Mela Esquibel

Mela Esquibel 

1938-2024 

Mela Esquibel, a beloved member of the Belen community, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning of Feb. 24, 2024. She was surrounded by her two daughters. 

Mela was born on March 8, 1938, in Las Nutrias, N.M., and spent her entire life making a positive impact on those around her. She was known for her kind heart, a warm hug and keeping everyone on the straight and narrow. She loved to cook for people in the community and her beans, chile and breakfast burritos were loved by many.  

Mela touched the lives of countless individuals through her acts of kindness, selflessness and sometimes a good scolding, and always reminding everyone to go to church. 

A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and auntie, Mela cherished her family above all else. She was a pillar of strength and support for her loved ones and members of the community, always offering a listening ear and words of wisdom. Mela’s children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in watching them grow and succeed. 

In addition to her devotion to her family, Mela was an active member of the community. She got to know many individuals through her work at the First National Bank of Belen and then finished her career as a bookkeeper at the Belen High School. 

She volunteered her time to the basketball and football games and St. Vincent de Paul, always eager to lend a helping hand. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and the Moose Lodge. Mela’s love for the people of Valencia County knew no bounds. 

Mela will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Though she may be gone, for her family, she will always remain the rock they stood on and the voice in their heads. 

Mela is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Esquibel; her parents, Luis and Flugencia Baca; her sister, Paula Garcia; and her granddaughter, Loretta Garcia.   

She is survived by her children, James, Viola and Melinda Esquibel; her grandchildren, Daniel Garcia and Nicholas Esquibel; great-grandchildren, Santiago and Ariana Garcia; brother, Matias Baca; and several nieces and nephews.  

All services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a visitation at 5 p.m., Thursday, March 7, followed by a Rosary at 6 p.m. A final visitation will take place at 9 a.m., Friday, March 8, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. 

Pallbearers are Nicholas Esquibel, Daniel Garcia, Joe Garcia, Henry Torres and Matt Baca. 

May she rest in peace, knowing that she was cherished and loved by so many. 

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.