Petra Barraza

Petra H. Barraza, 88, peacefully joined our Lord on the evening of Friday, the 19^th of May 2023.

Petra led a life of service and devotion, beginning with service to the Catholic Church in her hometown of Santa Maria, Chihuahua, Mexico. She also served as a medical assistant to the town doctors, at times travelling to neighboring cities to assist with not only medical emergencies, but with standard care.

Upon her marriage to Staff Sergeant Juan Herrera Barraza, who preceded her in death in December of 1993, Petra turned her call to service to the American Red Cross, and her United States Army community. During the Vietnam War, specifically, she cared for our nation’s finest as they came to Germany for treatment and to convalesce. During this time, she initiated a babysitting co-op with her base housing neighbors, utilizing her time to serve with the American Red Cross.

Petra was also an accomplished seamstress and designer. From her daughters’ wedding dresses, prom dresses, and quinceañera dresses, to grandkids’ baptismal gowns and client designs, she created an extensive list of beautiful creations and treasures. Petra’s exceptional skills also led to a career in management with The Popular Department Store. Managing the store’s Alterations Department, she expanded her list of beautiful work and satisfied return customers. Most importantly, however, she made lifelong friends whom she held dear. She remained with The Popular until its closing.

Petra served many, but nothing was more important to her than her loved ones. She was the matriarch of her family and held down that position by traveling the world for family visits and reveling in family gatherings. She is an irreplaceable treasure to her family, whom she upheld her entire life. Petra is deeply missed, but her family is comforted by the fact that she is undoubtedly resting peacefully with Juan as they catch up and hold hands, in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Petra is survived by her children Robert Barraza, Gloria T. Mendoza, Rose M. Aguilar, Sandra I. Del Palacios (Enrique) and Paula A. Hernandez (Raphael); Grandchildren Robert J. Barraza, Rosalinda P. Mocado, Valerie A. Mignon, Victoria A. Mendoza, Alex Mendoza, Angel T. Aguilar, Marisela Moore, Jesus Allen, Arnold Mata, Monica Macias, Sarah Ann Hernandez, and Dominic Raphael Hernandez; 22 Great Grandchildren and 10 Great-great grandchildren; and her childhood and lifelong friends and dear neighbors.

In all, Petra made a difference in the world, her communities and in her family.

 Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with Vigil/Rosary at 6:00 PM, Monday, May 29, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Homes- East, 750 N. Carolina. Funeral Mass time will be at 12:00 PM Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Graveside Service will follow at 1:30 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.