Pilar Hernandez

Maria del Pilar Gavito Hernandez was born on October 27, 1932 in Ciudad Puebla, Puebla, Mexico to the late Alfredo and Hermelinda Gavito. She was married to Michael H. Hernandez on August 20, 1950 and in 1956 they made Ruidoso their permanent home.

In 1973, Pilar embarked on a restaurant hospitality career for which she became widely well-known and loved, first opening the Coe Ranch Restaurant in Glencoe for the Tinnie Mercantile Company and eventually retiring from The Inn of The Mountain Gods. She was active in local civic organizations including the Pink Ladies and the Republican Party of Lincoln County. She was a parishioner at St. Eleanor's Catholic Church for more than 60 years.

Pilar was predeceased by her parents, several siblings, and her beloved son David A. Hernandez. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her adoring husband Michael, and their children: Alida Gertsch (Bruno) of Roebuck, SC, Michael E. Hernandez (Frances) of Roswell, and diAna Pilar Kunz (Reto) of Athens, GA. She will be greatly missed and remembered as their loving "Mapi" by her grandchildren: Alexis Wall (Tim) of Wilmington, NC, Oscar Gertsch (Emily) of Athens, GA, Dominic Huckins (Ashlee) of Wilmington, NC, Edgar Gertsch (Melissa) of Columbus, OH and her great-grandchildren Lilia Wall, Charlotte Gertsch, and Owen Gertsch. Pilar is also survived by grandchildren Danny Hernandez, Adriana Hernandez, Carmen Breckenridge and David Alexi Hernandez, a loving sister Elia Gavito Gomez of Puebla, numerous nieces and nephews in Puebla, and several extended family members in and around Ruidoso.

Pilar's family would like to acknowledge and express their loving gratitude for the kindness and support shown by their friends and community during her final months. She will be remembered by all as a graceful, loving, and generous lady. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to:

Foundation Aiding The Elderly
P.O. Box 254849
Sacramento, CA 95865-4849

A Rosary Vigil will be held on Thursday, September 15, at 6:30pm at St. Eleanor's Catholic Church, 120 Junction Road, Ruidoso

A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, September 16, at 10am at St. Eleanor's Catholic Church. The family will receive guests in the Parish Hall immediately following Mass. A private family interment service will follow, with Pilar being laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruidoso.

Service

Prayer Service

St. Eleanors Catholic Church
120 Junction Road
Ruidoso, NM  88345
Thursday, September 15, 2016
6:30 P.M.

Funeral Mass

St. Eleanors Catholic Church
120 Junction Road
Ruidoso, NM  88345
Friday, September 16, 2016
10:00 A.M.

Cemetery

Forest Lawn Cemetery
Mechem Drive
Ruidoso, NM  88345