In Loving Memory of Maria Romana Silva Salazar. Maria Romana Silva Salazar passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 16, 2026, at the age of 103. She was our miracle centurion. Born on February 28, 1923, in Puerto de Luna, New Mexico, Maria married Merenciano Salazar on March 24, 1939. Together, they built a strong family and a lasting legacy that spans generations. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merenciano Salazar; her parents, Valentin and Maria (Gutierrez) Silva; and her siblings Francisco, Jose Maria, Josefina, Valentin, Manuela, Matanita, Margarita, Juan, and Anastacio. She was also preceded in death by her infant twin son Gerald Salazar; infant son Fermin Salazar; daughter Maria Elvira (Vera) Rodriguez; son Marcial (Marcy) Salazar; grandsons Drew Brooks and Fermin (Bingo) Salazar; and sons-in-laws Gabino Noriega and Albert Cruz.

 Maria is survived by her children and their spouses Pete Salazar (Nancy), Stella Noriega, Martha Cruz, and Barbara Ruiz-Salazar (Luis). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Bridgette Noriega; Gino Noriega (Nina); Angelica Cruz-Chavez (Lizeth); Erica Flores (Wesley Jr.); Diona Cortez-Richards (Jason); Julian Cortez; Tony Sanchez Jr. (Doris); Dolly Otero (Rick); Ralph Sanchez (Laura); Jeannie Sanchez; Joseph Salazar (Yadi); Evette Romero (Jerry); Ricky Salazar (Myrna); Victor Arellano (Laura); Chad Salazar (Ashley); Maggie Salazar (Javi); Robert Leyva; and Christy Cooper (Ian), along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Maria’s legacy includes 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 30 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild. Her greatest joy was her family. Her life was rooted in love, faith, and devotion, and she leaves behind a legacy carried forward through generations who will continue to honor her memory.

 Pallbearers representing the siblings: 1. Chad Salazar 2. Gino Noriega 3. Wesley Flores 4. Jason Richards 5. Joseph Salazar 6. Jose Rodriguez Our Nanita will be greatly missed and forever remembered. Anytime her loved ones told her they loved her she would reply with: “I Love You More❤️”.

Services will be held on Friday, August 28th, 2026, St. John’s Catholic Church, 500 S. Lincoln Roswell, NM.  Her Viewing will be from 8:30AM - 10:00AM, Rosary at 9:30AM, and her Funeral Mass 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery, at 3101 S. Main Street. A Reception will follow immediately after interment at St. John’s Franciscan Center Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory.