Lola Ann Welch Lucero

Lola Welch Lucero, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, in her hometown of Tucumcari, New Mexico. Born on January 1, 1949, Lola lived a life marked by love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community. She was 76 years old at the time of her passing. Lola was the cherished daughter of Earnest and Olympia Welch. She grew up in Tucumcari, where she was surrounded by the beauty of the New Mexico landscape and the warmth of a close-knit community. Throughout her life, she embodied the spirit of her hometown, known for her contagious laugh that could brighten even the darkest days. Lola dedicated much of her life to caring for her family. She worked as a waitress and a homemaker, and her culinary skills were particularly highlighted by her talent for selling homemade tamales. However, her greatest joy came from being a mother and grandmother. She poured her heart into creating customized blankets by hand, each stitch a testament to her love for her grandchildren. Summers were filled with laughter and sleepovers as she cherished every moment spent with them, embodying the role of a devoted matriarch. Lola was the loving wife of Tony Lucero, with whom she shared many beautiful years. Together, they built a life filled with love and compassion. 

She is survived by her husband, Tony; her son, Woody Pacheco, her daughters, Patricia and Melinda Pacheco, all of Tucson, AZ; her siblings , Jeanette Brandt, Bobby Welch(Ruth), Richard Welch, Earnest Welch Jr., and Declara Welch, all of Tucumcari, NM. Lola also leaves behind Christine Vigil (George) of Sun City, AZ; Doreen Gutierrez (Robert) of Tucson, AZ; and Terry Yslas (Frank) of Tucson, AZ. In addition to her immediate family, Lola was blessed with seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who will fondly remember her love, kindness, and the many ways she enriched their lives. Lola was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Olympia Welch, and her beloved son, Ronald Welch. She also mourned the loss of family members, including Mathew Dimas, Juanito Pacheco, Jasmine Pacheco, Marylou Martinez, Rose Apodaca, and Johnny Welch, all of whom she loved dearly. A devoted member of St. Anne's Catholic Church, Lola found solace and community through her faith. Her hobbies included making crafts and spending time creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Every week, she looked forward to her calls with her son Woody, always finding joy in their conversations. Lola's life was a beautiful tapestry woven from love, laughter, and devotion to family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her. 

A funeral service will be held on September 5, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Tucumcari, NM, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and the love she shared. Interment of cremains will follow at Tucumcari Memorial Park in Tucumcari.

Lola Welch Lucero will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. Rest in peace, dear Lola. Your laughter will echo in our hearts, always.

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