Ana Maria Hightower

Ana Maria “Mary” Hightower of Hobbs, NM, passed away peacefully at home on June 3rd, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born August 14th, 1938, in Sanderson, Texas to Jesus Bustamante and Manuela Campos Bustamante. A devout Catholic, Mary was baptized on December 10th, 1948. She had a lifelong enjoyment of learning, returning to graduate school after high school and later becoming an elementary teacher at Hobbs Municipal Schools. She retired after more than 25 years of service at Taylor Elementary School. She was often remembered fondly by her former students and colleagues. Following her retirement, she worked at Our Lady of Guadalupe church, where she attended mass regularly. Throughout her life, Mary enjoyed traveling, writing poetry, word puzzles, gardening, watching old westerns, and caring for her family.

Mary had a wonderful sense of humor. She often told funny stories and made jokes, resulting in tons of laughter and memories for those around her. She had an infectious smile that would light up the room. Her character spoke volumes. Mary was a very genuine person, always speaking the truth and helping those around her in need. To know her was to love her.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Manuela Bustamante; three brothers, Manuel Bustamante of Hobbs, Eulalio “Eddie” Bustamante of El Paso, TX, and Richard Bustamante of Sacramento, CA; one sister, Lucy Bustamante of Sacramento, CA; husband, Santos Salazar of Hobbs; a daughter, Theresa “Terry” Cantu of Hobbs; a son-in-law, Juan “Camaron” Cantu of Hobbs, a son, Juan Salazar of Hobbs; a granddaughter Ana Alicia Cantu of Hobbs; husband, Marion Hightower of Hobbs.

She is survived by her brother, Jose Bustamante of Denver, CO; one son, Jose Salazar of Hobbs, three stepsons, Mike Hightower (Anay) of Albuquerque, Stephen Hightower (Terri) of Albuquerque, and Tim Hightower of Birmingham, AL; a bonus daughter, Laurie Pellissier (Robert) of Hobbs; 24 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many more who held a very special place in her heart.