Grace Jackson, age 89, died peacefully on January 2, 2017 in her sleep at the Desert Peaks Assisted Living and Memory Care Center, after battling dementia. Grace was born on June 4, 1927 in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Tsunakitchi and Antonia M. Koyama.Grace was a vibrant and beautiful woman, who loved dancing, the casino, meeting new people and traveling. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, laughing and telling jokes. She always wore a smile on her face and was the life of the party. Grace graduated from high school and college in Los Angeles, California and became a licensed stenographer.Grace married and moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she raised her children, Richard Martinez, Ramona Davis, Terry Granado, Cindy Muñoz and Emily Koyama. Grace worked as a switch board operator at New Mexico State University, Physical Science Laboratory and retired in 2007. Grace is survived by her sisters-in-law, Pauline Koyama of Colorado, and Clemmie Morris of Las Cruces; son, Richard Martinez of Las Cruces; daughters, Ramona and her husband Mike Davis of Las Cruces, Terry Granado of Albuquerque, Cindy and her husband Larry Muñoz of California, Emily Koyama and her husband Peter Neal of Santa Fe. Grandchildren, Ricky and Michael Martinez, Christine Davis, Krystal Mendoza, Jairus and Ivan Granado, Regina Guerra, Vanessa and Justin Sanchez, Christopher and Eric Avitia. Great grandchildren, Shane Benavidez, Jaden Gilligan, Samantha Mendoza, Asia Granado, Gavin, Nikki and Troy Guerra, Aviana Garcia, Marco J. Maese and Isaiah Avitia.Special thanks to all the staff at Desert Peaks Assisted Living and Memory Care Center and Ambercare, who provided competent and compassionate care to Grace.A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 4 PM at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com