Henry Chavez Marrufo, 93, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, died peacefully in his sleep in Reno, Nevada on July 27, 2021.
He was born Jose Blas Enrique Chavez Marrufo on February 3, 1928, on a bright and sunny Saturday in Deming, NM. Henry was the fourth child of 10 children born to Susano and Maria Marrufo. He started his education at Lowell School and successfully progressed through each grade until his graduation from Deming High School in 1947. He worked different jobs throughout school and his job as a messenger for Western Union during World War II was most impactful as he delivered telegrams informing families of the untimely passing of their loved ones.
In 1949, while working for Brem Motor Express, he met the love of his life, Cecilia Melendez. They were married on December 2, 1950, until her death, 67 years later. He was drafted shortly after being married and served in the US Army. Upon the termination of his tour of duty, Henry attended Western New Mexico University and became a teacher. He was the first Hispanic teacher at Silver High School, and later went on to become the first Hispanic principal at Gadsden High School in Anthony, NM. While at Gadsden he drove a school bus and was the coach of the golf team. After Gadsden, he was named as the Principal of Dugan-Tarango Middle School in Lordsburg, NM. He enjoyed his students and fondly remembered their achievements and accomplishments. Many remember him as a major influence in their lives. Henry also served in various positions, including that of Exalted Leader, in the Lordsburg NM Elks Club. After his retirement, Henry and Cecilia spent time traveling to visit their nine children or as he called them, “Henry and Cecilia’s Gang”. He enjoyed his gang and “gangchildren!” He was a life-long learner, an avid reader who loved to tell stories and Spanish dichos. He worked crossword puzzles, cryptoquotes, and jumbles daily. He was technologically literate with his IPhone and IPad. We will miss him dearly.
Henry is survived by his children: Patricia Casarez (Paul), Gloria Garcia (Sam), Rick Marrufo (Nancy), Edward Marrufo, Michael Marrufo (Rosa), James Marrufo (Christina), Christopher Marrufo (Yolanda), Gary Marrufo (Mary Ann), and Greg Marrufo (Veronica). He is also survived by 33 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Henry is also survived by his last and youngest sibling, Santa Rosa (Sandy) Marrufo along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecilia, his parents, and siblings: Irene Duran, Alice Ochoa, Jose Marrufo, Edde Marrufo, Mary Lou Urenda, Gilbert Marrufo, Benjamin Marrufo, and Elisa Marrufo.
A public viewing from 2:00-3:00 PM was held at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Las Cruces on August 19, 2021. A rosary will followed at 3:00 PM.
A public viewing from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial was at St. Ann’s Church in Deming, NM on August 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Burial was at Mountain View Cemetery in Deming, NM.
Mr. Marrufo requested that his sons served as pallbearers.
Arrangements were with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.
He was born Jose Blas Enrique Chavez Marrufo on February 3, 1928, on a bright and sunny Saturday in Deming, NM. Henry was the fourth child of 10 children born to Susano and Maria Marrufo. He started his education at Lowell School and successfully progressed through each grade until his graduation from Deming High School in 1947. He worked different jobs throughout school and his job as a messenger for Western Union during World War II was most impactful as he delivered telegrams informing families of the untimely passing of their loved ones.
In 1949, while working for Brem Motor Express, he met the love of his life, Cecilia Melendez. They were married on December 2, 1950, until her death, 67 years later. He was drafted shortly after being married and served in the US Army. Upon the termination of his tour of duty, Henry attended Western New Mexico University and became a teacher. He was the first Hispanic teacher at Silver High School, and later went on to become the first Hispanic principal at Gadsden High School in Anthony, NM. While at Gadsden he drove a school bus and was the coach of the golf team. After Gadsden, he was named as the Principal of Dugan-Tarango Middle School in Lordsburg, NM. He enjoyed his students and fondly remembered their achievements and accomplishments. Many remember him as a major influence in their lives. Henry also served in various positions, including that of Exalted Leader, in the Lordsburg NM Elks Club. After his retirement, Henry and Cecilia spent time traveling to visit their nine children or as he called them, “Henry and Cecilia’s Gang”. He enjoyed his gang and “gangchildren!” He was a life-long learner, an avid reader who loved to tell stories and Spanish dichos. He worked crossword puzzles, cryptoquotes, and jumbles daily. He was technologically literate with his IPhone and IPad. We will miss him dearly.
Henry is survived by his children: Patricia Casarez (Paul), Gloria Garcia (Sam), Rick Marrufo (Nancy), Edward Marrufo, Michael Marrufo (Rosa), James Marrufo (Christina), Christopher Marrufo (Yolanda), Gary Marrufo (Mary Ann), and Greg Marrufo (Veronica). He is also survived by 33 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Henry is also survived by his last and youngest sibling, Santa Rosa (Sandy) Marrufo along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecilia, his parents, and siblings: Irene Duran, Alice Ochoa, Jose Marrufo, Edde Marrufo, Mary Lou Urenda, Gilbert Marrufo, Benjamin Marrufo, and Elisa Marrufo.
A public viewing from 2:00-3:00 PM was held at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Las Cruces on August 19, 2021. A rosary will followed at 3:00 PM.
A public viewing from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial was at St. Ann’s Church in Deming, NM on August 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Burial was at Mountain View Cemetery in Deming, NM.
Mr. Marrufo requested that his sons served as pallbearers.
Arrangements were with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.
RSS Feed
