Elizabeth "Betty" Huerta

Elizabeth “Betty” Huerta, 83, passed away peacefully September 15, 2025 at her home in Carlsbad, NM.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home following a vigil at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11:00 AM, September 24, 2025 at St. Edwards Catholic Church with Fr. Pasala Hruday Kumar officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Catarina Cemetery in Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Elizabeth “Betty” Huerta was born on November 3, 1941, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Felix and Lillian Methola. She was the third oldest of twelve children and grew up on a farm, where there was never a dull moment.

She graduated in 1960 and went on to attend Durham’s Business College in El Paso, Texas, in 1961. Afterward, she returned to Carlsbad, where she met the love of her life, Santiago “Jimmy” Huerta. The two first met at a local drive-in, dated for five years, and were married on June 17, 1967. Their marriage of 58 years was filled with devotion, laughter, and family until the very end. Together they raised four children: Jim (Jimbo), Elaine, Jessie, and Vira Huerta.

Through her marriage, Betty also met her lifelong best friend, Rachel Mendoza. The two were inseparable, always sharing good times and laughter whenever they were together.

Betty carried many roles throughout her life—an employee, daughter, wife, sibling, and friend—but above all, she was a mother. Not only to her own children, but to everyone who crossed her path. She had a gift for teaching and guiding others. She taught patience, honesty, and strength. She was blunt and straight to the point, never afraid to say what needed to be said, even if it wasn’t easy to hear. Yet her words always came from a place of love, and her lessons left a lasting impact. She affectionately called everyone “doll,” a word that carried both tenderness and strength.

To those closest to her, Betty’s wisdom came through in simple, unforgettable ways. She had a way of making people feel seen, cared for, and loved. At night she often said, “See you in the morning, if the Lord’s willing,” a phrase that reflected her faith and her grateful heart.

Her joys were many. She loved the color yellow and collected pig figurines that brought her happiness. She enjoyed staying up late watching spooky movies and shows like Charmed and Teen Wolf. In her later years, she could often be found outside feeding the birds, watering her plants, or soaking up the warm New Mexico sunshine.

Betty was strong-willed, feisty, and blessed with a good sense of humor. She loved her immediate and extended family deeply. She and her sister Mary Lee shared a special bond. Find comfort in knowing they are reunited and can enjoy each other’s company once again.

If you see the color yellow or a little pig figurine, be reminded of Betty’s love, humor, and wisdom. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, truth, and tenderness that will be cherished forever.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Lillian Methola; her brothers Johnny, Felix, and Larry Methola; and her sister Mary Lee Garza.

She is survived by her loving husband, Santiago (Jimmy); Daughter Vira and grandson Keegan, Son Jim Jr. and wife Felicia, and granddaughters Alyse and Malia, Daughter Elaine and fiancé Troy, and grandchildren John Anthony, Andrea, Angelina, Allahnah, Evolette, Breann, and Drake, Daughter Jessie and partner Garrett, and grandchildren Amarie, Larry, Christian, Elizabeth, Jason, and Isabella; Great-grandchildren: Artemis, Dahlia, Violet, Ezekiel, and Ace.

Pallbearers are her surviving brothers Tommie, Ricky, Billy, Ray, Louie, George, and Ysidro Methola; and her best friend Rachel Mendoza who will carry her with love and honor.