Mary S. Romo-Baca

Mary S. Romo-Baca, 78, passed away in Amarillo, TX surrounded by her family after a short illness. Mary was born in Palma, NM on May 14, 1941 to the home of Dionico and Agueda (nee Tapia) Apodaca. Her family moved several times during her early childhood but settled in San Jon, NM where she attended San Jon Independent School. After graduating from San Jon High School, she attended Beauty school in Clovis and Albuquerque before marrying Prospero Solomon Romo on June 14, 1962 in Tucumcari at St Anne’s Catholic Church. They raised four children. Mary helped Solomon with his mail route and the family ranch while being involved with the Extension Club in Conchas Dam. She and the whole family spent many hours volunteering at the Holy Family Church in Newkirk where they lived from 1963 to 1974. In 1974, Mary decided to go to school at Eastern New Mexico University receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish/Bachelor of Business and eventually her Master of Business Education. Mary worked as a bookkeeper at Gambles in Tucumcari before teaching Bi-lingual classes in the elementary schools in Tucumcari. After Solomon passed away, Mary went back to school again to work on and receive her Master of Counseling. She was a proud member of the Eastern New Mexico University Alumni Association. She worked for Mental Health Inc. as a Licensed Counselor and Rain Dancers, Inc. as manager and Licensed Counselor in Tucumcari until her retirement. After her retirement, Mary met Herman C Baca and they were married August 20, 2005 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Both were actively involved with the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). Mary was involved in St. Anne’s as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the choir, and reader for Sunday Mass. Mary enjoyed gardening, reading, arts and crafts, and especially playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary loved to dance, to listen to music and to travel. Interests she shared with both of her husbands. Mary loved visiting and being surrounded by her family. Mary held onto her cosmetology license for many years even after receiving her master’s degrees as she enjoyed cutting and styling hair. Her family paid this honor to her, ‘Mary was one of the kindest persons you could ever meet, she was always trying to help people, especially her family. She had a very loving and caring heart. She is loved and will be greatly missed.’ Mary is preceded in death by her parents: Dionicio and Agueda Apodaca. Husbands: Prospero S Romo and Herman C Baca. Brothers: Miguel, Joe, Hilario, Louis, Modesto (infant), Juan (infant) Apodaca. Sisters: Rose Reyes, Flora Martinez, Fabiola Trujillo. Mary is survived by son, Patrick Romo Sr (Leighanne) of Fort Worth, TX;daughter, Lorraine Romo (Arthur) of Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Roseanne Benavidez (Gilbert Sr) of Bernalillo, NM; son, Phillip Romo of Albuquerque, NM;sister, Faustina Romero of Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law, Lucinda Sanchez of Tularosa, NM; 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers: Steven C. Romo, Gilbert Benavidez Jr, Patrick Romo Jr, Aaron Romo, Steven A. Romo, Joseph George, Jarod Downey, Edward Apodaca Honorary Pallbearers: Anthony Romo, Lucas Griego, James Hay, Jonathan Downey, Anthony Chacon, Floyd Chacon. During these times of uncertainty the family understands that you will not be physically able to attend the funeral service of their loved one. However, they do ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Also, if you call the funeral home we will be happy to sign the register book on your behalf. Mary will be laid to rest at Tucumcari Memorial Park. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.