On April 15, 2025, Mary Lou Stene (Arenibas) entered eternal rest peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. Mary Lou was born on January 25, 1965 to Edward and Patsy Arenibas in Deming, New Mexico.
Mary Lou’s greatest joy was spending time with her granddaughters, Sophia and Emilia, who brought endless light to her life. She had a love for arts and crafts, cooking, and baking—especially her famous biscochos, which were always a favorite among friends and family. Mary Lou also enjoyed shopping and had an extraordinary way of making everyone around her feel valued and seen. Her warm spirit, unwavering positivity, and thoughtful nature made her the ultimate cheerleader and the most generous gift giver—never missing a single detail.
Though she was the youngest of her siblings, Mary Lou was the one they turned to for guidance, a role that extended naturally to her children and many others. She was a trusted confidant, always ready to lend a listening ear and offer wise, heartfelt advice. It wasn’t uncommon to see a line of people waiting outside her office, hoping for a moment of her time and insight. Mary Lou was a source of comfort, wisdom, and strength to all who knew her.
Mary Lou cherished the holidays, especially Christmas. She poured her heart into every celebration, spending hours thoughtfully selecting and personalizing each gift to ensure everyone felt special and seen. Her home was always beautifully decorated with festive cheer, and even outside of the holiday season, it remained a warm and welcoming space. Friends and family often remarked on how comforting and inviting the home felt—a true reflection of her generous spirit and loving heart.
Mary Lou had a deep love for music and an incredible memory for it—like a living jukebox, she could sing along to classics from the ’60s all the way to today’s hits. She also cherished movie nights with her beloved husband, Carlos, always enjoying her favorite snacks: buttery popcorn with jalapeños and peanut M&M’s. Mary Lou also had a passion for travel, and one of her most cherished memories was celebrating her birthday in New York City, enjoying breakfast at Tiffany’s and treating herself to a “Return to Tiffany’s” bracelet.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Carlos Stene, her daughter and son in law, Bianca and Raul Chavez of El Paso, Texas; her son and daughter in law, Justin and Mari Stene of El Paso, Texas; her daughter and son in law, Riane Stene and Ben Scheibe of Richland, Washington; her daughter and son in law, Katey and Kaleb Cravillion of El Paso, Texas; her brother and sister-in-law Joe and Linda Arenibas; her sister and brother-in-law Hortencia and Johnny Martinez; her brother and sister-in-law Fred and Daniela Arenibas; her sister Irene Arenibas; her granddaughters Sophia and Emilia Chavez; and her many nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Patsy Arenibas; her siblings Linda Madrid, Edward Jr. and Johnny Arenibas; her niece Teresa Romero; and her nephew, Justin Arenibas.
The following have the honor as pallbearers at Mary Lou’s funeral, Justin Stene, Raul Chavez Jr., Kaleb Cravillion, Joey Martinez, Joshua Arenibas, and Charles Deffendall.
Visitation will be held at Hope City Community Church on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at 6115 Woodrow Bean Transmountain in El Paso, Texas. Service will be at 12:00 pm. Rosary will be held at Holy Family Church on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10:30 am, 612 S Copper St., in Deming, New Mexico, followed by a mass. A funeral procession will follow where Mary Lou will be laid to rest next to her parents at Mountain View Cemetery, 3410 E. Pine St. Deming, New Mexico.
