Ausencia (Chencha) Melendez Fuentes

Ausencia (Chencha) Melendez Fuentes, 91 of Pecos Texas passed away on February 11, 2023 in Odessa Texas. Ausencia was born in Marfa, Texas on March 9, 1931. She married Miguel A. Fuentes on August 30, 1947 in Pecos. She was a wonderful mother and housekeeper. She was a great cook and baker. Holidays had the house smelling of all kinds of cookies, pies, cakes and candies that she prepared. She loved to celebrate each of our birthdays, with her special cakes and fun get togethers. If she knew we were coming to visit, she would prepare Capirutada for us. As soon as someone arrived, she would get the stove going, offering food or drinks. Our parents always made sure we took at least one vacation trip per year. She loved the outdoors and often prepared picnic spreads and we would head out to Balmorhea or Fort Davis. She loved her Bible and Bible studies and taught us to love God’s word.

Ausencia is preceded in death by her husband Miguel Fuentes, sons Jesus and Alfredo Fuentes, granddaughter Delma F. Madrid, grandson Javier F. Prieto, sister Maria M. Cantù, brother Eutiquio M. Zuniga.

Ausencia is survived by sons Alvaro Fuentes (Consuelo), Armando Fuentes and Alonzo Fuentes. Daughters Amparo Prieto (Marcos-d), Alma Delia Fuentes, Ayana F. Natividad (Manuel-d), and Amanda Fuentes. Daughter in law Elda Wright Fuentes. Sister Candelaria (Candy) Z. Chavez. 11 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren whom she loved dearly along with numerous nieces, nephews and many many dear friends.

Pallbearers will be Michael Marquez, Joe Carrasco, Jr., Eli Carrasco, Chris Natividad, Mark Natividad, Alvaro Fuentes Jr, Miguel Fuentes, and Rojelio Prieto.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 16th at Peaceful Gardens Funeral Home in Pecos. Rosary will be on Thursday February 16th at 7:00 pm at Peaceful Gardens Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 17th at 2:00 pm at the Santa Rosa Catholic Church in Pecos, Texas. Burial will follow at the Santa Rosa Cemetery. Arrangements are by Peaceful Gardens Funeral Home.

Special thanks to: Darlene Culp, caregiver and special friend. Heart to Heart staff; Maria, Norie, Nancy, Miriam, Rhonda, Reyes, Monica, Crystal, Jennifer, Chris, Dr. Okin. Father Joseph of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Peaceful Gardens staff, Martinez Funeral Home staff. Joe Carrasco, Diana and Billy Garcia