Estela “Stella” Ulibarri (Paez)

Estela “Stella” Ulibarri (Paez)

1932-2024

Estela “Stella” Ulibarri (Paez), 91, of Tortugas, N.M., passed away surrounded by her family on May 9, 2024, in Belen.

She was born on Sept. 26, 1932, to Bernardo and Ofilia Paez, and was one of 10 children. She had five sisters, and four brothers.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, and four siblings.

Stella graduated from Morenci High School in Arizona in 1950, and went on to work in the Morenci Hospital cafeteria until she married Ruben Ulibarri on Nov. 22, 1952. Ruben preceded her in death in 2007.

They had five children, Mary Ellen Ulibarri, Michael Ulibarri (Karen), David Ulibarri (Carrie), Susan Pudwill (Nathan) and Kathy McCarty (Troy.) They had 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Stella worked for Phelps Dodge Mercantile as a grocery stocker until 1983, when she moved to Las Cruces. She worked for the Legs Company until she was hired on as a computer chip processor with Honeywell, where she retired from in 1994.

She had many hobbies, including crocheting, ceramics, puzzles, bingo and bead crafts. She gave many of her crafts as gifts. One of her passions was decorating personalized birthday cards for her loved ones.

She loved to laugh, and was always a child at heart. It was not uncommon to see her on the floor or outside playing with her grandchildren or great-grandchildren. She loved teaching them how to make crafts.

Her laughter and smile was contagious and she easily made friends with everyone. She loved to give cookies and candy when she went to visit with friends or relatives. Out of her generosity, she would go to her neighborhood fire department to bring her homemade salsa and also go to bingo to share her sweet snacks with friends. She was generous, kind and giving with everything she had. She loved her family very much. Nevertheless, her relentless fighting spirit got her through many hardships.

Stella was a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morenci, Ariz. She also attended other Christian churches with her children. Her faith in God was strong, she was often seen praying her rosary.

Stella, was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be missed dearly and will remain in our hearts forever.

Though we mourn her death, we celebrate her passing from this world into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The family is grateful for Tina Bibiano, Misty Anaya and all of the Presbyterian Hospice caregivers who gave our mom loving care during her time in hospice.

Those who wish to donate may do so in Estela’s name to Presbyterian Healthcare Services Hospice or Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 26666, Albuquerque, N.M., 87125.

Services for Estela will be held at Noblin Funeral Service on Friday, Aug. 30. A visitation will take place at 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.