Barbara J. Duran

Barbara J. Duran, 73, went to be with our Lord on Friday, March 27, 2020.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Ann Martinez, Daughter Kimberly Duran, son John Paul Duran, brothers; Leo Martinez, Alfonso Martinez, sisters; Lorraine Mariani, and Dorothy Martinez.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years Leroy A. Duran, Daughters; Rhonda Cota (Terry), Adina Clayton (Anthony), Paula Bentley (Dean), daughter in-law Marie Duran, grandchildren; Samuel Duran, Anthony Cota (Molly), Matthew Cota (Cynthia), Angelica Clayton, Lorraina Clayton, Zachary Clayton, Leah Clayton, John Paul Bentley, and great grandchildren; Ana Cota, Dawson Cota, Brooklyn Cota, Isaiah Cota, and Cecilia Cota.

Barbara Jean Duran, age 73 was born in Raton, New Mexico on December 16, 1946. Barbara graduated from Raton High School in 1965, and married the love of her life Leroy Duran at age 18. Barbara and Leroy were born just three days apart at the same hospital- a rare connection shared, that led to a lifetime of happiness and five children together. Barbara, Leroy and her children traveled the country together constantly, exploring every area from California to New York. Barbara was a die hard Denver Broncos fan and a known collector of “Coca-Cola” products.

Along with being a spunky and witty 4’9 Latina, she was extremely bright. She loved reading, solving crossword puzzles, and was able to shout out Jeopardy answers persistently. Known as “Granny” to all who knew her, she cared for the whole neighborhood who eagerly looked forward to her “worlds greatest” enchiladas and other foods she so seamlessly seemed to whip up. From Thanksgiving dinners to St. Patrick’s Day corned beef, “Granny” always seemed to be the center of fun and holidays not only to her family but to everyone around her. Barbara also enjoyed lounging in her “footie” pajamas, snacking on potato sticks, Russel Stover chocolates, and having her grandkids over. Barbara was well-known for her big, beautiful smile and her curly, black hair. She was known for having her coffee every morning and dancing the night away to Elvis with her husband. As a woman of God; a faithful Christian to Jesus Christ, Barbara’s last entry that she wrote in her bible was “give everything to Jesus”. The night before she went to be with the Lord, she spent the night singing Christian hymns “I’ll Fly Away” and “How Great Thou Art”. She loved the friends that she made in Sunday school at First Baptist Church of West Albuquerque and a memorial is to be followed soon.