Martin A. Villegas

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle, Martin "Marty" Villegas, 60 life-long resident of Hatch, NM went to his place with the Lord on Thursday, March 22, 2012. Marty, as he was known, was born to Guillermo and Estella Arellano Villegas on December 16, 1951. Marty was a true outdoorsman. He loved camping and was an avid hunter. He enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his grandchildren, often taking them hunting, walking around the farm, or just riding around on the 4-wheelers. Marty was a great cook and took pride in preparing a meal for the family and friends he loved so much. Marty also enjoyed watching his beloved Oakland Raiders. Anyone who came into contact with Marty immediately saw how kind, loyal and understanding he was. Marty had a smile that was absolutely contagious and always knew how to put a smile on someone else's face. He enjoyed using his quick wit to crack jokes and quickly came up with a nickname for everyone he came in contact with. All of this left a lasting impression on anyone who met him. Marty was a hard worker and he enjoyed doing for others. Though in his final days, even through the illness, he didn't lack that charming wit or charisma that he was fondly known for. Marty was a loving family man and will be remembered as an amazing husband and devoted father. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Martha Villegas of the family home; son Joseph Villegas and wife BreeAna of Las Cruces; daughters Ruby Villegas of Hatch, NM and Vanessa Villegas and husband Brian Fresquez of Las Cruces; brothers Willie Villegas and wife Esther and Jesse Villegas all of Hatch, NM, Roger Villegas and wife Cecilia of Las Cruces and George Arellano of Maine; sisters Angie Justus and husband Larry and Ruth Madrid and husband Manny all of Hatch, NM and Blanca Villegas of Las Cruces. Marty is also survived by his grandchildren Ian, Mia, Kai, Brianna, Serena, Tony and Emery. He was preceded in death by his son Christopher and by his parents Guillermo and Estella Arellano Villegas. A visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7 pm on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Our Lord of Mercy Catholic Church in Hatch, NM where a prayer vigil will follow at 7 pm. His funeral mass to celebrate his life is at 10 am on Thursday, March 29, 2012 also at Our Lord of Mercy with Fr. Ray Flores officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. The honor of being a pallbearer goes to Joseph Villegas, Brian Fresquez, Arthur Esparza, David Trujillo, Willie Villegas and Jeff Castillo. Honorary Pallbearers are Kai and Ian Villegas and Tony Fresquez. Marty will forever live on within our hearts and we will cherish all of the wonderful memories that we have experienced. We love you Viejo, dad and grandpa. PDF Printable Version