Ruperto Baca

1928-2014 Our beloved Ruperto Baca was called home to be with our Lord on Thursday, April 10, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Ruperto was born on November 14, 1928 in Belen, NM to the late Salomon and Nicomerez Baca. Ruperto was a proud Veteran who served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He served in the New Mexico National Guard as a Motor Pool Sergeant and Expert Marksman for 35 year until his retirement. He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church where he participated in many ministries. He was Chairman of Our Lady of Belen Cemetery Council. He also served on the Fiesta Committee, Marriage Enrichment and taught religious education classes, and the Spanish choir. He was a member of the St. Mary’s School Board, the Parish and Finance Counsel, La Gran Pastorela. He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elk’s Lodge, Mid Rio Grande Committee Action Program, Valencia County Foster Grandparents Program and a Scoutmaster. He was also well known for his role in the movie “Fools Rush In.” He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved first wife, Lourdes; son, Leonard; step-father, Antonio Benavidez; sister, Cecilia Otero; and brother, Edwin Benavidez. Ruperto is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Filomena Baca; children, Catherine and husband, Raymond Gonzales; Evangeline Baca, Lena Baca; Patsy and husband, James Garley, Sally Baca, Fernando and wife, Stephanie, Salomon and wife, Lori, Juliana Baca and husband, Fred Ortega, Joey, Martina Baca, Valentina Baca, and Patrick and wife, Dianne; 20 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Solia Moya; siblings, Ruby Romero, Raymond, Glen and Charles Benavidez. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. All services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a Viewing on Tuesday, April 15th at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Final Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16th at 12:30 p.m. with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. with Father Stephen Schultz presiding. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be his eight daughters. Sign Ruperto’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main Street, Belen, NM Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM

Ruperto Baca

November 14, 1928 - April 10, 2014