Barbara Yuma

Barbara Yuma departed this life surrounded by her family on October 25, 2025, at the age of 60.

Born on April 10,1965, she was raised in El Prado and as a child cherished her time visiting with her beloved grandma Manuelita. Barbara attended Taos schools and graduated from Taos High in 1983. For a short period, Barbara lived and attended college in Albuquerque but soon returned home to help care for her siblings. Barbara often recalled her time working at Casa Benavidez and Michael’s Kitchen as a young adult. In 1998 she began her career as a librarian for the Town of Taos, retiring in 2021 after 23 years of service. Some of Barbara’s favorite pastimes were checking in on all her family and friends through a call or message, a relaxing fishing trip to Eagle Rock Lake in Questa, trying out different restaurants and eateries, getting wrapped-up into an interesting new series or movie on tv; but most of all Barbara was happy wherever she was as long as her family was around. Barbara had a gift for making everyone feel seen and heard, she saw the good in all and lived a life with a heart full of love. It was a heart that gave so generously to her family, friends, and community that it simply could not give anymore.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Dickie and Lucille Yuma; maternal grandparents, Fortunato and Manuelita Martinez; paternal grandparents, Jose and Rufina Yuma; sister, Vera Yuma; nephew, Joseph Morgas; tías and tíos, Guillerma Segura (Steve), Valentine Martinez (Angie), Ben Martinez, and Joe Yuma (Lucy).

Barbara is survived by her children, Marissa Romero and Tomas Romero; sister she helped raise, Loretta Yuma (Erick); brother, Johnny Yuma (Pam); grandchildren, Emmanuel Romero and Ariana Struck; goddaughter, Consuelo Cordova-Ruiz; tías and tíos, Pricilla Gonzales (Francisco), Meliton Martinez (Minga), Connie Martinez, Sam Yuma and Larry Yuma (Patti); nieces and nephews, Desiree, Cassandra (Luke), Jonathan and Nicholas; great-nieces, Jenna, Coraline and Violet; great-nephew Vinny; step-nephew Erick Jr. and many more relatives and friends she cared for deeply.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 9:30am, both held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic church. 

The family of Barbara Yuma has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com