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Celia “Chela” V. Carbajal, 92, passed away peacefully in her home on February 9, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Las Cruces (San Ysidro), NM to Santiago and Josefa Valles on August 10,1928. She married the love of her life, Ruben Carbajal, on February 16, 1957. She was a dedicated, loving mother to Debbie, Ruben and Rosie while Ruben’s career in the U.S. Navy took them to Naval Bases in California, Virginia, and Oklahoma. Chela was a great cook and loved to gather her family for great meals which included the Friday enchilada dinners. She was known for being vivacious, courageous, nurturing, and generous. Her love grew when grandchildren came into her life. She was known to be a talented seamstress, often creating stylish looks for herself and family. She made many bridesmaids’ dresses for the weddings of friends and family. For some close to her heart, she made beautiful wedding dresses with loving attention to detail. As she grew older, her handmade quilted baby beds were popular among family and friends. Chela was preceded in death by her parents, Santiago and Josefa Valles, her brother, Manuel Valles. She survived the loss of her son, DA County Sheriff’s Deputy Ruben V. Carbajal Jr. in 1990. Chela lost her
husband, Retired Lt Commander Ruben Carbajal in 2012. Chela will live on through her daughters, Debbie Paz (Marvin) and Rosie Carbajal of Las Cruces. Her grandchildren, Robert Butler (Talitha) of Albuquerque, Vanessa Ruottinen (Preston) of Las Cruces and Lauren Carbajal of Las Cruces. Her great-grandchildren, David Butler of Albuquerque, Sonni DeLaO and Frankie DeLaO of Las Cruces. She is also survived by her sisters, Ina Lucero and Agnes Balizan and her brother, Jim Valles, nieces, Vangie Telles and Rita Banegas, nephews, Bennie Lucero and James Lucero, all of Las Cruces. The family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ambercare Home Hospice for the care they provided in the last year. They would like to express their gratitude for the loving care and companionship Belinda Lopez provided, becoming like family in the last year. At her request, cremation has taken place. Due to Covid-19, the family will have private services for immediate family only.

Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001. Please visit www.getzcares.com to sign the local online guest book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Celia Carbajal (Valles), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.