Rafael V. Benavidez, age 54 a resident of Las Vegas, New Mexico passed away on June 29, 2011 at Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He was born in Las Gallinas, New Mexico on November 9, 1956 to Juan De Dios Benavidez and Isabel Martinez-Benavidez. A lifetime Catholic, and a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his daddy: Juan De Dios Benavidez, maternal-grandparents; Ruperto and Silveria Martinez; paternal-grandparents; Tomas Benavidez and Rosa Benavidez; sisters; Mary Tommie Gurule, and Rosa Maria Benavidez; brothers: Johnny Martinez, Lawrence Martinez and Baby Brother Benavidez; numerous: uncles , aunts, nieces, and nephews. He is survived by his mother: Isabel Benavidez of the family home in Las Vegas, NM; sisters: Anna Mae Gonzales and husband David of Albuquerque, NM; Connie M. Coca and husband John of Laramie, WY; Irene M. Graston and husband Paul of Las Vegas, NM ; and Ramona Denise Benavidez and companion Angelo Herrera of Las Vegas, NM niece: Vynessa Turner and companion Bernardo Martinez of Las Vegas, NM; brothers: Marcario Martinez and wife Georgia of Laramie, WY; Robert Benavidez and companion Roxanne of Pargue, OK; Paul Benavidez and companion Janice of Las Vegas, NM; aunts: Elvira Benavidez, and Petra Sena and husband Cecilio both of Albuquerque, NM; numerous; special nephews and nieces Rosary services will be conducted on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 7:00pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Church . Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 9:00am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with Father C John Brasher as Celebrant. Interment will follow at San Geronimo Cemetery in San Geronimo, New Mexico with the following serving as casket bearers: Rick Esquibel, Angelo Herrera, Paul Collins, Michael Quintana, Jr., Robert Benavidez, Vynessa Turner, David Barela, Blas Duran and Thomas Chavez. Serving as Honorary Bearers: Fidel Gonzales, Joe Gallegos, Special Friend: Terry Rivera, Care giver: Bertha Gallegos and all the other care givers ; numerous: nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. . Please visit our website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign our online register book. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, NM 1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511.