Ymelda Santos

Maria Ymelda Santos, lovingly known as Ymelda or Auntie Y, peacefully passed away in her lifelong home in Nambe, New Mexico, on January 12, 2026, surrounded by her devoted family. Born on September 25, 1953, in Nambe, she was a cherished member of her community, known for her warmth and generosity.

Throughout her life, Ymelda dedicated herself to her family as a proud homemaker. She took immense pride in her cooking, ensuring that no guest ever left her home without savoring a delicious meal. Ymelda was renowned for her amazing culinary skills, preparing both Spanish and authentic Pacific Island dishes that reflected her and her husband's rich heritage. She joyfully passed down her culinary expertise to her children and grandchildren, fostering a love for cooking that continues to thrive within her family. One of her sons even embraced this passion by becoming a chef, a testament to the legacy of her skill and love for delicious meals.

She held a strong connection to her faith as a devoted Catholic and served as a Mayordomo at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nambe for five years. Her unyielding dedication to her church and community was an essential part of who she was, alongside her role as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Ymelda married her beloved husband, Ray Santos, on April 12, 1972, at St. Martha's Church in California, and together they built a beautiful life and family that was a source of pride and joy for her.

Ymelda’s personality shone brightly; she was a beautiful woman both inside and out. Valued for her kind-heartedness, she made many friends throughout her life, some of whom she had known since elementary school. Her interests included cooking, arts, and crafts, often expressed through sewing blankets and creating special gifts for the children in her life during Christmas.

Ymelda is survived by her husband, Ray Santos; their children, Caroline Hernandez (Juan), Chris Santos, and Toby Santos (Jennifer); her grandchildren: Joseph, Rayleen, Raymond, Vivian, Toby Jr., Zachary, Leila, Mya, Christopher, Kiana, Maddy, Malia, and Kaleah; and her great-grandchildren: Garret, Elena, and Lucy. She is also survived by her sister, Joyce Hernandez (Gilbert); her brother, Jess Sandoval (Susan); sister Beverly Perez; sisters-in-law Rose Love and Teri Toves; brother-in-law Roque Santos (Denise); her aunt, Anita Ortiz; cousins Barbara Stevens, Debbie Brown, Gabriel Ortiz (Monica), Orlinda Roybal, Alfred Roybal, and Donna Martinez, along with many other relatives and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merced and Elsie Ortiz, and her uncle, Orlando Ortiz.

In honor of Ymelda, a Rosery will be recited at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nambe on January 22nd, 2026, beginning at 9:00am, Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00am. Ymelda will then be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 PM the same day. Her memory will forever be held dear by all those who were fortunate enough to know her. The family of Mrs. Maria Ymelda Santos has entrusted the professionals of Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola to care for her; we offer our heartfelt condolences to all.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons, Toby Santos Jr., and Zachary Hernandez.