Leslie Darlene Garcia

Leslie Darlene Garcia, 53 of Santa Rosa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children, on June 24, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas.

Leslie was born January 27, 1972 in Portales, NM to Celedonio Garcia and Clara Romero. She was raised in Santa Rosa, where she also attended school. A life-long resident of Santa Rosa, Leslie worked for Denny’s and Guadalupe County Hospital for many years. She was also a parishioner at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Leslie enjoyed listening to music, she was an excellent caretaker and enjoyed life A LOT. However, Leslie’s greatest joy came from the time she spent with family and friends—and her cat: Panther.

Leslie is preceded in death by her parents, sister: Debra Romero, brother: Jerry Romero, nephew: Jarrod Chavez and brother-in-law: Levi Chavez.

She is survived by her children: Stephanie Lucero (Daniel Zamora), Jessica Lucero, Santana “Lucas” Campos (Aleesha Ortega) and Elizabeth Higgins (Juaquin Baca)—all of Santa Rosa, siblings: Rita Romero of Albuquerque, NM, Michael Romero (Leandra Garcia) of Albuquerque, NM, Grace Chavez (Ernie Chavez) of Santa Rosa, Donna Salas and Phillip Romero, of Las Vegas, NM and Cele Garcia of Santa Rosa. Leslie is also survived by her grandchildren: Samarah Serrano, Daniel Zamora, Jase Roybal, Kynadii Zamora, Kailani Salazar, Kateri Salazar, Jacob Salazar, Arelyn Campos, Aumoray Campos, Ezarah Campos and Illaria Chavez.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, immediately followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be August 12, 2025 at 10AM at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa.

Burial of cremains will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, in Santa Rosa, with Dominic Chavez, Gilbert Chavez, Glenn Chavez, Levi Chavez, II, Dathion Gomez, Jeremy Romero, Mikey Romero, Marc Salas, Garry Salas, Cele Garcia, Julian Garcia, Pat Velasquez and Daniel Zamora serving as Urn Bearers. Honorary Urn Bearers will include: Maria Sena, Tina Bachicha, Jolene Montaño, Senora Campos, Andrew Chavez, Michael Mata, Ethan Patterson, Juan Perea and Trish Gauna.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.