Stella Cruz Duran

Stella Cruz Duran was born December 12, 1956, in Alamogordo, New Mexico, to Ysabel Zapata Sida and Chrestine Guilez Sida. She was raised in her beloved hometown, where she attended Alamogordo Public Schools and built a life rooted in love, family, and faith. 

In 1979, she met the love of her life, Francisco "Cruz" Duran, and together they shared a life filled with devotion, laughter, humility, and forgiveness.  Side by side, they raised four children who loved them dearly and who carry forward the values she lived every day. 

Stella was the kind of women whose love had no limits. She never judged, always welcomed, and would gladly feed anyone who walked through her door hungry-especially if it meant sharing her unmatched homemade tortillas and the humble Mexican meals she prepared with such care. She was a living example of unconditional love, something all who knew her could feel without question.  

Music was part of her soul, and she loved to sing as she moved through her days. She was rarely seen without her signature burgundy lipstick, a touch of perfume, and her glitzy necklaces - small reflections of her vibrant spirit and gentle pride. Stella brought warmth wherever she went, and her presence made the world feel softer, kinder, and brighter.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francisco “Cruz” Duran; her parents, Ysabel Zapata Sida and Chrestine Guilez Otero; her brothers Benji, Jose, David, Louis, and Ernest; and her sister Irene.

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters Berlinda Duran, Veronica Hernandez, Kathy Sida, Ramona Beckstrom, and Joanne Muniz; her children Frankie Diaz (Dolores), Joe Diaz, Elfego Duran (Liz), and Rosa Wilson (Jesse); and her cherished grandchildren Isaiah, Savannah, Destinee, Elizabeth, Samantha, Emily, Devin, Josiah, Natalie, Luis, Audry, Aviana, Noah, Aliyah, and Andre, and numerous great grandchildren,  nieces and nephews.

Stella will be forever loved and deeply missed. The world is a little less bright without her in it, but her love lives on in every life she touched.

Rest now, sweet lady, in God’s loving peace.

Services will be held at the Worship Center 801 E 10th Street Wednesday, February 18th at 11 am with reception held immediately after.

Flowers can be sent to the Worship Center.

The Duran family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct the funeral services.

To sign the online register book, please visit https://www.scenicchapel.com/.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stella Cruz Duran, please visit our floral store.