Benny "Whitey" Ayala

Over the course of his 82 years, Benny Ayala overcame many health-related challenges during his life, including this past summer when he recovered from double pneumonia and COVID. Benny’s health continued to decline and was in home hospice when on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, he passed away peacefully in his sleep.  Benny Ayala was born on August 1, 1940, to Crescensio and Maria (Chavez) Ayala in Horse Springs, New Mexico. He was the youngest of four children.  He was known to many in his hometown of Socorro, New Mexico as “Whitey.”

He was a man of simple tastes, a man of kindness, and a man of devoted prayer.  He loved his family, his God and Waylon Jennings in that order. And his faith sustained him all throughout his life. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Philip Ayala and Eva Montoya. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Navidad (Ortiz), his daughters Rachel Z. Ayala, Luciana Welch (Greg) and two grandchildren, Reina and Winston Welch.  He is also survived by his older brother, Raymond D. Ayala (Linda), several nieces and nephews, and his best friend, Fred Lopez.  Benny will be cremated, and his life will be celebrated privately as per his wishes.

The family would like to thank Ambercare Hospice for their kind and caring treatment of Benny these past 8 months and the entire team at Trujillo Family Funeral Home for their helpful and caring nature during this challenging time.  The family would also like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers, and graciously invite anyone to post any memories of Benny on this site.

Arrangements entrusted to the caring professionals of

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

(505) 433-7747