Ernestine Hernandez Renteria

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away”

Revelation 21:4

Ernestine “Ernie” Hernandez Renteria passed away peacefully May 23rd 2025 at the age of 93 in Phoenix, AZ.  Ernie was born February 4, 1932, in Lordsburg, N.M. to Demetrio G. Hernandez and Celia (Ornelas) Hernandez of Lordsburg, NM.  Ernie spent her early years growing up in Hurley, NM prior to the family moving back to Lordsburg in 1938.

Ernie met the love of her life and beloved husband, Ernesto “Neto” V. Renteria 75 years ago.  Ernie was known for her strong will, work ethic and unwavering support for her family.  She was outspoken and passionate when it came to her family.  She and Neto were devout members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish and later St. Theresa Catholic Parish in Phoenix, AZ.

In the early 1950’s, Ernie served as an administrative assistant for District Judge H. Vearle Payne, then transitioned to Billing Clerk for the City of Lordsburg where she retired after 42 years of faithful service.  After retirement, she and her sisters took on the loving challenge of caring for their father Demetrio and later her sister Consuelo. At the same time, she always made sure to spend time with her children and grandchildren who were spread across the country. 

Ernie was preceded in death by her parents, Demetrio & Celia Hernandez, her beloved son, Victor Ray, daughter in law, Sharon Thorsby, sisters, Consuelo Hernandez, Eloisa Nava, Alicia Rodriguez, Elena Hernandez, and brothers, Refugio, Demetrio and Sylvester.

Ernie is survived by her husband, Ernesto (Neto), children, Ernesto “Buck” (Rosemarie) Michigan, Elizabeth, Phoenix; grandchildren Ernesto “BJ” (Joe), New Jersey and Michael R. Keller; and great grandchildren Victor and Sloane Keller, Wisconsin. Ernie is also survived by many nephews and nieces, and special nephews; Demetrio “Beti” (Linda) Nava and Armando (Lissy) Rodriquez.

Services will be June 10th, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 416 E 2nd St., Lordsburg, NM. Visitation 9:30A – 10A, Rosary 10A to be led by Esther Valenzuela and Mass immediately following with Fr. Jude Okonkwo, Pastor officiating. Burial will follow at Shakespeare Cemetery. The family will host a reception afterward at the Elks Lodge.

Pallbearers will be Armando Rodriguez, Demetrio Nava, B J Renteria, Joe Kotila, David Arredondo, and Michael Amin.  Honorary bearers are Sloane Keller, Martha Amin, Victor Keller, Manuel D. V. Saucedo,  Rudy Ornelas, Ray Renteria, Ernesto E. Renteria, Leo Madrid, George Newell, Laro Garcia and Nena Garcia.

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