The Lovatos

Dennis was born in Las Cruces, on November 7, 1946 to Lucy Lovato. He was raised by his mother and grandmother Maria Isabel Quintana. He graduated from Cathedral High School in El Paso, TX. Drafted into the Army, he returned from Vietnam in 1968 to marry his wife of 50 years Esther Carrillo. Shortly after his service to our country, DJ worked for the State of New Mexico Bureau of Revenue. After 6 years, he decided to attend New Mexico State University soon thereafter joining the City of Las Cruces Police Department. He retired with 22 years of service. After retirement, he re-entered the workforce with the City of Las Cruces Recreation Department, supervising high school students. He enjoyed mentoring “his kids” for 7 years until the program ended.

Esther was born on December 15th, 1947 in Dona Ana, New Mexico. She was the last child born to her parents, Cilia Barela Carrillo and Bernardino Carrillo, who shared 10 other children. Esther is remembered as a selfless daughter and sister, who endlessly cared and provided for her siblings throughout their lives. She dedicated 27 years of her life as an accountant at the City of Las Cruces, retiring in 1993. She enjoyed spending her retirement by devoting her time to the Latter Rain Harvest Fellowship Church, where she offered her diligent service as a bookkeeper, and provided mentorship to church members, all of whom she recognized as a part of her family.