Florentina Frias Bencomo, "Flora," (or also fondly referred to as "Grandma Goose" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) at 87 years of age has entered eternal rest on November 30, 2016 in El Paso, Texas. Flora was born to Francisco Frias and Petra Grijalva Frias on April 27, 1929 in Arrey, NM. Flora had four siblings growing up on the farm in Arrey, NM: Lenore, Mary, Joe, and Jesus. Anytime family and friends gathered around the Frias household, the canicas board would come out for some casual competition and fun. Flora and her sister, Mary, would often go horseback riding to Percha Dam on Sundays after attending church services. Flora married Mauro G. Bencomo, also of Arrey, NM, where her family continued to flourish. Flora loved when family from out of town would visit. She also spent much of her free time with lifelong friend, Eloisa Alvarado. Flora liked to play card games such as solitaire and Gin-rummy, and often got chided by her family and friends for how well she played the games. Flora liked to make handmade items such as crocheted blankets, embroidered items such as table cloths and doilies as well as quilted blankets. Flora was cherished by her family and friends, she will be greatly missed as she enters eternal rest.
Flora was survived by two siblings, Brother Jesus Frias and Sister Mary Frias; Sisters-in-laws Erlinda Apodaca Antonia Bencomo, Socorro Bencomo and Sharon Frias; two children, son Eddie Bencomo and wife Yolanda, and daughter Debbie Vallejos; nine grandchildren April Herrera, Krissy Bencomo, Samantha Bencomo, Zonya Buchanan, Daniel Vallejos, JoAnna Vallejos, Michelle Carey, and Amanda Carey; Seventeen great-grandchildren Gunner Dudley, Keshan Redd, Denalia Redd, Xavria Buchanan, Zophia Buchanan; Francine Vallejos, Arianna Vallejos, Tommy Reyes, Xander Misquez, David Henry III, Joe Angel Sermeno, Adrian Sermeno, Dominic Vallejos, Deanna Vallejos, Alina Vallejos.
Flora was preceded in death by her Beloved Husband Mauro G. Bencomo; Parents Francisco Frias and Petra Grijalva Frias; Siblings Joe Frias and Lenore Frias; Brothers-in-law Aristeo Apodaca , Jose Bencomo, and Eloy Bencomo; Son Elpidio Bencomo, Daughter Patricia Carey; Grandchildren David Vallejos and Rebecca Carey.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday December 15th at 7pm for the Rosary Vigil at Getz Funeral Home located at 1410 E. Bowman Ave Las Cruces NM 88001 and Friday December 16th at 1:30 pm for the funeral mass at Holy (Cross) Catholic Church located at 1327 N Miranda St, Las Cruces, NM 88005 with Internment following in the columbarium.

Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on Dec. 15, 2016.