The passing of Juanita Reyes was unhappy information. I take into consideration her life and her household and it brings a smile to my face. She is gone, however the household she raised, alongside along with her husband, Daniel, have carried her legacy by means of their actions.

The 9 kids Juanita and Daniel raised function a testomony to parenting and making do with what you’ve gotten and what you make it.

I used to be first impressed with the aggressive nature of every of Juanita’s kids. They had been warriors, bred to outlive, but humble and respectful.

With 9 of them on the dinner desk, I wager minding your manners was a prime precedence.

I grew to become aware of each one of many 9 siblings as a sports activities editor and a fellow competitor in metropolis leagues. I admired the tenacity they performed with and their assertive nature. It was apparent the fervour they carried for sports activities got here from the house.

It was an outlet that was based mostly on attaining excessive tutorial requirements, contributing to the household means and ensuring that the family had many arms on deck.

Little question, this was Juanita’s means.

As soon as I started overlaying Wildcat athletics and metropolis leagues, it was clear to see that the Reyes athletes had been among the many greatest town needed to supply. From Little League to NCAA Division I colleges, you could possibly discover a Reyes on the prime of a roster and Juanita and Daniel cheering them on.

The Reyes’ prowess for efficiency in athletic arenas led me to satisfy Juanita. I used to be curious as to who raised these youngsters who stand out in crowds and on the enjoying fields. I additionally had a batch of black-and-whites of her kids in motion that she is perhaps concerned with.

The photograph supply didn’t stand an opportunity. With 9 youngsters filtering by means of Wildcat and Girl ‘Cat uniforms, buying sports activities pictures was (pardon the pun) not within the image.

The one factor I might depend on whereas overlaying Deming Excessive sports activities was seeing Juanita and Daniel within the stands — each sporting cardinal and navy. For a time being, the couple wore silver, black and teal whereas attending Organ Mountain (then Oñate) Excessive Faculty baseball video games in Las Cruces, the place their son, David, coached for a few years.

It was obvious the Reyes youngsters had a ardour for sports activities. It was additionally evident that they excelled due to a powerful work ethic, a dedication to the game and an assertive strategy that would lead a workforce by instance.

Rosa, Daniel, Johnny, Armando, Paul, Mario David, Gracie and Christy made Juanita proud. They’re a mirrored image of their mom and might now present the identical love and nurturing to their very own kids.

Relaxation in peace, Juanita.

Billy Armendariz is the Headlight sports activities editor. He might be reached at [email protected]