Maria Rita Salazar

Maria Rita Salazar, 46 of Santa Rosa, NM passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at BSA Hospital in Amarillo, Texas.

Rita was born on April 16, 1977 in Mesa, Arizona to Miguel Porras Salazar and Beatriz (Cordova) Salazar.   Rita was raised in Santa Rosa and graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1995.  

Rita was a dispatcher for the City of Santa Rosa Police Department, she worked at Interrail, GCCF and was a hotel clerk at various hotels in Santa Rosa.  Rita was a member of the Santa Rosa Church of Christ.  Maria Rita enjoyed working with wood, singing, cooking and hanging out with family and friends.  However, Rita’s greatest joy came from the time she spent her nieces and nephews.

Rita is preceded in death by her father: Miguel Salazar, her brother: Migual Salazar, Jr. niece: Janel Salazar and nephews: Edward Romo and Andrew Salazar, and aunts: Eva Morales and Guadalupe Valdez.  

Rita is survived by her mother: Beatriz Salazar, brother: Roger (Paula) Salazar, sisters: Sylvia (Michael) Maestas, Josefina Hands and Mary (Gary) Cordova, as well as numerous family, relatives and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 1-6PM at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa, NM, followed by Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary at 6PM.

Funeral Service will be Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10AM at the Santa Rosa Church of Christ, with Pastor Keith Ross officiating.

Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Santa Rosa, with John Maestas, Anthony Salazar, Carlos Cordova, Steven Cordova, Seth Cordova and Joaquin Estupiñan serving as Pallbearers.   Honorary Pallbearers will be: Juan Estupiñan, Ayla Weaver, Daryl Cordova, Alexandria Salazar, Jaime Estupiñan, Andriena and Angelina Salazar, Michael S. Maestas and the Class of 1995.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.   575-472-3369.  To place an online condolence or tribute, kindly visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.