A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for Juana Balencia of Artesia.
Balencia, 95, passed away Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, at San Pedro Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Fr. V.J. will officiate the services, with interment to follow at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Grace.
Juana was born Dec. 27, 1922, in Candelaria, Texas, to Martin and Apolonia (Solis) Hernandez. She was a longtime Artesia resident.
On Nov. 27, 1939, she married Elias Balencia in Artesia.
Juana was a homemaker and member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. She was a Crusillista and enjoyed gardening and growing her roses, and sewing, and was an excellent cook. Her love in life was getting to be with her family and taking care of them.
Survivors include daughters Lupe Martinez and husband Roman of Alamogordo, Mary Salas, and Mary Helen Sosa and husband Oscar, both of Artesia, and Vicky Dominguez of Ruidoso; son Domingo Balencia and wife Ruby of Artesia; sister Socorro Medina; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elias Balencia, on June 2, 1968; her parents; children Angelita, Frederico, Flora, Ramon and Elias; siblings Jose, Pedro, Paz, Maria, Esperidion, Maria Jesus, and Jesus; and grandchildren Danny, Rick, Melissa and Carlos.
Arrangements are under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed online at www.artesiafunerals.com.
