Dorothy Benz

Dorothy Portillo-Benz was delivered to God on December 3, 2020, at the age of 64 from Mountain View Regional Medical Center. Dorothy was born on January 11, 1953, in Santa Rita, New Mexico to Anita Chacon and Manuel Portillo and had four siblings. Her brother, Ruben Portillo, and three sisters, Linda Maldonado, Irene Maynor, Emilia (Milly) Garcia; and sister-cousin Rosalie (Rosa) Portillo. She worked at and retired from New Mexico State University; physical science laboratory, and continued her administrative talents with Syndetix and Calculex of Las Cruces, New Mexico. She kept in touch with all of her dear friends and after reluctantly retiring, pursued her artistic aspirations. She enjoyed nature, photography, and spending time with her grandbabies. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Jon C. Benz.

Jon Carson Benz was delivered to God on November 29, 2020, at the age of 74 from Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Jon was born on July 24, 1948, in Turlock, California to Betty Inman and Jack Benz and had nine siblings. His surviving siblings are Sandy Williams of Manteca, CA, Roger Benz of Rio Vista, CA, Marie Bunnell of Manteca, CA, Stan Benz of Port Royal, SC, and Debby Mize of Modesto, CA. Jon enlisted in the United States Navy in February of 1969 and was honorably discharged in February of 1975. Jon retired from White Sands Missile Range and later became a certified crane operator. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and being outdoors.

Jon and Dorothy met in 1974 and on January 28, 1977, they were married and began their life together, loving and raising their daughters Marie Jeneane (Villines) Almanzar and Diane Louise Villines-Vigil in Las Cruces, New Mexico. They were caring, kind, and generous with their family and friends and always supported them. They enjoyed the reward of their grandchildren and loved spending holidays and celebrations with them, including many camping, fishing, and hunting trips every year. They both cherished and adored their siblings. They shared their lives together for 44 years, walking side by side in strength, in courage, and in faith with God's blessing. Now, they will share their time together in heaven with their daughter Diane "Bobo".

Jon and Dorothy loved their family very much and are survived by their daughter Marie Almanzar and her spouse Edward Almanzar, their four grandchildren Camille Sherrick, Ashley Pena, Kaitlyn Almanzar, Jonathan Vigil, and three great-grandchildren Adam Colorbio, Amethyst Almanzar, and Sage Almanzar. Jon and Dorothy were predeceased by their daughter Diane Louise Villines-Vigil on November 21, 2020.

Jon was cremated at Getz funeral home on December 5, 2020. Dorothy Benz was cremated at Getz funeral home on December 11, 2020. They would have wanted to have their friends and family around to celebrate their life, so we will be patient and allow the world to heal. When we can all come together again, we will hold a memorial service in their honor.



"Daddy and Lady, I love you so much. I am patient, it is my pleasure to serve, and one day I will see you again." - #1