Maria Felizita Ricard, 73, of Reunion, Colorado passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of Sunday, May 21, 2023 with family by her side. She is survived by her 5 children: Pamela Gutierrez, Irene Medley, Sophia Tully, Derald Vandawalker, and Eva Morse, her 7 grandchildren: Gabrielle Campolo, Vanessa Campolo, Nicole Blackmon, Sabrina Soto, Salome Gutierrez, Dante Vandawalker, and Ellie Vandawalker, her 3 great grandchildren: Eduardo James Soto, Jessie Markle Jr., and Alessandro Soto accompanied by numerous other family members.
Maria was born on Wednesday, November 23, 1949 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Severo and Angie Tapia. She lived her life with a deep sense of love and connection to the Lord and family and was known to take in strays and strangers. Every person she connected with, no matter how brief or unfamiliar, had the privilege to experience her patience, graciousness, generosity, comedic timing, and forgiveness. As a retired cosmetologist, she spent years offering a friendly and listening ear to strangers, hearing their stories and offering sage and periodically unintentionally hilarious advice. No matter what, Maria would open her heart and home to those who needed help and knew how to make anyone feel special. Aside from spending time with her loved ones and making friends wherever she went, Maria enjoyed the company of her Chihuahuas (Chloe and Hito), thrift store shopping, true crime shows and horror movies, collecting dolls and figurines, eating delicious food, and long drives in the mountains. The simple pleasures in life brought her just as much joy as the exciting ones. She didn't need flash or fireworks, just a good time and good company. Maria was the embodiment of love and anyone who wants to know her only needs to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Family, friends, and anyone else she has touched through her life are invited to attend services being held at Cornerstone Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico on Tuesday, May 30 at 10:00am with Pastor Mark Saiz as officiant. Interment will be at San Jose Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.