RUTH D. SANCHEZ, 71, of Chamita died Monday after a short illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Adolfo Sanchez; son, Orlando Sanchez; sisters, Isabel Trujillo, Eliza Martinez, Clara Valdez and Guadalupe "Pita" Gallegos; and brothers, Pete Garcia and Manuel Garcia. She is survived by her children, Donald M. Salazar and Pablo Sanchez, both of Chamita, James "Jimmy" Sanchez and companion Barbara Sanchez and Carmela Martinez, all of Española, and Eloy Dennis Sanchez and wife Debbie of Santa Fe; sisters, Sarah Roybal and Elvira Salazar, both of Chamita and Nancy Wilson of El Guache; brothers, Paul Martinez of La Mesilla, Fidel Valdez of Chamita, 11 grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Cremation has taken place. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. today at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley. (505) 747-7477.
Dated: August 11, 2004
ARTHUR TENORIO, 80, of Las Vegas, N.M., died Friday at Alta Vista Regional Hospital. He was born in Las Vegas, N.M. He attended the Las Vegas Public Schools. He was a World War II veteran and received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal, the 1-star American Defense Medal and the 3-star Asiatic-Pacific Medal. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 in Denver and served in active combat on the USS New Orleans, the USS Rockaway, the USS Whitney, FFA, and the USS YP-520. His highest rank was a ship's cook, 3rd class. He was honorably discharged in Dec., 1945. He received his bachelor's degree in 1949 from New Mexico Highlands University and his master's degree in clinical psychology. He studied for his doctorate at the University of Washington from 1952 to 1955. He was an instructor in psychology at New Mexico Highlands University and taught in the Mora County School System in Ocate and the San Miguel County School System in Trementina. He was a probation officer for the Second Judicial District-Juvenile Court in Las Cruces, Alamogordo and Carrizozo and was the director of guidance and couseling at the Bernalillo Public Schools. At West Las Vegas Schools, he was a couselor, director of Federal Programs and acting superintendent and director of La Puerta Methodone Treatment Program in Las Vegas, N.M. He was the assistant superintendent of the West Las Vegas Schools from 1975-1977 and was superintendent from 1977-78. He was a member of the New Mexico Education Association, the N.M. Probation and Parole Association, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. He was on the executive committee for Community Action Programs, on the state board of Home Education Livlihood Programs, Water New Mexico, chairman of Siete Del Norte, a member of the Finance and Personnel Committee for the department of Hospitals and Institutions and on the state advisory committee for the Mental Health of New Mexico and the Health and Environment Department. He traveled throughout the world and most of the United States. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merenciano and Ofelia Lucero Tenorio; brother, George Tenorio; and daughter, Mary Ann Tenorio. He is survived by his children, Georgia Tenorio, Arturo Tenorio and Raymond Tenorio, all of Las Vegas, N.M., and Randy Valdez and wife Gail of Gallup; seven grandchildren; and many other relatives. A celebration of his life will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the Plaza Park with burial to follow at 1 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the New Mexico Highlands University Foundation, P.O. Box 9000, Las Vegas, N.M. 87701 for a scholarship for a West Las Vegas High School student. Gonzales Funerals & Cremations, (505) 425-9319.
Dated: August 11, 2004
JOSEPH G. WILLIAMS, 43, of Denver died Sunday. He is survived by his mother, Edith Williams; son, Ian Maestas, both of Española; brothers and sisters, David Williams and wife Josie of Mesa, Ariz., George Williams and wife Kathy of Plano, Texas, Connie Conover and husband John and Gail Richley and husband Jim, all of Campbell, Calif., Martha Serwatoski and husband Jeff of Rockwall, Texas, Patrisha Gavurnik and husband Dan of Española, Winifred Williams, Alexandria Williams, Louisa Boyte and husband Michael, Wanda Worrell, both of Lakewood, Colo.; and many other relatives and friends. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home. (505) 747-7477.
