It is with gratitude in our hearts we give thanks to our Father in Heaven for the life and earthly mission he allowed Ricky to spend here on Earth; Ricky Martinez Baca, 47, returned home to our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, peacefully in his home. He was born October 10, 1976, in Deming, New Mexico, to Richard E. Baca and Deborah Martinez. He was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, cousin, friend, and coach.
Ricky graduated from Deming High School in 1995. From 1996 to 1998, he served a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ogden, Utah. Following his mission, he attended Western New Mexico University and earned his associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. In 2003, he married the love of his life, Martina Casas, and in the years that followed, they had two daughters and two sons. His favorite sport was baseball, and he could never get enough of it. He played men’s softball for many years and later managed his own men’s softball team, which he named “Havoc.” In 2013, he got a job as an Educational Assistant, and his heart was drawn to teaching. Soon after, he became a volunteer for the girls’ softball team. He later became the JV girls’ softball coach. He was also an assistant coach for the Deming Wildcat football team. He loved reading to improve his knowledge on and off the football and softball field. He was also a referee in many Deming Wildcat sports, including basketball, softball, baseball, and football. Sports were a huge part of Ricky’s life.
Ricky was the peacemaker. His kind heart and willingness to serve others and provide for and protect his family made him the amazing man he was meant to be. Many may say his life was cut short at only 47 years old, but like Ricky always said, “trust the process.” His mission on earth is complete. He accomplished all he came to do, and now he is preparing the way for us when our time shall come. His legacy will live on forever. God be with you until we meet again.
He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Martina Baca; two daughters, Victoria Q. Baca, and Alissandra N. Baca; two sons, Darius Diego Baca and Demarcus A. Baca; his father, Richard E. Baca; two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Guadalupe C. Renteria; wife, Lizett, and Jose C. Renteria; wife, Cinthya. Two nephews, Jose Pedro Renteria and Guadalupe Issac Renteria, and five nieces, Clariza Rangel, Yvette Renteria, Mylie Renteria, Natalia Renteria, and Abby Renteria. He was preceded in death by his mother, Deborah Martinez Baca; paternal grandparents, Richard and Pola Baca; maternal grandparents, Ramon and Cecilia Martinez; and brother-in-law, Lorenzo Renteria. Their enduring love for Ricky is a testament to the depth of their loss and the lasting impact of his life.
Viewing services will be held on August 2, 2024, at Terrazas Funeral Chapel. Family from 5:00pm – 6:00pm and friends and community from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Celebration of life will be held August 3, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1000 W. Florida. Final viewing for Friends and community 8:00am – 9:00am and family from 9:00am – 10:00am, funeral services start at 10:00am, and graveside services will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Darius Diego Baca, Guadalupe C. Renteria, Jose P. Renteria, Guadalupe I. Renteria, Donnie Martinez and Johnny J. Martinez. The Baca family invites all to congregate back to the church for a luncheon and to share your favorite memories of Ricky!
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.