Rosemary Alvarez, also known as Shorty M. Alvarez, died November 21, 2019, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, five days after her 59th birthday. Born November 16, 1960, she was remembered by family as a vibrant, outgoing woman who loved cooking, singing, dancing, and spending time with loved ones.

A Carlsbad Schools alum who participated in ROTC, she was described as friendly and helpful, fond of garage sales and community life. She was preceded in death by her husband Lazaro Alvarez, parents Roberto and Elydia Melendrez, and brother Raul Melendrez. Survivors include children Jeremy Melendrez, Ryan Melendrez, Alana Rodriguez, and Ashlee Garcia, plus grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were handled by Denton-Wood Funeral Home, with visitation November 29, 2019, at Cross Church International and a celebration of life on November 30, 2019, officiated by Pastor Roosevelt Armendariz. No suspicious circumstances or suspects have been indicated in her passing.