Dated: August 11, 2004
ELUID MARTINEZ SR., 62, of Chimayó, died Tuesday after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Toribio and Celsa Martinez; brothers, Gavino, Anselmo and Hector Martinez; sister, Natalie Moya; and father and spouse, Luis and Reyecitas Valdez. He was a general contractor by trade. He loved to have children around him and to spoil his grandchildren. He was an adovacte for the elderly. He enjoyed having a garden in his younger years. He was a member of the Holy Family Society of Holy Family Catholic Church. He is survived by his spouse, Elsie M. Martinez of Chimayo; sons, Eluid Martinez Jr. and companion Jim Bagby of Santa Fe, Michael Martinez and companion Angela Martinez and Matthew D. Martinez and spouse Paula, all of Chimayó; one grandchild; two adopted grandchildren; brothers, Lorenzo Martinez and spouse Tessie, Orlando Martinez, Bobby Martinez and spouse Elsie and Dennis Martinez, all of Chimayó; sisters, Lita Ortiz and spouse Leroy and Alicia Glass, all of Chimayó; and many other relatives and friends. A public visitation will be held at 6 p.m. today with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at the Holy Family Catholic Church with burial to follow at Potrero Cemetery in Chimayó. DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley, (505) 747-7477.
Dated: August 12, 2004
URSULA ROMERO RUIZ, 88, died Monday after a short illness. She was the third of 10 children born to the late Jose de Jesus and Beatriz Q. Romero of Cuyamungue. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe A. Ruiz; brothers, Narcisco Romero, Andres Romero and Ernesto Romero; and sisters, Abigail Garcia and Genoveva Montoya. She is survived by her daughter, Lorraine Avila; five grandchildren; brother, Jose J. Romero; sisters, Frances Romero and husband Ramon Romero, Minnie Ortiz and Carrie Baldonado; special neighbor, Margie Anaya; and many other relatives and friends. A public viewing will be held at 4:30 p.m. today followed by a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. at Berardinelli Family Funeral Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Saint Anne's Church with burial to follow at the Rosario Cemetery. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 983-4331.
Dated: August 12, 2004
ARTHUR "FASHO" TRUJILLO, 80, of El Prado died Tuesday. He was born in El Prado to Rafael Trujillo and Pablita Cisneros Trujillo. He attended school at El Prado Elementary and graduated from Taos High School in 1943. He was drafted into the armed forces and served two and a half years with the famous 2nd Infantry Division, 2nd Combat Engineers, 28th Combat Team in Europe. He landed on D-Day on the coast of France and fought in four major battles— Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. Decorations included the European, African, Middle-Eastern and Victory medals. He married his late wife, Teofila Martinez, in 1949. He worked odd jobs in town, 10 years with Molycorp and four years with Harper Motors as a salesman, and was elected Taos County sheriff for five terms. He served as precinct chairman of El Prado for several years and one term as Republican County Chairman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Teofila Trujillo and son, Bobby Trujillo Sr.. He is survived by his children, Anthony "Fashito" Trujillo and wife Elaine, Teresa Trujillo and husband Manuel Medina, Francina Trujillo, Anna Maria Montoya and husband Ray Ed, and Lola Cunico and husband Shane; 10 grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. today at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with burial to follow at Dolores Cemetery. Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home, (505) 758-3841.
Dated: August 12, 2004
EUFELIA ARAGON, 93, of Las Vegas, N.M. died Wednesday. She was born in Mineral Hill. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Santos Gonzales and Anastacia Garduno; husband, Miguel Aragon; son, Marvin Vigil; and brothers, Telesfor Gonzales and Jose Gonzales. She is survived by her children, Roger Vigil and wife Judy and Joseph E. Vigil, all of Las Vegas, N.M., Hope Vigil-Martinez and husband Jesus of Los Lunas, and Fred Vigil and wife Darlene of Las Vegas, Nev.; nine grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Nelson Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Nelson Funeral Home; 425-6551.
