In Loving Memory of

Rita M. Salazar

June 1, 1941 - July 28, 2025

On July 28, 2025, Rita Salazar, 84, Our Beloved Mother and Grandmother, surrounded by immense love, was called to rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord.

She was born in Puerto de Luna, New Mexico on June 1, 1941 to Estevan and Vicenta Salazar. She was raised in Tucumcari, New Mexico as the 4th of 8 kids.

A mother to more than her own, family was everything and more to her. She never made excuses or complained, even with very little she got it done and made it happen time and time again. Rita worked very hard to provide for her 4 children and for the grandchildren she raised. Touching many lives, she was the perfect example of selflessness. Her heart and doors were always open to family and friends and even some of the less fortunate from the neighborhood. She always had food on the stove ready for whoever stopped by. She was little but had the biggest heart.

Those who truly knew Rita saw the loving side, the funny side, the sneaky side and we can't forget the feisty side. For being a tiny woman, her words and fists could surely pack a punch!

In Rita's younger days, she enjoyed going out dancing and hanging out with her siblings. As she got older, going to yard sales and thrift stores to find treasures was her thing along with trips to the casino. In her later years, old western movies were her comfort, they reminded her of her father.

Our family is heartbroken and without her smile, strength, devotion, and love, nothing will ever be the same. Now's the time for us to follow in her footsteps and be the rock she was for us.

Rita is lovingly survived by her daughter, Lois Padilla; son, Rosendo Elebario; granddaughters, Eliza Lucero, Charlene and husband Robert Kemper; grandson, Joshua Padilla; great-grandchildren, Annessa, Junior, Sandy, Alexa and Crystal;  siblings, Helen and Rebecca and by her goddaughter, Gabby.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Estevan and Vicenta Salazar; sons, Frank and Anthony Lucero; son-in-law Joseph Padilla; grandchildren, Angela and Charles Humphrey, and by her siblings Emma, Petra, Steven, Alfred and Victor.

Our family would be honored for anyone who loved or knew Rita, to join us in a celebration of her life at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (St. Mary's) at 619 Copper Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, on Thursday, August 14, 2025 beginning with a 10:00 a.m. rosary, followed by an 11:00 a.m. mass. Her burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (burial will be at the far SE corner of cemetery, the new part behind  the office). Immediately following the burial, the reception will be a few blocks away at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge at 2121 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

Any flowers can be sent to the Church: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (St. Mary's) at 619 Copper Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 before 9:30 AM on Thursday, August 14, 2025.