Judith "Judy" Ann Casey Mares

Judith "Judy" Ann Casey Mares passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, leaving behind a life filled with love, family, and lasting friendships. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her honesty, and the many relationships she nurtured throughout her life.

Judy was born in Russell, Kansas. She spent her early years in Hoisington and Chase, Kansas, later attending Garden City Community College.

Following her time in Garden City, Judy moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico, on the recommendation of a friend. She went on to complete her Bachelor's degree at Highlands University where she built the foundation for a life centered on learning, service, and relationships.

While living in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Judy met the love of her life, Tony Mares. Together they built a life rooted in love and partnership, raising their son, Matthew Mares. Las Vegas remained their home, where they created lasting memories with family and friends.

Throughout her life, she held many roles, including babysitting, office management at Taco Bell Corporate Offices, Ford dealerships, and serving within the Las Vegas public schools. She also worked in the Highlands University library and spent time selling the Grit newspaper in Kansas. One of her most meaningful roles was serving as an office manager at Santa Fe Community College, where she shared her passion for education and helping others succeed. Upon her retirement, Judy moved from Las Vegas to Rio Rancho to be closer to her son and beloved granddaughter.

Judy found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. She loved reading, especially romance and mystery novels by Tony Hillerman, talking on the phone with friends and family, and caring for her beloved dog, Blue. She enjoyed growing plants and was proud of learning to ice skate in Las Vegas. Though she joked about disliking cooking and bugs, her sense of humor and honesty made her all the more endearing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine Dorothy Aguilara and Wesley Isaac Casey; her brother, Jimmie Casey; her husband, Tony Mares; and beloved aunts, Anita and Amelia, and uncles, Louie, Baldo, and Gilbert.

Judy is survived by her son, Matthew Mares; her daughter-in-law, Miranda Mares; and her beloved granddaughter, Maraya Mares. She is also survived by her siblings, Pat Casey, Lewis Casey (and his wife, Siri Casey), and Geraldine Casey; her nephews, Chris Casey (and his wife, Rhianna Casey-Diem, and their son, Jude Casey) and Robert Casey; her nieces, Kimberley Barney and Katelyn Barney; her sister-in-law, Robin Casey; her niece, Jennifer Casey and her children, Kayla and Breanna Casey; along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Judy will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of conversation, and the deep care she showed to those closest to her. Her presence will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.