Janet Sue Mondragon, 67 was called home to be with our Heavenly Father Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Beehive Homes in Hobbs, NM.
She was born in Torrance, California on August 29. 1957. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Alberta Mondragon. Grandparents Emilio and Josephine Cruz and Sam and Lollie Mondragon.
She is survived by her sister Linda Ortiz and husband, Anthony of Raton, NM., brothers Billy Mondragon Jr. and wife Joan of Artesia, NM., and Greg Mondragon and wife Roberta of Raton, NM.; nieces Andrea Aragon and husband Paul Reyes, Makayla Dye, and husband Tony. Nephews Aaron Ortiz and wife Christy, Patrick Mondragon, Michael Mondrago,n and wife Desiree, Bryan Mondragon and Miranda, Samuel Mondragon and Xavier, Emilio Mondragon and Erin, Jonathan Valdez; great nieces and nephews, Alexa Ortiz, Gabriel Ortiz, Ellie Ortiz, Analisa Aragon, Dion Aragon, William Mondragon, Amaya Mondragon, Zaedyn Mondragon, Krislynn Mondragon, Kylynn Mondragon, Abigail Valdez, and Amiyah Valdez; step-great niece and nephew Reyes Aragon and Taylor Aragon.
Growing up Janet loved playing basketball with her brothers. This is where her love for the game began. Janet attended school in Des Moines and graduated in 1975. While in school Janet played volleyball, basketball, track and was a cheerleader. Janet was a player for the Des Moines Demons and played in the First Annual State Prep Girls Championship in Portales in 1973, 1974, and in 1975. Janet received a basketball scholarship to play Division I basketball for New Mexico State Roadrunners. She graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in Education with an emphasis in Special Education. Janet began her teaching career in Silver City and was the Head Girls Basketball Coach for the Fighting Colts. She was also the Head Girls Basketball Coach for the Aztec Tigers and the Raton Tigers. Janet’s love for basketball was contagious as she touched the lives of her players and the inspiration of her presence in their lives with everything she taught them on the court, classroom and they will always cherish the memories.
Janet was a Special Education Teacher and also served as Special Education Department Head at Onate High School in Las Cruces She loved teaching Special Education and was a true advocate for all her special students. She gave them the confidence, encouragement to develop the skills so they could be successful adults. Most importantly her students knew Janet truly believed in them.
Janet loved her family with unconditional love, she was a sister you could always count on, an awesome aunt, fantastic great-aunt and she loved all her family and friends from across the state. Family was so important to Janet and she always made all of us her first priority. She was always there for the most important life events and was the life of the party. She loved watching her nieces and nephews play basketball supporting the Raton Tigers and Artesia Bulldogs and cheering them on. Her legacy is continuing with her great nieces and nephews as they begin their love for basketball. Janet loved to travel and especially spending time with family. Janet was blessed to have friends that became family going fishing, spending time at the casino were memories she always cherished.
The family would like to sincerely thank the employees at the BeeHive Homes of Hobbs for their excellent care and for treating Janet like family. Janet will be greatly missed and her legacy will be carried on by all who loved her.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary for Janet will be led by Aaron Ortiz on February 28, 2025 at Saint Patrick’s-Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church at 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 AM. with Rev. William Woytavich as the celebrant. Interment, with the Rite of Committal, will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery immediately after the service weather permitting. A celebration of life and luncheon will be held at the Parish Hall for all family members and friends.
Be First to Comment