Finding Obituaries at Baca’s Funeral Chapels & Sunset Crematory
What the Chapel and Crematory Offer to the Community
Located on the outskirts of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Baca’s Funeral Chapels and the adjacent Sunset Crematory have served families for decades. They handle traditional funeral services, cremations, and a small but valuable “obituaries library” where recent notices are archived for public reference. The staff prides itself on a compassionate, low‑key atmosphere, making it easier for grieving relatives to focus on remembrance rather than paperwork.
Beyond the standard rites, the chapel maintains a quiet room where friends can peruse printed obituaries dating back several years. Although the collection isn’t digitized in full, volunteers help locate specific entries and can provide photocopies for a modest fee. This service fills a niche for those who need a physical record—researchers, distant relatives, or anyone without reliable internet access.
How to Access the Obituaries Library
The library sits near the main reception desk, open during regular business hours: Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is required, but a quick call to (575) 555‑1234 can reduce wait time, especially on busy days.
When you arrive, you’ll be asked for the full name of the deceased and an approximate date of death. If you’re unsure of the exact spelling, staff will search using phonetic variations—a small but thoughtful touch that often uncovers records otherwise missed in online databases.
Once located, you can read the notice on‑site, request a printed copy, or ask for a digital scan. The chapel charges $0.25 per page for copies, a price that covers paper, ink, and the time spent retrieving the file.
Visiting Sunset Crematory: What to Expect
Sunset Crematory operates under the same roof as the chapel but maintains its own reception area. Families can arrange a direct cremation—no service, no viewing—if they prefer a streamlined, cost‑effective option. Prices start around $800, including the urn and a basic memorial card.
For those who want a ceremony, the crematory staff coordinates with the chapel to schedule a memorial service either before or after the cremation. They also offer a “memorial garden” where ashes can be interred in biodegradable urns, a quiet spot for visitors to leave flowers or personal mementos.
Tips for Locating Obituaries Online
- Check local newspaper archives. The Las Cruces Sun‑News posts most notices on its website within 24 hours of publication; older entries can be searched by date or name.
- Use the New Mexico State Library’s digital repository. While not exhaustive, it includes many public notices from the 1990s onward.
- Call the chapel first. Even if you plan to search online, a quick phone call can confirm whether the obituary was ever submitted to the Baca’s library, saving you a dead‑end search.
- Ask a relative for a printed clipping. Many families keep a scrapbook of notices, which can be scanned and shared easily.
When to Choose the Physical Library Over Digital Searches
If the deceased passed away before the mid‑2000s, their obituary might never have been posted online. In those cases, the on‑site library becomes the most reliable source. Additionally, some families prefer the tactile feel of a printed notice, especially when it includes handwritten tributes or photographs that weren’t digitized.
Researchers conducting genealogical work also benefit from the library’s “index cards,” a simple filing system that groups entries by surname and year. Though low‑tech, the system is surprisingly efficient—staff can pull a whole month’s worth of notices in under ten minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request an obituary that wasn’t published?
Yes. If a family chose a private memorial without a newspaper notice, they can still submit the text to Baca’s for inclusion in the library. The staff will file it alongside other entries for future reference.
Is there a fee for searching the library?
No. Searching is free; you only pay if you request copies or scans. The chapel’s goal is to keep the service accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.
How far back do the records go?
The collection generally starts around 1978, when the chapel first opened its doors. Earlier notices are rare, but the staff will check with the local newspaper archives if needed.
Can I donate a copy of an older obituary to the library?
Absolutely. The chapel welcomes community contributions. Donated copies are cataloged and become part of the searchable archive, helping future families trace their lineage.