Dated: August 13, 2004
ESTEVAN ARELLANO, 87, of Guachupaunque died Tuesday. He was born in La Jara to Teodocio and Gregorita C. Arellano. He married Camilla M. Arellano in Gaillina in 1934. He was a caring husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife, Camila Maria Arellano; sons, Theodore Arellano and Joseph Anthony Arellano; and Pablo Martinez, a close friend whom he considered a brother. He is survived by his sons, Danny Arellano and wife Lita of Glendale Calif.; Zebedeo Arellano and wife Francis of Tesuque; Leonard Arellano of Santa Fe; Patricio Arellano of Santa Fe; a grandson whom he raised, Daniel I. Arellano and wife Esperanza of Española; daughters, Evelyn Arellano of Santa Fe; Lupe Martinez and husband Leandro of Española; Teresa Valadez, Alice Alvarez and Mary Hinojosa and husband Rogelio, all of Santa Maria, Calif., Vangie Griego and husband Ignacio of Albuquerque and Patricia Arellano of Dalton, Ga.; a granddaughter whom he raised, Eilene Alvarez of Santa Maria, Calif; sisters, Elisida Padilla of Gallina and Cristina Gonzales of Arroyo Seco; 52 grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Española. A private family burial will take place Saturday in Alcalde. Rivera Family of Block-Salazar Mortuary of the Española Valley, toll free 1 (800) 443-4854.
Dated: August 13, 2004
CRESTINA "NANA" LOPEZ, 88, of Chamita died Tuesday after a short illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Onesimo and Natividad Lopez and sister, Josefita Baros. She was always working on the ranch feeding the animals. She was a hard worker. She took care of the elderly later in life. She was a housekeeper and liked to roast green chile for people. She helped raise three nieces and two nephews. She is survived by her close cousins, Isabel Maestas and Hope Padilla, both of Albuquerque, Prescilla Martinez of Chamita, Elisa Sanchez of Lyden and Frank Salazar of Chimayó and many other relatives and friends. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in San Juan Pueblo with burial to follow at San Pedro Catholic Cemetery in Chamita. DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley, (505) 747-7477.
Dated: August 13, 2004
ROSA PENA, 82, died Sunday at Laurel Heights Nursing Home in Albuquerque. She resided in Albuquerque since 1986. She was born in Hondo to the late Federico Peña and Amada Sanchez Peña. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Barelas. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Elena Peña; son, Francisco Peña; and brother, Teodoro Peña. She is survived by her sons, Juan Jose Peña of Albuquerque and Fernando Peña and wife Sara Rael of Houston; daughter, Elena Peña; three grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. today at the Rogers Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with burial to follow at the family plot at San Antonio Cemetery. The family will hold a reception after the funeral at the Palms Ball Room on the Plaza. Rogers Mortuary, (505) 425-3511.
Dated: August 13, 2004
INA VAE GATES, 96, of northern New Mexico died Tuesday after a short illness at Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, Calif.
She had moved to Brawley from Cimarron in 1974. She was born in Dryden, Okla., to Miller and Minnie (Keeler) Gibson. She worked for her father's telephone exchange after moving to Wagon Mound with her family. She graduated from high school in Raton in 1926. After attending Las Vegas Normal University in New Mexico, she taught in a one-room country school in Mosquero and Optimo from 1927 to 1929. In 1929, she married Leo William Gates and moved to Las Vegas, N.M. She next moved to Raton, where her husband worked in auto repair and sales. In 1936, she moved to the Philmont Ranch at Cimarron. The family lived on the ranch in the employment of Waite Phillips for 10 years and remained on the ranch for a year after Mr. Phillips donated the ranch to the Boy Scouts of America and it became the Philmont Scout Ranch. She next moved to Cimarron, where her family operated a drug store and a hardware store until 1952. Her husband next served as property manager for Mr. Phillips, which required a move to Brentwood, Calif. She was devoted to her family and her church. She was a member of the Valley Baptist Church in Brawley. She enjoyed telling stories about her family history and about her life in Oklahoma, New Mexico and California. She never missed a family celebration.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo W. Gates.
She is survived by her sons, Bill and wife Tina Gates of Brawley, Calif., and Bud Gates of Centennial, Colo.; brother, Sam Gibson of Cimarron; six grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Burial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Wagon Mound Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, her family has suggested donations be made in her name to the Pioneer Memorial Hospital Foundation at 207 West Legion Road, Brawley, Calif., 92227 or Valley Baptist Church, 701 B Street, Brawley, Calif., 92227.
Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, N.M., 1-800-479-3511.
Dated: August 26, 2004
