Son Mortuary. Please remember Mrs. Hernandez at www.artesiafunerals.com.