Tencha Vela

She was a lifetime resident of El Paso.

She attended El Paso High where she excelled at academics and lettered in volleyball, basketball and track.

She received a BS in education from UTEP.

She met her beloved husband when she was 10 years old. They married in 1947. Their courtship continued until his death in 2002.

Upon her passing, they were reunited on what would have been their 67th wedding anniversary.

She was a devoted wife and gentle loving mother who never met a stranger, welcoming all into her home and into her heart.

She was a member of St. Patrick Cathedral Altar Society, Desert Hills Garden Club, Woman’s Club of El Paso, UTEP Woman’s Auxiliary, El Paso County Historical Society and the Granaderos.

She enjoyed playing Bridge and Canasta with both new and childhood friends throughout her adult life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Salvador Vela; her mother Cristina Hermosillo; her brother, Hector Cano; and her dear friend,

Philip Davidson Sr.

Survivors include: her children, Sandra McClenaghan, Terri (Phil) Davidson, Lizette (Mike) Bogdan and Joseph Vela; her grandchildren, Jason McClenaghan, Travis (Summer) McClenaghan, Jenn Davidson, Corey (Tami) Davidson, Scott Davidson, Kelly Bogdan, Shannon Bogdan (Bernie) Davila, Troy (Silvia) Bogdan; her great grandchildren, Riley McClenaghan, Ethan McClenaghan, Dylan McClenaghan, Josh Davidson and Rio Davila.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM with Rosary starting at 7:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home West.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 9:00 AM at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 420 Sunset Dr., El Paso, Texas.

Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery, 4900 McNutt Rd., Santa Teresa, NM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Autism Society of America or to your favorite charity.

Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com.