George Ernest Marquez

George Ernest Marquez, 72 a lifelong Santa Rosa resident passed away at his home following an illness. George was born March 9, 1953 in Santa Rosa, NM. He attended Santa Rosa schools. After high school George attended New Mexico Highlands University.

George married the love of his life Alice Helen Baca on July 6, 1970 in Santa Rosa. Together the two continued to make Santa Rosa their home, where they would raise their six kids: Ernest, Jason, John David, Joseph, Christine, and Patrick.

George served his country for four years in the United States Army and for several years the New Mexico National Guard.

For many years George drove the bus from Santa Rosa to Luna Community College in Las Vegas, NM. He worked for many years as a waiter at several Santa Rosa restaurants.

George enjoyed crossword puzzles, and watching jeopardy. He liked to go fishing, but he loved getting to take his grandkids fishing. Spending time with is family is what truly brought him the most joy.

George is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Juan and Paula Marquez, his parents Antonio and Magdalena Chavez, his mother and father in law Geraldo and Socorro Baca, his wife Alice Marquez, two sons Ernest Marquez, and Jason Marquez, one brother Isidoro Chavez, one sister Martha Chavez, a nephew Robert Wayne Marquez, and a niece Juanita Chavez McIntosh.

He is survived by his children John David Marquez and his wife Hollee, Joseph Marquez and his wife Angela, Christine Marquez, and Patrick Marquez all of Santa Rosa, 4 grandchildren Scott Tena, Jason Marquez Jr, Christopher Marquez, and Alyssa Marquez. Also surviving are two brothers Robert Marquez of Clovis, NM and Juan Chavez and his wife Barbara of Fort Sumner, NM, two aunts Theresa Encinias of Las Vegas, NM and Rose Lopez of Santa Rosa, NM.  Also surviving are numerous cousins including his two fishing cousins John and Debra Trujillo of Las Vegas, NM, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. 

A memorial service will be held at 1pm Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel in Santa Rosa, New Mexico with Deacon Marvin Marquez officiating. Interment with U.S. Army military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Santa Rosa, New Mexico.

Please keep George's family in your prayers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.