Johnny Joe Molina, age 93, a longtime resident of Cuba, New Mexico, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. He was born May 6, 1933, in San Jon, New Mexico, to Ramon Molina and Cornelia Lucero Molina. He graduated from El Rito High School, Class of 1952 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education from New Mexico Highlands University. He proudly served in the United States Army for 2 years. In 1954, Johnny married the love of his life, Loyola Sanchez, in Pueblo, Colorado. He was a Middle School Math teacher for 27 years. In addition, he was a GED Instructor, member of NEA Teachers Union, as well as the business owner of Molina Fence and Rental for 37 years. He managed a summer swimming program bussing children to Albuquerque weekly, later running the Cuba Independent School’s own pool for years once it was built.

Johnny loved ranching, hunting, camping, dancing, woodworking and telling jokes. He was a co-founder of Cuba Credit Union, established Cuba’s Little League Basketball Program, and was the Director of the Sandoval County Senior Olympics. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Cuba Immaculate Conception Church, where he served as Eucharistic Minister.He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Cornelia Molina; brothers, Fidel Molina, Raymond Molina Jr. and Ben Molina; son, Johnny J. Molina Jr.; and grandson, Brandon Molina.He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Loyola Molina of Cuba, NM; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Joan Molina of Rio Rancho, NM; son, Ronald Molina of Bernalillo, NM; son and daughter-in-law, Martin and Elizabeth Molina of Rio Rancho, NM; son, Matthew Molina of Albuquerque, NM; son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Iris Molina of Espanola, NM; and daughter-in-law, Virginia Molina, wife of the late Johnny J. Molina Jr. of Edgewood, NM; 15 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.Pallbearers will be: Ryan Molina, Zachary Molina, Hawk Ration, Michael Molina, Cristian Molina, Jacob Molina and Jonah Molina.

Services will begin with open visitation from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, Cuba Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Recitation of the Rosary, 10:00 a.m., followed by Celebration of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Procession will travel back to Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM for burial at 1:30 p.m. A reception will be at Elks Lodge following burial.