Maria Alma Solis

 February 18, 1958 - August 26, 2024

Maria Alma (Soul in Spanish) Solis, age 66, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 26, 2024. Born on February 18, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jose and Librada Solis, Maria leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and resilience that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Maria's life was a testament to the power of perseverance and unconditional love. Despite facing numerous adversities, including childhood abuse and domestic violence, Maria emerged as a fighter and survivor, always striving to create a better life for herself and her family.

Maria's journey took her from Chicago to California in her adolescence, where she lived with her elder sister Lydia. At 14, she met Aurelio Ruvalcaba, who would become her first husband. Maria became a mother at a young age, giving birth to her first son, Felix Rubalcava, on July 2, 1975, when she was just 17 years old. Her daughter, Sandra, followed on May 16, 1980. Later, she entered a relationship with Ernie Paynter, with whom she had her third child, Ernie Paynter, Jr., born on June 25, 1992. Although this relationship didn't work out, Maria continued to strive and search for love throughout her life, never losing hope for a lasting partnership.

As a single mother, Maria worked tirelessly as a house cleaner, attempted to complete her GED, and took college courses to become an administrative assistant and bookkeeper. Her determination to provide for her family and improve her circumstances never wavered, even in the face of numerous personal and health challenges.

In 2012, Maria made the difficult decision to leave her family and move to Texas with a family member to care for their ailing parents. During this time, she demonstrated her remarkable capacity for forgiveness and healing by making amends with various family members. This period of reconciliation was a testament to Maria's strength of character, her belief in the power of family bonds, and her ability to overcome past hurts for the sake of love and unity.

In 2016, Maria's health took a significant turn for the worse. She developed a serious heart condition and began experiencing debilitating anxiety attacks. This combination of health issues created a perfect storm of physical and emotional challenges for Maria. Recognizing the severity of her sister's condition, Lydia stepped in to help. She created a safe and supportive environment for Maria in California, prompting Maria's decision to return there. This move marked another chapter of resilience in Maria's life, as she faced her complex health challenges with the same strength and determination that had carried her through previous hardships.

Upon her return to California, Maria found a loving community at Chatsworth Foursquare Church. This church became a source of strength and support for her, helping her navigate through her health challenges and providing a spiritual home.

During her time in California, despite her health struggles, Maria found great joy in becoming a grandmother to Ezekiel Andres, Elijah Daniel, and Eden Alma Rubalcava. Her role as "nana" brought her immense happiness and purpose. Maria's relationship with her daughter-in-law, Marielena Rivas, was particularly special, as it gave her the grandchildren she had long wished for and expanded her family in a way that brought her immense joy.

In 2023, feeling stronger and inspired to start anew, Maria embarked on another chapter, moving to New Mexico. She found peace in the beauty of the Sandia Mountains, often pointing to them and saying with a smile, "That is my mountain." This simple phrase encapsulated her joy in her new home and her sense of belonging in the landscape. Maria looked forward to creating new memories in her Casita with her sister Lydia, with the majestic Sandias as their backdrop.

Maria's move to New Mexico, along with her sister Lydia, inspired their brother Joe Solis and his wife Marcy Solis to follow suit. This prospect of family reunion brought great joy to Maria, who had been separated from her brother since moving from Chicago to California years ago. She would often say with excitement, "I can't wait for my brother to come," looking forward to reconnecting and strengthening their sibling bond in their new shared home state.

In New Mexico, Maria discovered another welcoming spiritual community at Living Word Church, where she continued praising Jesus and found an amazing, loving church family. Beyond her church community, Maria made new friends who brightened her spirit, adding warmth and joy to her days. She also embraced her expanding family, forming a close bond with her daughter's fiancé, her future son-in-law, whom she affectionately called "Chulo." These new relationships brought fresh happiness and a sense of family to Maria's life in New Mexico.

Maria's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Initially Catholic, she later became a devoted Christian and was known as a powerful prayer warrior. She customized prayers for family, friends, and even those who had wronged her, always ending with her signature phrase, "in Jesus' name."

Despite her ongoing health issues, Maria's spirit remained unbroken. She loved vibrant colors, especially purple, and had a passion for oldies and Christian music. Her greatest joy came from her children and grandchildren, whose mementos she cherished deeply.

Maria's love for her family was evident in the special terms of endearment she used, each one a testament to the unique bond she shared with her loved ones. She affectionately called her grandchildren "Corazon" (heart), a word that encompassed all the love and warmth she felt for them. Her daughter Sandra was lovingly referred to as "Sandrita," a diminutive form that spoke of lifelong affection. For her sons, she had special names too: Felix was "Mijo" (my son), and Ernie was fondly called "Neto." Maria had a special connection with her granddaughter Eden, whom she lovingly called her "Reyna" (queen). Her adult children called her "mom," while to her grandchildren, she was their beloved "nana from New Mexico." These tender nicknames reflected the deep bonds of love within the family and Maria's central role as a source of affection and strength.

Maria's unexpected passing came shortly after winning her long-fought disability case and while eagerly anticipating her daughter's wedding. She leaves behind her three adult children: Felix (49), Sandra (44), and Ernie Jr. (32), as well as three beloved grandchildren, and even two grand-dog babies who will miss her dearly.

Maria Alma Solis will be remembered as a beacon of light in her community, known for her boundless love and angelic presence. Her life story is one of triumph over adversity, unwavering faith, and the enduring power of love and forgiveness. Despite the challenges in her personal relationships and health, Maria's capacity to love remained undiminished, and she continued to believe in the possibility of finding joy and purpose throughout her life.

A private memorial service will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 3:00 PM at French Funerals and Cremation on 1275 Unser Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM, for close family, friends, and members of her church community.

Maria's love and spirit live on through her favorite sayings, which her family will always cherish:

"I love my children, they are my world."

"I made that with love."

"Don't forget to bless yourself."

"I made that." (often said to her daughter Sandra)

"I love you to the moon and back."

These words encapsulate the essence of Maria's love, faith, and enduring spirit, which will continue to inspire all who knew her.

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