Mary Tellez

Mary L. Tellez

Mary L. Tellez, 76, passed away April 4, 2009 at her home in Las Cruces, NM. Services have been scheduled for April 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Ballard Funeral Home Chapel. After the service friends and family will gather at 711 N. Lea St.

Mary was born on July 28, 1932 in Roswell, NM to Ramon and Carolina Valdez. Her parents preceded her in death, as well as her sisters, Hazel Gomez and Frances Nunez, and her brothers, Richard and Laly Valdez.

Mary married Ralph A. Tellez on March 6, 1950 in Roswell, NM. Her husband survives her at their family retirement home in Las Cruces, NM.

She is survived by her sons: Ralph Tellez, Jr. of Roswell, NM, Frank Tellez of Albuquerque, NM, Richard Pat Tellez, of Albuquerque, NM, Mike Tellez, and his wife, Yvette, of Las Cruces, NM, Don Tellez of Las Cruces, NM, and Joseph Tellez and his wife, Kendra, of Albuquerque, NM; brothers: Bob Valdez and his wife, Mary, George Valdez and his wife, Rita, and Jim Valdez and his wife, Loy, all of Roswell, NM; sisters: Aurelia Gonzalez of Roswell, NM, and Flo Valdez of El Paso, TX; her grandchildren: Ralph Tellez, III, Jonathan Tellez, Monica Tellez, Diana Tellez-Grosshans, Frank Tellez, Jr., Benjamin Tellez, Sydney Tellez, Maryssa, Analisa, Lisa, Shelby Tellez, Richard Tellez, Jr., Mike Tellez, Jr., Alexis Tellez, Joey Tellez, Jr.; 12 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews and a special friend, Anthony Trugh of Las Cruces, NM.

Mary lived in Roswell for 75 years and worked for her mother-in-law, Mrs. Arias, at her Caf which is a Roswell landmark. Mary worked at Mrs. Arias Cafe for twenty years and eventually became its owneroperator in 1973. She continued to own and operate her restaurant until her retirement in 1995. Mary was a pillar of the community and had a passion for political activism, especially in lobbying for Mexican American rights. She hosted political fundraisers and rallies for some of New Mexico's most distinguished leaders. National and state leaders, such as Joseph Montoya, US Senator from New Mexico 1964 to 1977 and Jack M. Campbell, New Mexico Governor from 1963 to 1967, could count on Mary to galvanize the support of the people in the Southeastern part of New Mexico. She was also instrumental in helping build a New Mexico based Mexican American partisan group known as Viva Kennedy Group who supported the election of John F. Kennedy for President.

Mary was devoted to her faith. She was a lifelong devoted Catholic and was a member of St. Johns Catholic Church and was a first ordained Eucharistic Minister in Roswell. She enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with her friends at the Order of the Eagles and at the VFW. Mary was a very generous and humane in
idual. On frequent occasions, she would help feed and cloth the needy of Roswell. Mary could not enjoy her good fortune if she did not show her benevolence towards the community. She will be deeply missed by all of her family, friends, and the community who loved her. We are grateful to Mary for her many years of community service. It is her time to serve our Lord in heaven.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in Marys name to the Las Cruces Dream Center.

An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com
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