Sylvia Barrio Verdugo

Sylvia Barrio Verdugo, 73, a lifelong resident of Deming, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Plano, Texas.

Sylvia was born on July 27, 1952, in Deming, New Mexico, to Placido Barrio and Belen Reyes. She was a proud graduate of Deming High School and, following graduation, began her working life in the community she loved. She was employed for many years at Safeway, Furr’s, and Food Basket before dedicating many more years of service to Memorial School, from which she eventually retired. Even in retirement, Sylvia’s strong work ethic and warm personality led her to continue working at First New Mexico Bank, where her friendliness and kindness made her a joy to both coworkers and customers alike.

Sylvia was known for her welcoming spirit and her love for her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching sports and cooking shows, tending to her yard daily, and proudly cheering on the Deming Wildcats. Above all, she was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, faithfully supporting them and earning the title of their number one fan. Sylvia treasured her daily cup of coffee and dearly loved her dogs, Ryno and Harley.

A devoted and active member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Sylvia lived her faith openly and often reminded her loved ones that if they did something wrong, they “Say sorry to Jesus.” Her faith, love, and gentle guidance left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Sylvia will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Benny Verdugo; her daughter, Stephanie Verdugo Fraere (Mariano); her son, Ricky Barrio (Arlie); two brothers, Richard Barrio and Reynaldo (Ray) Barrio; her grandchildren, Esteban Gonzales (Jennifer) and their five children, Orlando Ortiz (Roseanna), Tiffany Ramirez (Anthony), Zoey Barrio, Zane Barrio, and Josiah Ricky Rodriguez; and her great-grandchildren, Emmy Gonzales, Ezlyn Gonzales, Bentley Ortiz, Nova Ortiz, Natalie Ortiz, Arya Ortiz, and Diego Ramirez. She is also survived by her special nephews, Micah Barrio, and Jacob Barrio; several special nieces, Yvonne Valverde, Melissa Renteria, Denise Renteria, Veronica Peru, Sally Ann Montano, Lucy Reyes, and Bernadette Rodriguez; as well as her dear friends, Armida Uzueta, Missy Leyba, Cindy Brodbeck, and Kim Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Placido and Belen Barrio; her brothers, Francisco Barrio, and Reynaldo Barrio; her granddaughter, Alexia Nevaeh Gonzales; her niece and nephew, Crystal Pena, and Panchito Barrio; her cousin, Celia Gonzales; and her mother-in-law, Margarita Gutierrez.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Baca’s Funeral Chapel, where the Holy Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., led by Suzanne Lundy. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 12:00 noon at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, followed by the Rite of Committal and interment at Mountain View Cemetery. Fr. Tony Basso will officiate.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Esteban Gonzales, Orlando Ortiz, Zane Barrio, Micah Barrio, Jacob Barrio, and Richard Barrio.

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