CHARLES (CHARLIE) NEWMAN PIRTLE
Charles (Charlie) Newman Pirtle, 74, longtime resident of Las Cruces, passed away at his home in Tijeras on Aug. 4, 2008.
Charlie was born March 17, 1934, in San Benito, Texas. He was the first son of Carl Filmore and Mary Alice Pirtle. He spent his youth in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, graduating from McAllen High School.
Soon thereafter he joined the U.S. Army, and the government, in its infinite wisdom, shipped a boy from south Texas to join the infantry in Alaska. Charlie took to the wilderness, and his strong love for the outdoors was kindled into a passion and way of life that would never die. Upon honorable discharge from the Army, Charlie attended college at Texas A & I University, where he rodeoed, hunted, ran track and sometimes attended classes. Next, in 1961, Charlie joined the U.S. Border Patrol and was stationed in Las Cruces — spending his entire career in New Mexico. To say that Charlie enjoyed a successful career with the Border Patrol would be an understatement. His reputation grew throughout the Southwest — even extending deep into Mexico, where those he was charged with apprehending, knew of his name and legend. That reputation was one of dedication, skill, integrity, honesty and a fair hand. No farmer or illegal immigrant wanted Charlie to be on the job — not because they did not like him, but only because the probability of escaping his tracking skills was so unlikely.
Beyond his larger-than-life reputation as a law enforcement officer, hunter, tracker and National Champion pistol marksman, Charlie possessed a warmth of character rarely seen today. He often said he had been born a hundred years too late, and friends and family can attest to his disdain for "new-fangled gadgets" such as microwave ovens and personal computers. In addition, his penchant for keeping everything he ever owned was renown; but no more than his ability to keep it all tidy and neatly composed. He was a pack-rat of immense organizational skills. Yet beyond all of these things, more than anything, Charlie was a gentleman, a patriot, a cowboy at heart, and a warm and caring human being. His hospitable nature can be supported by any of the multitude of friends that have enjoyed his cat-head biscuits with gravy, sourdough bread, or campfire cooking — all the while being entertained by one of his many stories. This honest and straight-forward nature, this code of conduct, and this rare gift for warm friendship; this is what will be missed the most by the many lucky persons that called him — Friend. Charles Newman Pirtle was preceded in death by a sister, Carla Mae, and both of his parents. He is survived by his wife Sara, brother Paul, sons, Robert, Scott and Carl; and an extended family of loving daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Aug. 9 at Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests honorariums in his name be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, 5705 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, MT 59808, Attn: Michelle Tucker, National Border Patrol Museum, 4315 Transmountain Drive, El Paso, TX 79924, or the NRA, 11250 Waples Mills Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.
French Mortuary, Inc.
PAULINE MATHEWS "POLLY" FULFER
Pauline Mathews "Polly" Fulfer, 89, passed away peacefully at her home Aug. 5, 2008. She was born near Mountainair on September 23, 1918, to Guy and Laura (Trotter) Mathews.
On September 8, 1942, she married C.H. Fulfer, son of H.M. (Milt) and Bernice (Harrison) Fulfer. Pauline and C.H. lived and ranched near Gran Quivira for many years. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband C.H. in 1994; her parents; an infant son; two sisters and five brothers. She is survived by daughters, Norma Sullenger and husband Bob of Mountainair; Sharon Jackson and husband Hoyt of Austin, Texas; and Venita Shaw and husband Kenny of Mountainair. Also surviving her are her grandchildren, Craig Sullenger and his girlfriend Abby Adams; Guy and Samantha Sullenger; Wyatt Sullenger and fiancé Tonia Dunlap; and one great grandson, Bodan Sullenger. She was "Aunt Polly" to many nieces and nephews, who also survive her. A graveside service was held Aug. 7 at White Lake Cemetery. The Rev. Clyde Fulfer officiated. Pallbearers were Pauline's grandsons and sons-in-law.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
WINNIE LOU LOVE
Winnie Lou Love, 76, of Moriarty passed away on Aug. 4, 2008, in Albuquerque.
