Alfredo Florez

Alfredo R. Florez, 84, of Artesia, passed away peacefully Monday, April 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family members.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, April 12, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with a rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. and Mass to follow immediately.

Fr. Francis Lazer will officiate the services, with interment to follow at Woodbine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Alfredo D. Florez, Matthew Soto, Luis Lujan, Ruben Carrasco III, Alex Madrid and Juan Perez. Honorary pallbearers are all remaining grandsons and great-grandsons.

Alfredo was born Oct. 30, 1939, in Lakewood, the son of Rita Rodriguez Chavez. He moved to Artesia at the age of 5 and graduated from Artesia High School in 1957.

He was honorably discharged from the National Guard on Aug. 7, 1962.

Alfredo was employed at Hensley Furniture Store and worked for Moore’s Bakery, being a Master of Doughnuts. As his family grew, he moved over to Continental Oil, which was later bought out by Navajo (Sinclair). Being forced into retirement allowed him to enjoy spending time with all his children and grandchildren.

His favorite pastime was going to the casino and scratching lottery tickets. He enjoyed all outdoor activities and mostly attending all his grandkids’ sporting events. Alfredo was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Governor and lifetime member of the Artesia Moose Lodge.

Survivors include son Rudy Florez and Vicky; daughters Patricia Castaneda, Dee Dee Florez and Manuel, Brenda Carrasco and Ruben, Sandra Trujillo, and Renee Florez; 24 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters Margaret Molinar, Gloria Ramirez and Billy, Juanita Hernandez and Pete, and Marina Mahan; stepdad Juan Chavez; and close cousins David Carrasco, Linda Martinez and Mary Rodriguez.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Miquela; his mother, Rita Chavez; his only brother, Luis Florez; brother-in-law Carlos Molinar; and six great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express a special thank-you to Artesia General Hospital; Terah Sexton, PA; and Enhabit Hospice, with special thanks to Laura Lujan, NR and Freddy Florez, and all grandkids who cared for Grandpa in their own way.