Maria De Jesus Barrientos

Maria De Jesus Barrientos, lovingly known as “Chita” to her family and friends, passed away peacefully at home on July 10, 2026, surrounded by the people she loved.

Born on May 13, 1944, in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, Chita’s life took her to El Paso, Texas, Los Angeles, California, and eventually to Apache Junction, Arizona, which she proudly called home.

Chita was a woman of strong faith, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her Catholic faith was at the heart of her life, and she carried that faith with her through every season. She found comfort in prayer and believed deeply in the love and grace of God.

She was also a woman of determination. She attended beauty school and later studied banking and accounting. One of her proudest accomplishments came later in life when she set her mind to becoming a United States citizen. With determination and perseverance, she accomplished that dream in 2025, a milestone she was incredibly proud of.

Her greatest joy was found in the warmth of home and family. Chita loved to cook and could often be found watching her favorite cooking shows, discovering recipes and enjoyed sharing the comfort that food brought to the people she loved. She loved music, enjoyed reading, and had a wonderful appreciation for a good laugh. Those who knew her will remember her laughter, her big smile and the joy she found in the little moments.

She also loved quiet days, including taking peaceful naps with her beloved dog, Buddy. Buddy passed away just a few months before her, and we find comfort imagining that they are together again.

Chita will be deeply missed by her children, Mark Geldis and Heidi Young, along with her beloved granddaughters, Alena and Vera Young. They will carry her love, her lessons, and cherish these memories with them always.

She is also survived by her beloved siblings, Angela Aguirre, Enrique Barrientos, Teresa Ramirez, Antonio Barrientos, Oscar Barrientos, and Socorro Barrientos, along with a large extended family and countless friends whose lives she touched.

Though her absence leaves an ache that words cannot fully express, those who knew Chita will remember her in the everyday things she loved. From the sound of music playing, the smell of something cooking in the kitchen, a good book, laughter, a quiet afternoon nap, and the comfort of knowing that faith and family were never far from her heart.

She lived a life filled with love, faith, determination, family, and moments of joy. She accomplished goals she set for herself. She never stopped being curious and never stopped finding reasons to laugh.

Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will remain with us always.

Until we meet again, Mom. We love you.

Funeral Services

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at:

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church
7712 Rosedale St.
El Paso, Texas

Following the service, family and friends will depart together for her final resting place at:

Evergreen Cemetery East
12400 Montana Ave.
El Paso, Texas

A reception will follow at the home of her sister, Socorro Barrientos.

Celebration of Life in Arizona

For family and friends who are unable to travel to Texas, a small, casual, and intimate Celebration of Life will be held at her daughter's home on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

For details regarding the Arizona gathering, please contact Heidi Young.