Angela Murillo

A prayer service will be held at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church, located at 224 Lincoln St, Anthony, NM 88021, on October 24, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The funeral service is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 324 Lincoln St, Anthony, NM 88021, from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.

The committal service will take place on October 25, 2025, at Anthony Catholic Cemetery, N 4th St & Acosta Rd, Anthony, NM 88021, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am.

Family Sentiments

Angela Pantoja Murillo, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She was born on August 2, 1928, in Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Fortunato Vaquera and Porfiria Diaz.

Angela attended school at Corazon Sagrado Church and, in her late teens, lived in Segundo Barrio during World War II. She loved spending time at Los Plaza de los Lagartos in Downtown El Paso, where she made cherished memories.

In 1965, Angela married her loving husband, Eusebio Murillo, in Anthony, New Mexico, and together they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage. She was his strongest advocate and devoted caregiver, lovingly supporting him throughout their life together, especially as he navigated the world as a deaf-mute. Angela cared for him faithfully until his final days.

Angela was known throughout Anthony, New Mexico, and beyond for her incredible cooking and unwavering work ethic. She worked for five years as a cook at the Old El Paso Cannery and later became a beloved figure at the Border Cowboy Truck Stop, where she cooked for over a decade. Her delicious meals and warm hospitality drew countless truck drivers who became loyal customers and lifelong friends.

After retiring from the truck stop in 1998, Angela and her daughter launched a catering business that served truck drivers nationwide and local patrons. It was during this time that Angelita became known as “The Original Burrito Lady.” She prepared every dish with love and pride, providing hearty, home-cooked meals to those far from home. Every Thanksgiving, she made it her mission to ensure that no trucker went hungry, offering free meals as a heartfelt expression of gratitude and kindness.

Angela believed deeply in the power of hard work and discipline. One of her most repeated pieces of advice was, “Get up super early—you will accomplish so much more.” She didn’t just say it—she lived it. Her life was a testimony to what can be achieved through determination, purpose, and an early start.

What truly defined her wasn't just her strength, it was her resilience and her heart. She cared for people deeply, whether they were family or not. If someone needed help, she was there. Her love was generous and unconditional.

She retired in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and generosity that will forever inspire her family and all who knew her.

Angela was preceded in death by her loving husband Eusebio Murillo, her son Victor Solano, her granddaughter Delilah Murillo, her brothers Arturo Vaquera, Espiridion Vaquera, and Francisco Mendez, and her sister Carmen Mendez.

She is survived by her devoted daughter Diana Murillo, her grandchildren Luis Morales Jr. (Jasmine) and Sabrina Morales, and her great-grandchildren Jonathan, Natalia, Anthony, Laelonni, Julian, Lucas, Ethan, and Ailanni, along with many beloved nephews and nieces.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Tina Jacquez, Lourdes Romero, Fr. Andres, and April at Tender Care Hospice for their compassionate care over the past two years. Deep gratitude also goes to the dedicated caregivers who lovingly cared for Angela: Sabrina, Crystal, Dulce, Samuel, Kevin, and Ariana.

Pallbearers will be Luis Morales Jr., Sabrina Morales, Daniel Barreras, Mario Velasquez, Jhon Manjarrez, Arturo Vaquera Jr., and Aaron Gonzalez Jr.

Angela will be remembered for her strength, faith, and the love she shared through every meal she cooked and every life she touched. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.