Patricia Anne (Baca) Jelks

Patricia Baca – Jelks, 65, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 7, 2024 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

She was born to Adan and Nellie Baca on January 23, 1959 in Deming, New Mexico. Patricia attended Deming High School where she was a member of the tennis team, student body president, prom queen and in 1977, graduated as valedictorian.

She later settled in Tucson, Arizona where she met & married James Kelly. It was there they welcomed their first daughter, Melissa. In the early 1990’s they moved their family and race horse operation to Sonoita, AZ. It was then they welcomed two more daughters, Elena and Geneva.

Patricia was a devoted member of the Santa Cruz County community for several years. It was here she taught catechism, coached soccer, helped with 4H, worked at the local fairgrounds, and was a member of the local Cow Belle’s.

When her daughters became older, Patricia returned to work as an EMT and eventually worked her way up to becoming a registered nurse. A couple of years later, she met and married her second husband, local cattleman Rukin Jelks III.

She moved to the Triangle M Ranch in Elgin, AZ where for several years she and Rukin ran a cattle operation and were devoted stewards of the land. Between the two, they had eight daughters and shared many wonderful times. Unfortunately, in 2009 Rukin suffered a stroke and they took a step back from the cattle operations. Patricia spearheaded Rukin’s recovery effort and for 15 years worked tirelessly to provide him with the best care possible.

In 2014, Patricia and Rukin moved to Thorndale, Texas where they purchased a small cattle ranch. They downsized their operation and began raising a small select herd of Black Angus of which Pat was very proud. It was here they welcomed their first grandson, Evan. He was the light of Patricia’s life and she found much joy in becoming a “Granny”. In the following years, she was blessed with 4 more grandsons.

Throughout her life, Patricia was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, wife, mother, and grandmother. Always putting her best foot forward in all endeavors, she was quite the over-achiever. She loved her family fiercely and was a wonderful matriarch. In a word, she was one thing above all - selfless - and devoted as much as she could to those around her.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Rukin Jelks of Thorndale TX; 4 siblings, Theresa Baca of Las Cruces, NM, Ronnie and wife Kay Baca of Fedor, TX, Paul Baca of Silver City, NM, and Lisa Baca of Riverside, CA; 3 Daughters, Melissa Kelly of Thorndale, TX, Elena Kiehne and husband Chance of Santo, TX, Geneva Robertson and husband Cooper of Lipan, TX and 5 grandsons, Evan (13), Julian (6), Castiel (3), Ketch (7 months) and Waite (2 months).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Patricia’s name to any local Catholic Parish.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11 o’clock in the morning at St. Ann Catholic Church. Fr. Francis Gyau, Pastor will be officiating.

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