Winnie was born on July 19, 1932, in Dimmit, Texas to William Oscar and Nellie (Turner) Jones. Winnie married Albert Woodrow Love on September 24, 1962; he preceded her in death on May 7, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Richard Whinery, and grandsons, Bradley Warren and Johnny Joe Whinery. Winnie is survived by her sons, Johnny Whinery of California; Vernon Whinery and wife Joan of California; Billy Whinery of South Dakota; Walter Whinery and wife Kippy of California; daughters, Cheryl Gingall and husband Tom of California; Valrea Whinery of Albuquerque; Jodi Love of Moriarty; sister, Zelda Dean and husband Crile of California; 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A Viewing was held Aug. 7 at the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary Chapel in Moriarty. Funeral Services were held Aug. 8 at the First Baptist Church in Moriarty; Pastor Tom Schenk officiated. Interment followed at the Mountain View Cemetery in Moriarty. Pallbearers were Scott Love, Nick Tapia, Danny Whinery, Greg Alexander, Aaron Longoria and Jimmy Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers were Paul Tapia Jr., Johnny Whinery, Billy Whinery, Vernon Whinery and Walter Whinery.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
THOMAS "ED" EDWARD JOHNSON
Thomas "Ed" Edward Johnson, 75, of Moriarty passed away Aug. 6, 2008, at his home in Moriarty with his loving family beside him.
Ed was born December 3, 1932, in Hollis, Okla. to James Milton and Florence (Cheatwood) Johnson. Ed married Naomi Dee Nard on May 30, 1958, in Albuquerque. In his early years, he served four years in the Navy. That was followed by 21 years served on the Albuquerque Police Department. Both of these he used to prepare himself for his service as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He worked with the brethren in Drumright, Okla. for 10 years. While there, the congregation grew both spiritually and numerically. He moved to Tatum and served there for five years, teaching and growing with the brethren. He felt extremely blessed that after his retirement he was allowed to work alongside Brothers and Sisters in Estancia until his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rusty James Scott Johnson; brother, Larry Wayne Cheuvront and sister, Wanda Palmer. Ed is survived by his wife Naomi Dee Johnson of Moriarty; daughter, Aimee Marie Elliott and husband George Wayne of Moriarty; daughter-in-law, Diane Johnson of Henryetta, Okla.; sister, Judie Parish of Sun City, Ariz.; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many, many brothers and sisters in Christ. Funeral Services were held Aug. 9 at the Church of Christ in Estancia; John Phillis and John C. Booth Jr. officiated. Interment followed at the Stanley Cemetery in Stanley. Pallbearers were Charles Wilson, Ken Thompson, Gale Blackwell, Jackson Sellars, Larry Rider and Haskell Golden. Honorary Pallbearers were Ray Morris, Donald Hibner, Rosco Cook, Jack Sellars and Ed Nichols.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
FLORENCE KOLB
Florence Kolb, 89, of Moriarty passed away Aug. 5, 2008.
Florence was born September 23, 1918, in Providence, R.I. to Matthew and Isabelle Perry. Florence was preceded in death by her parents Matthew and Isabelle Perry. She is survived by sons, Robert Genovesi; Anthony Genovesi Jr; daughter Pauline Perea; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Aug. 11 at the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty. David Torres officiated. Cremation followed the service.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
FLORENCE KOLB
Florence Kolb, 89, of Moriarty passed away Aug. 5, 2008. Florence was born Sept. 23, 1918, in Providence, R.I. to Matthew and Isabelle Perry. Florence was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by sons, Robert Genovesi; Anthony Genovesi Jr; daughter Paula Genovesi; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Aug. 11 at the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty. David Torres officiated. Cremation followed after the services.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
STEFFEN JOE DAUGHERTY
Steffen Joe Daugherty, 41, of Moriarty went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 12, 2008.
Steffen was born July 26, 1967, in Washington Courthouse, Ohio, to Joseph Ervin and Mary Ellen Daugherty. He graduated from Miami Trace High School in 1985. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1987 and obtained the rank of Senior Airman.
Steffen married Mary Joella Vigil on June 17, 1989, in Albuquerque, N.M. He was employed with Torrance County, a system administrator for Assessor Office hardware and software programs.
He was the information technology director for Torrance County. He was a member of the National Guard, Post Commander of American Legion Post #74 for the years of 2004-2008 and was a Volunteer Fire Fighter from 2004-2007. Education completed in the following: Security Certified, Hazardness Material Awareness Training, FBI anti piracy certified, FEMA Certified, Professional Development Series Certified, and he was an Emergency Management Institute Certified Defensive Driving Instructor.
Steffen was a God fearing man. He understood God's beauty to the fullest by taking care of the land he owned and his animals. The first thing he would do is take time to enjoy the beauty of God's creation. He sang God's praises with all his heart, soul and strength. One of his heart's desires was to spend time with God's youth as a dedicated youth pastor with Gates of Praise United Pentecostal Church in Moriarty. Steffen always had a loving smile on his face; and he believed that smile was one of God's little simple gifts and wanted to share with everyone.
Steffen was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, in 2005 and his brother, Richard Ervin Daugherty in 1999. He is survived by his wife, Mary Joella Daugherty; mother, Mary Ellen Daugherty; brother, Rodger H. Daugherty and wife Barbara; sisters, Martha Jane Ogle, and Joellen Marie Swanson; several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and -nephews. A viewing was held Aug. 18 at the East Mountain Assembly of God Church in Moriarty. A funeral service was held Aug 18 at the East Mountain Assembly of God Church. Pastor Steven Crow officiated. Pallbearers were Antonio Chavez, Nick Sedillo, Jason Trumbull, Eduardo Vigil, Frank Ripatoe, Reuben Gastelum. Honorary Pallbearers were Nathaniel Crow, Christopher Lovato, Thomas Eldon Boyd, and Reuben Jimenez. Interment took place Aug. 19 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
JULIAN BALDONADO
Julian Baldonado, 78, of Edgewood passed away Aug. 14, 2008, with his loving family beside him.
Julian was born January 9, 1930, to Eduvijen and Elvira Baldonado in Placitas, N.M. Julian married his wife of 60 years, June F. Everette, on August 10, 1948, in Bernalillo. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Moriarty and owned Julian's Garage. Julian was preceded in death by his parents; son, Eddie Baldonado; brothers, Leroy Baldonado; Marciel Baldonado; and grandson, David Baldonado. He is survived by his wife, June; daughter, Eileen Martinez and husband Andy of Edgewood; sons, Julian Rodger Baldonado Jr.; Michael Baldonado and wife Virginia; Tommy Baldonado and wife Peggy, all of Albuquerque; sisters, Ester Lerma of Reserve, N.M.; Lilian Riveria and husband Richard of Algodones, N.M.; Angelita Garcia and husband Alex of Albuquerque; Sadie Baldonado of Algodones; Loraine Segura of Albuquerque; brothers, Jimmy Baldonado and wife Theresa of Algodones; Gilbert Baldonado of Algodones; 10 grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 10 stepgreat-grandchildren. A viewing was held Aug. 17 at the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty. A rosary was recited Aug. 17 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. A mass was celebrated Aug. 18 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Father Young officiated. Interment followed the service at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque. Pallbearers were Michael Baldonado, Dan Hendricks, Jerry Hendricks, Albino Gallardo Jr., Esteban Julian Gallardo, Javier Gallardo, Bernie Garcia, and Carlos Baldonado. Honorary Pallbearers were Adam Martinez, Katlynn Hendricks, Julian Roger Baldonado Jr., Tommy Baldonado, Christopher Baldonado, Mathew Baldonado, and Angelo Baldonado.
Harris-Hanlon Mortuary
