Maria Alicia Holloa May 11, 1935 – July 20, 2026

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Maria Alicia Holloa, lovingly known to her family as "Nana," who entered into the presence of her Lord on July 20, 2026, at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, surrounded by the love of her family.

Maria was born on May 11, 1935, in Puebla, Mexico, to Ramon Holloa and Elvira Marin. She was orphaned at the age of 5 after both of her parents passed away, yet through remarkable strength and determination she overcame tremendous hardship. Although she never received a formal education, Maria taught herself to read, write, and speak English, a testament to her perseverance and resilience.

On May 3, 1958, Maria married Francis Nolan Bowler in Detroit, Michigan. They shared 27 years of marriage before divorcing in 1985.

Maria made history as the first female taxi driver in El Paso, Texas, serving her community from 1975 to 1982. More important to her than any occupation, however, was her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and her devotion to her family.

A devoted Christian, Maria faithfully read her Bible every day and lived out her faith through acts of kindness and compassion. From 1994 through 1998, she ministered to the homeless, the sick, and the poor in downtown El Paso, sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ with those most in need.

Above all else, Maria treasured her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose home was always filled with warmth, wisdom, prayer, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, Francis Nolan Bowler; her beloved son, Patrick Bowler; her son-in-law, Terry Arrington; her granddaughter, Courtney Beaucar; her granddaughter, Amber Repka; her grandson-in-law, Richard Repka; and her grandson, Louie Bowler.

She is survived by her children: Paul and Rosa Bowler of Phoenix, Arizona; Mary Arrington and Robert Nichols of Town Creek, Alabama; Philip Bowler of Chaparral, New Mexico; John Henry Bowler of Austin, Texas; Margaret and Danny McAuley of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Elvira and Marcos Medina of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Christina Bowler of Sun City, Arizona, and Eliberia Bowler of Phoenix, Arizona.

Maria leaves behind a beautiful legacy of 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy. She was also a loving companion to her cherished pets, her cats Bruce, Hazel, Sherlock, and Jasper, and her dogs Lily, Rio, and Henry.

Grandchildren

Louie Bowler; Jackie Cano (Benny Cano); Leah Teran; Patrick Joseph Bowler (Leslie); Rocio Bowler; Rebekah Bowler; Isaiah Bowler; Jason Nichols; Casey Ontiveros (Hector); Courtney Beaucar; Nicholas Ayiotes; Michael Bowler; Brittany Palomino (Julio); Victoria Monagle (Levi); John Christopher Bowler (Maria); Amber Repka (Richard); Maurice McAuley; Zachary Carrasco (Franchesca); Adrienne Medina; Andrew Medina (Vanessa); Alex Medina; Hannah Medina; and Grace Medina.

Great-Grandchildren

Benjamin Cano, Seth Cano, Julian Teran, Emiliano Bowler, Alexis Ontiveros, Sophia Ontiveros, Jacob Ontiveros, Scarlet Ayiotes, Teagan Palomino, Shirley Monagle, Max Monagle, Sammy Bowler, James Bowler, Ryan Repka, Emma Repka, Jocelyn Barrett, Grayson Barrett, Camila Carrasco, Dante Medina, Kati Arguijo, Royce Foster, Revan Foster, and Luca Medina.

"I love all my family, all my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, now and throughout the generations." — Maria Alicia Holloa

Her life is a lasting testimony that faith, perseverance, and love can overcome even the greatest adversity.

Those who knew Maria will remember her quiet strength, steadfast faith, generous spirit, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to bless generations to come.

Services

Visitation Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m. Sara Chapel 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Funeral Service Thursday, July 30, 2026, 10:00–11:00 a.m. Sara Chapel 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Burial Immediately following the funeral service Vista Verde Memorial Park 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124