Santos Moreno Puentes

Santos Moreno Puentes, of New Deal, Texas, passed away after a long illness on November 19, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family. Born August 17, 1942, in Mathis, TX, to Maria de Jesus Trevino and Pablo Moreno. Santos was the fourth of ten children. She remembered working in the cotton fields as a child with her family, and their races to see who could pick the most cotton. According to Santos, she took pride in being the usual winner of the contest. She left school in the fifth grade to help support her family as a migrant worker, then earned her GED after the birth of her first five children.

On June 17, 1961, she married Jose Salinas Puentes in Mathis, Texas at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Santos was proud of their 64-year marriage and was devoted to her family. An avid reader and talented, self-taught seamstress, she made special occasion clothing for family and friends. She also made special clothing for her son, Eddie. She was a self taught reupholster and antiques restorer.

She leaves behind her husband, daughters Norma Jean Puentes, Lisa Aguirre, Chirstine M. Puentes, and Adrienne Puentes all of New Deal, TX, and her son Joe Puentes of Placitas, NM, and son in law, Sam Fellows. Her son, Erineo (Eddie) Puentes, a little person, died in1992.

She also leaves behind, her siblings, sisters Martina Garza (Julian), Mary Gonzales (Miguel), Susan Soto (Jose), and her brother Juan Moreno (Guadelupe), eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Besides her son Eddie, those preceding her in death include her parents, her sisters Dolores Martinez, Herlinda Gonzales, Margarita Cantu, and brothers Clemente Moreno and Pablo Moreno.

Santos will be remembered by her family as a supportive mother and grandmother who attended all the births of her grandchildren, and who was always available and encouraging her family to remember they could achieve anything they wished. She was known for her sharp wit and playful sense of humor. Santos became a football fan when her grandsons played for the New Deal High School Lions, attending all their games. Friday night was football night. If they weren’t attending the game, there was a football party in the living room. She was also a fan of the New England Patriots. Mostly, Santos enjoyed being with her family and taking care of her home with her husband. She will be especially missed during the holiday season, as she was always eager to decorate and cook for her family. A giving woman of faith, Santos asked for nothing but to be able to enjoy spending time with those she loved.

Donations in memory of Mrs. Puentes may be made by mail to:

Little People of America, Inc.

617 Broadway #518

Somona, CA 95476

Flowers in her honor may be sent to:

Guajardo Funeral Chapels

407 N University Ave

Lubbock, TX 79415