Maria de Jesus Felton

Maria de Jesus Domitila Castillo Felton, age 83, of Carlsbad, NM, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, at her home surrounded by family, on January 24, 2026.

Maria was born on June 13, 1942, in Harroun Farm, NM, to Alfonso and Domitila (Hernandez) Castillo. She was the only child of 11 siblings delivered by a physician other than a midwife. Her birth certificate listing, delivered by Warren G. Smith, MD, the grandfather of her husband.

She grew up in Malaga, NM. While working as a waitress in Whites City, NM, she met and married her husband of 61 years, Don M. Felton. Early in their marriage they lived in California, Washington, Oklahoma, and eventually returned back to Carlsbad, NM in 1974, where they remained to raise their four children.

Her life was transformed when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, experiencing His love and never ending hope that she shared for the remainder of her life. Her faith forever being the rock she stood on through her life’s journey. Her and her husband went on numerous mission trips to Mexico, ministering and sharing the gospel, especially to children. She was a homemaker, whose work outside of the home included teaching Sunday school and working at a daycare, where she enjoyed tending to little ones.

She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and doting on her grandchildren. She was funny and her laughter joyful. Her last big adventure was a 2022 road trip to Orem, Utah, where she celebrated her 80th birthday with family. Her greatest joy and happiness was caring for and loving her husband, children, and extended family.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Billy Ray Felton and Michael Todd Felton; siblings: Alfredo Castillo, David Castillo, Julia Campos, Luis Castillo, Carolina Duarte, Alfonso Castillo, Jose Castillo, Alicia Seidel.

She is survived by her husband, Don M. Felton; son, Richard J. Felton, and daughter, Yesenia Atteberry(Paul); daughter-in-law, Beth Felton(Billy), daughter-in-law, Kim Felton(Michael Todd); sisters, Delfina Hernandez(Federico) and Amelia Dorado(Daniel); grandchildren: Dallin Felton(Katherine), Devin Felton(Monica), Haley Merkley(Logan), Ammon Felton, Hannah Goldsmith(Jacob), Ashton Felton, Ayrton Felton, Ya-Nuri Dietrich, Roderic Felton, Nicholas Atteberry, and Natalie Atteberry; great grandchildren: Sierra, Sophie, Brighten, and Summer Felton; Alba, Gibson, and Foster Merkley; Gemma, Freya, and Rio Goldsmith; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Monday, February 2, 2026 at Oasis Church with Pastor Gabe Rubio officiating. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com