Bertha (Rubio) Baca

Bertha (Rubio) Baca, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother went to her eternal rest on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at the age of 70.

Bertha was born on April 3, 1950 in Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico, to Ricardo Rubio and Ma. Teresa (Calderon) Villavisencio. Her maternal grandparents were Cleofas Calderon and Maria Piñon; her paternal grandparents were Inocente Rubio and Juana Garcia. She was the oldest of 9 siblings. They are: Jesus Calderon, Enrique Calderon (†), Rogelio Calderon, Leopoldo Calderon (†), Antonio Calderon (†), Teresa (Calderon) Chavez, Alma (Calderon) Ochoa and Alberto Villavisencio.

Bertha grew up in Chihuahua City with her siblings, living with their grandmother, Maria. As the oldest sister, her brothers and sisters looked up to her, with her youngest sisters looking to her as a motherly figure. She was gifted with grace, compassion, understanding and tenderness, similar to Grandma Maria, who helped raise them while their mother, Teresa, lived and worked in the United States.

At the age of 17, Bertha came to Alamogordo, NM, along with her sisters, to live with their mom and stepfather, Santiago Villavisencio (†). Their brothers joined them soon after. In 1972, while babysitting, she met her future husband Antonio (Tony) Baca (†), whose parents lived across the street from where she babysat. In a matter of 8 months, Tony saw the beauty in Bertha, most importantly the beauty that she held within her, and the two married on November 25, 1972. 

In marriage, Bertha turned her full attention to family life, having three sons - Antonio (Ricky), Tomás (Tommy) and Gabriel. She is fondly remembered as the heart of the family, where she and Tony relied on one another to create a home filled with strength, comfort and love. She was the essence of motherhood through her nurturing, encouragement and gentle strength. When her boys were struggling, she always pushed them to never give up. Through her own life, she was an example of this perseverance, including learning English, and pursuing and receiving both her U.S. citizenship and high school equivalency diploma in 1987. 

After suffering a terrible auto accident in 2012, Bertha’s faith in God deepened over the remaining years of her life. She became a great counselor on matters of faith and of the heart for her loved ones. She taught family about forgiveness and listening more than being heard. Her low-key demeanor made her words much more impactful when she did share her thoughts with others. She gave so much of her time to her family despite her physical pain that lingered since her accident.

Bertha is survived by her mother, Teresa Villavisencio; her sons Antonio (Ricky) and wife Rosa, Tomás (Tommy) and wife Diana, and Gabriel; brothers Jesus Calderon, Rogelio Calderon, and Alberto Villavisencio; sisters Teresa (Calderon) Chavez and Alma (Calderon) Ochoa; her 4 grandchildren, Martina (Baca) Lloyd, Maritza Baca, Antonio Ricardo Baca III, and Amelia Baca; one great grandchild, Maribel Lloyd; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 4 pm to 6 pm at Alamogordo Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Cemetery in Bent, NM.

Due to the COVID Pandemic, occupancy at the visitation is limited to no more than 5 people at a time. Further, attendance at the graveside is limited to 5 people as well. Please practice social distancing at all times. Thank you for adhering to the Department of Health mandate.

The Baca family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.

Flowers may be sent to Alamogordo Funeral Home, 2301 E First Street, Alamogordo, NM 88310.

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