Beatriz Miranda Melendrez
April 27, 1928 – December 24, 2024
In the early hours of Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, the door of Heaven opened to receive
the soul of Beatriz Miranda Melendrez. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of
love, faith, humility, loyalty, and devotion to family and community.
Bea was born on April 27, 1928, in the village of Lincoln, New Mexico, to Emilio and Francisca
Miranda. When Bea was twelve years old, the Miranda family moved to Las Cruces, New
Mexico. With her characteristic determination, she adapted to the urban surroundings and grew
to love her new home in Las Cruces. There she became a successful student and proud
graduate of Las Cruces High School in 1946. A lifelong learner, Bea aspired to attend college,
following in the footsteps of her older siblings. However, she set aside her ambitions to avoid
placing a financial burden on her parents and chose to work full time instead.
As a young adult Bea worked various jobs until meeting the love of her life, Samuel L.
Melendrez, at the Cotton Gin Mercantile, also known as “The Farmers’ Market”. Their love
blossomed quickly, and they married just five months after meeting. Together, they built a
beautiful life, raising their large family in Las Cruces.
The Melendrez home served as a welcoming gathering place for family, friends and out of town
guests. After retirement, Sam and Bea moved to Deming to be closer to their daughter, Imelda,
and her husband, Elmer Veeder, who eventually became their primary caregivers. Bea often
spoke of her desire to return to Las Cruces, likely in part to recapture the cherished memories of
her home and life there.
A perfectionist at heart, Bea instilled in her children the importance of excellence in all things.
Her well managed home was a reflection of her high standards. Bea was known for her natural
sense of orderliness and exemplary organizational skills. These qualities served the family well
as Bea transitioned to working outside of her home.
Bea had an eye for style and design which she applied to crafting, quilting, home decor, and
sewing. Her creativity was evident in the beautiful clothes she sewed for herself and her
children. The garments she created were admired by many and were a testament to her skill
and dedication to creating beautiful wardrobes on a budget.
Bea was a full-time homemaker until she accepted a position as a Nutrition Aide with the Dona
Ana County Extension Service at NMSU. When she returned to the workforce in 1972, Bea took
on a variety of roles that allowed her to combine her passions for sewing, reading, and
homemaking into fulfilling paid positions. Bea also served her local parish community,
Immaculate Heart of Mary, as a devoted member of the Altar Society.
Family events brought Bea great joy. Two of her favorites were Miranda Family Reunions, held
every three years and “Old Lincoln Days” held yearly in August, in her hometown of Lincoln,
New Mexico. Throughout the years, Bea scheduled trips to Lincoln as often as possible,
creating fond memories that her children will carry with them always.
Bea was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Sam; siblings, Nellie Trujillo,
Ofelia Salas, Max Miranda, Mabel Ramsey, Lucila Arguello, Gilbert Miranda, Henry Miranda,
Geralda Chacon, Dolores Faglier; and granddaughter, Lela Miranda Martinez.
She is survived by her sister, Frances Gallegos, and her brother, Gus Miranda.
Descendants include eight children: Samuel Patrick Melendrez (Nina), Imelda Veeder (Elmer),
Claudia Rel (Ed), Michael Melendrez (Anna Forester), Faviola Martinez (Manuel), Mercedes
McFerrin (Rick), Regina Melendrez, and Lydia Zerwekh (John).
Bea was the proud grandmother of fifteen grandchildren: Christina, Sam, and Daniel Melendrez,
Albert, Fred, and Isaac Veeder, Alexis Rel, Lynette and Amanda Melendrez, Vincent and Lela
Martinez, Julia Goldhirsch, and Natalie, Andrew, and Benjamin Zerwekh. In addition, she had
twelve great-granddaughters and nine great-grandsons, all of whom were a source of immense
pride and joy for her.
Other survivors include: Mark Goldhirsch, Kari Melendrez and numerous beloved nieces,
nephews, and extended family whom Bea dearly cherished and loved.
Bea’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, family, and faith. She will be greatly
missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
A memorial mass will be Friday February 14, 2025 at 10 o’clock in the morning at St. Ann Catholic Church. Inurnment will be that afternoon at 2 o’clock at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery.
Entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels.