
She was born to Carlos Melendrez and Emeteria Sanchez Melendrez on May 10, 1926 in Silver City, New Mexico. She attended Silver City schools and graduated in 1944. In 1949, she met a “handsome guy in a red shirt” at a football game in Deming. Cecilia married Henry Marrufo in 1950 and they were married for 67 years. After Henry’s stint in the U.S. Army, they both attended and graduated from Western New Mexico University with degrees in education. Teaching was her joy and her specialty was teaching English as a Second Language. Cecilia loved her students and frequently remembered with fondness their achievements and accomplishments. She taught school in Silver City, Anthony, San Miguel and Lordsburg. Cecilia retired in 1987 and enjoyed traveling with Henry to visit their children, most especially, when grandchildren were born. She had nine children who were the joy of her life. She showered them with unconditional love and instilled a love of the Lord in them. Each one of them was her favorite. Cecilia lived a long and amazing life and she is now living with God!
She is survived by her husband, Henry and her children: Patricia Casarez (Paul), Gloria Garcia(Sam), Rick Marrufo(Nancy), Edward Marrufo(Caroline), Michael Marrufo(Rosa), James Marrufo (Christina), Christopher Marrufo (Yoli), Gary Marrufo (Mary Ann), and Greg Marrufo (Veronica). Ceci had 33 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Carlos Melendrez, Angelina Stapleton, Mary Trujillo, Gilbert Melendrez, and Helen Ogas.
Visitation will be on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Our Lady of Health Parish Hall. A Rosary will be said at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church in Las Cruces on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 7:30pm.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Ann’s Church in Deming, NM on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 10am with father, Alejandro Ureña officiating. Burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Deming, New Mexico.
A celebration of her life will follow the services at Holy Family Parish Hall. Serving as Pallbearers will be Stephen Azua, Marques Casarez, Jason Marrufo, Joseph Marrufo, John Marrufo, and Miguel Marrufo.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels