Obituary of Carla Geralyn Benavidez

"Surrounded by her family, Carla Geralyn Benavidez passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024.  She was called home to our Lord and Savior having blessed us with her presence for 66 years on this earth. Born on November 12, 1957 in Augsburg, Germany, Carla leaves behind many friends and family members who will miss her dearly.

Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin J. Benavidez (Montezuma, NM) and Senaida M. Benavidez (Gallinas, NM). 

As a young child, Carla traveled the United States and Germany while her father, Sergeant First Class Benjamin J.Benavidez, served in the United States Army. After her father’s death, Carla resided in Gallinas, New Mexico for several years. The family later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she lived since 1972.

Carla is survived by her brothers Michael Benavidez and Lillian Armijo, Benjamin Benavidez Jr. and wife Frances Benavidez, Phillip Benavidez and wife Bridgette Benavidez and her sister Martha Benavidez.

She also leaves behind her cherished nieces and nephews, Bernadette, husband Anthony Romero, and their sons PJ, Xavier, and Roman, Christina Garcia and wife Alicia Waltz and their son Nikoli Garcia, Amanda and husband Able Munoz and their daughters Aaleyiah, Anastacia and son, Able Raul Jr, Stephanie Gutzman and her sons Lawrence and Kai, Jenna Marie Maldonado and her son Izaac Maldonado, BJ Benavidez, Sara Benavidez, Helen Benavidez, Sean Benavidez, and his son Oliver Benavidez and Adam Benavidez.

Along with many loving family and friends, one of her best friends and the love of life was her dog “Aja”.  

Carla worked at the Presbyterian Atrisco PMG before retiring in 2021. Carla was a very beautiful person inside and out, a kind, welcoming, and loving soul. Her laugh was infectious, and she lit up a room with her beautiful smile.  Carla had many friends who knew how protective she was of family and friends. 

Though Carla may have departed this world, the love she shared continues to resonate within each person whose life she touched. Her memory will forever endure as we carry forward the profound lessons learned from knowing such an exceptional soul.

Celebration of life and burial services to honor Carla’s memory will take place later this year. Carla will be laid to rest next to her mother, Senaida Benavidez at the Gallinas Cemetery in Gallinas, NM near Las Vegas, New Mexico.