Francis Rocha

Francis John Rocha, affectionately known by family and friends as "Babe," passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in Alamogordo, NM. He was surrounded by the love of his family at Christus Health-Advanced Wound Care. Babe was a beloved spouse, father; grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His humble heart and humorous honesty touched the lives of many.

Born on July 3, 1961, in Mescalero, New Mexico, to Ricardo and Clarice Rocha, Francis was the second youngest of ten siblings. After graduating from Tularosa High School, he held various jobs, including wildland firefighting, ski and boot technician and chair lift operator at Ski Apache. Francis, a heavy equipment operator and truck driver, served for many years with the Mescalero Apache Tribe Roads Department. During his tenure, he diligently worked on numerous fires and dug fire lines using the dozer. He took immense pride in his work and always gave it his utmost dedication.

Beyond his employment, Francis served as a hunt guide for the Big Game Hunts with the Inn of the Mountain Gods. He was a dedicated guide since the initiation of the Big Game Hunts. There, he met many of his cherished friends from various states. Francis was a big sports enthusiast, he loved riding horses, skiing, and golf. In his early years, he was an active member of the Mescalero Men's Basketball League and the Ruidoso Men's Softball League. Francis was exceptionally skilled at pool, and it was one of his favorite pastimes. He was also a member of the Alamogordo Pool League.

Francis is survived by his beloved spouse of 46 years, Zandra Smith, their three children, Desirae, Frances, and Raiford and his grandchildren, Roman, Sheyenne, Kelena, Baileigh, Kelvin and Kaleia. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel and son, Kelvin, his parents, and three brothers and two sisters. He is also remembered fondly by his siblings, three sisters and one brother and numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 2p.m. at Lagrone Funeral Chapel in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Following the viewing, a Rosary Prayer Service will take place at 6p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mescalero, New Mexico. The funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10a.m. Also at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mescalero, New Mexico.