Dolores Herrera, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. While our hearts are filled with sorrow at her passing, they are also filled with gratitude for the beautiful life she lived, the unconditional love she gave so freely, and the countless memories she leaves behind.

Dolores was a wonderfully creative and talented woman who expressed her love through the things she made with her own hands. She had a passion for crocheting and made beautiful blankets for her family and friends — ones to cover a brand-new baby and also some large enough to cover at least a queen-size bed. Those blankets will forever be treasured, not only for the time and care she put into making them, but because they are a lasting reminder of the warmth and love she wrapped around her family and friends throughout her life. She also lovingly created the flower arrangements for her children’s weddings, making each celebration even more special.

Dolores was also an amazing preschool teacher. Her patience, kindness, and gentle spirit made her especially gifted with children. She had a way of making those around her feel welcomed, cared for, and accepted.

She truly knew how to enjoy life. Dolores loved music and dancing, and she loved dressing up—especially when she could complete an outfit with one of her beloved hats. She had a joyful spirit, a beautiful smile, and a warmth that naturally drew people to her. She made friends everywhere she went and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness was genuine, her smile was unforgettable, and her capacity for love seemed unlimited.

Above all else, Dolores loved her family. Being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother brought her tremendous joy. Her family was the heart of her life, and the love she gave them will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Dolores was preceded in death by her mother, Teresita Maldonado, and her sister, Marcella Maldonado.

She is survived by her six children: Ernestina “Goodness” Mathers (Rich), Miguel Apodaca, Maria Simmons (Marquez), Victoria Apodaca, Armanda Evans (Josh), and Esperanza Naranjo.

She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren: Michael Loveless (Gaby), Justin Mathers (Emily), Santiago Apodaca (Lauren), Dakota Mathers (Katelyn), Mariah Cubberley (Ian), Joshua Evans (Zyrrahjah), Skylar Sanchez (Mateo), Keyira Apodaca (Damon), Yesenia Naranjo, Lukas Sanchez, Alexa Naranjo, Madison Mathers, Elena Francia, Mya Simmons, and Makai Simmons, as well as her beloved 6 great-grandchildren: Aurora Apodaca, Conrad Loveless, Damien Apodaca, Winter Loveless, Ruby Mathers and Nova Apodaca.

Dolores leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in years, but in the lives she touched and the love she gave. Her handmade blankets, her beautiful creations, her music and dancing, her wonderful hats, her patience, her smile, and the way she made people feel loved will remain treasured memories for all who knew her.

She was deeply loved, she will be profoundly missed, and she will never be forgotten.

A Rosary will be recited on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. at the Santo Nino Church in Carnuel, NM. Burial will follow at the Carnuel Cemetery. A Reception will follow the burial at the Canon de Carnuel Land Grant.