Romelia Zapata

Romelia Mendoza Zapata, 85 of Kirtland, NM passed away on June 28, 2025, in Farmington, NM. Romelia was born on June 7, 1940, in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, to parents Francisca Carrillo de Mendoza and Ascensión Mendoza Ruiz.

Romelia was an extraordinary woman whose strength, kindness, and dedication touched the lives of everyone around her. She immigrated to the United States from Mexico with four children, determined to build a better life for her family. Through hard work and an unwavering spirit, she not only provided for her children but became a beloved part of her community.

Romelia worked for the local school district as a cook, where she quickly became known for her delicious meals and her warm heart. She poured love into everything she made, especially her famous homemade cinnamon rolls, which she would begin preparing as early as 5 a.m. Her food nourished the body, but her smile and generosity nourished the soul.

She was always willing to give her time, whether it was cooking for school events or helping out at Just-A-Laundry, where she also worked part-time. Even with a busy schedule, she raised five children with care, strength, and deep love. She enjoyed spending her time with family, crocheting, knitting, cooking, baking, and gardening.

Romelia lived a life of service, compassion, and joy. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Romelia is preceded in death by her son Juan Javier Zapata, parents Francisca Carrillo de Mendoza and Ascensión Mendoza Ruiz, brothers Manuel Mendoza, Jose Mendoza, Ramon Mendoza, Luis Mendoza, Gonzalo Mendoza, sisters Angela Mendoza de Dominguez, Grandparents (Paternal) Ignacio Mendoza Acosta and Eloísa Ruiz de Mendoza, (Maternal) Modesto Carrillo and Angela Gómez de Carrillo.

Romelia is survived by: Javier Zapata (former spouse), and Edgar Lake (longtime partner), her Children

Catalina Johnson (Charles Johnson Jr), Karina Saunders (Gregory Saunders), Nancy Taft (Alexander Fulton), and Diana Noriega (Robert Clar), Grandchildren Hillary Nelson (Robert), Zachary Zapata (Vanessa), Gregary Zapata (Camry), Tristen Abbott (Stephen), Chelsea Price (Daniel), Jacob Johnson (Alexa), Joshua Johnson, Zachary Saunders (Maddie), Maxwell Saunders (Anna), Alexander Saunders (Natalie), Nicholas Saunders, Yasmine Taft, Austin Taft, Alec Taft (Lavina), Christine Noriega, Alexia Noriega, Isla Noriega, Great-grandchildren Maverick Nelson, Scarlett Nelson, Steele Nelson, Brighton Zapata, Capri Zapata, Noah Cockrell, AJ Cockrell, Kennady Cockrell, Elaina Abbott, Adalynn Abbott, Alessia Abbott, Isla Price, Theodore Price, Everett Price, Romelia Johnson, Brooks Johnson, Jude Saunders, Lincoln Saunders, Oliver Saunders, and James Taft.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1310 E 25th St, Farmington, NM

Family viewing will begin at 9:00 am followed by her funeral at 10:00am. Burial will take place at

the Kirtland-Fruitland Cemetery 59 Rd 6580, Kirtland, NM 87417.

Romelia’s Pall Bearers are Zachary Zapata, Gregary Zapata, Joshua Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Zachary Saunders, Maxwell Saunders, Alexander Saunders, Nicholas Saunders, Austin Taft, and Alec Taft.

Romelia’s Honorary Pall Bearers are Javier Zapata, Edgar Lake, Charles Johnson Jr, Gregory Saunders, Alexander Fulton, Robert Clar, William Johnson, Noah Cockrell, and AJ Cockrell.