Grace F. Schroeder, 74, a resident of Albuquerque since 1947, died Monday, July 5, 1999. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Ortega and husband, Tom; sons, Dr. Gary Schroeder and wife, Mary Ann, Michael Schroeder and Steven Schroeder; granddaughters, Kellie and Tanya Schroeder; grandsons, Gregory and Jamey Schroeder, stepgranddaughters, Marie, Jennifer, and Stephanie; stepgreat-granddaughter, Denise; sisters, Hazel Wolf of IA, Ruth Mavis and Donna Ollig of IL; brothers, Bill, Melvin and Bob Chaney of IL; sisters-in-law, Beverly and Lucy Chaney of IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother; father; and two brothers. Grace was employed for 21 years at Albuquerque National Bank and Sunwest Bank. She worked peak and part-time at the Bank after retiring. Grace belonged to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for 51 years (1948) and was presently a member of Alpha Master Chapter. She had been a life member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1973. She was elected Albuquerque City Council of Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the year in 1995. Rosary will be recited Thursday, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 811 Guaymas NE. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jim Doolittle, Mal Snyder, Bill Galbreth, Bob Hall, Jack Bean and Bill Johnson. The family would like to thank you for the cards and flowers sent to their mother during her illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5800 Lomas, NE, 87110 or the American Diabetes Association of NM, 525 San Pedro, NE, #101, 87108. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
Ray M. Truitt, Lt Col, USAF Retired, 81, passed away on July 4, 1999 in an Albuquerque hospital. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth Truitt; son, and daughter-in-law, Keith and Cheryl Truitt; two grandsons, Steven and Brian Truitt of Albuquerque.
He was born and raised in Kansas. He graduated from the University of West Virginia where he played football. He went on to play professional football before going into the Air Force. He retired from the Air Force after 22 years as a Special Services officer.
Ray was an avid golfer and for many years was active in the Albuquerque Senior Golf Association, serving several years as president. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 8, at the Kirtland AFB Chapel with Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steve Torgerson presiding. Cremation has taken place and interment will be at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.
Thomas Wylie Wootton, 70, formerly of Galveston, Texas, passed away at 3:17 p.m. on Monday, July 5, 1999, at home. A long-time resident of Albuquerque, he is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Onanong Wootton. He was a veteran of the Korean War and had recently retired after 30 years of service in the federal government as a mechanical engineer. He will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 8, 1999, at 2:00 p.m. at First Untied Methodist Church, 314 Lead SW, Rev. Clyde Standfield officiating. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Should friends desire, the family requests that memorial contributions be to First United Methodist Church, 314 Lead SW, 87102 or to the John Wayne Cancer Institute, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd.
Clarence Acoya passed away on Monday, July 15, 2002. He was born at the Albuquerque Indian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Bennie Acoya and Howy Paisano Acoya on October 20, 1930. He was 71. Clarence Acoya is survived by one son, Wendel Acoya and his wife, Ruth of Anaheim, CA, two brothers, Bert Acoya and wife, Angela of Albuquerque, NM, and Andrew Acoya and wife, Marie of Albuquerque, NM and two sisters, Katherine Augustine of Albuquerque, NM and Freida Aragon and husband, Albert of Albuquerque, NM; one grandson, Matthew and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Acoya began his formal education at the Seama Government Day School on the Laguna Reservation, going on to the Albuquerque Indian School. He graduated from the Albuquerque Indian School in May 1949. He then went on to Bacone Junior College in Muskogee, OK. After completing his junior college courses, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, which led to military action in Korea. He was a squad leader of a machine gun platoon where his division received the Presidential Unit Citation. After Korea, Mr. Acoya was transferred to Kodiak, Alaska. After his discharge from the Marines in 1954, he returned home and enrolled at the University of New Mexico and worked with A.P. Quinn and Company. In 1960, he was first elected chairman of the Laguna Colony in Albuquerque. In 1964, Mr. Acoya was elected Laguna tribal treasurer, he served this position for two years. He was then appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Bernalillo County Medical Center. Mr. Acoya went on to serve as executive director of the New Mexico Commission on Indian Affairs in 1986 under New Mexico Governor David Cargo. He belonged to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). In 1969, Mr. Acoya received an Urban Program Fellowship at Yale University. After completing courses at Yale, Acoya was sent to Tucson, AZ, to work with the city's mayor. He then went on to serve as assistant to Commissioner Louis Bruce in Washington, D.C. He then worked with the Equal Employment Opportunity Office in Denver, CO. Mr. Acoya remained with this office until April, 1986, when he retired and returned home to Paguate. He was also a member of the Laguna United Presbyterian Church and served on several committees at the local, Presbytery and Synod levels. Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. at the family home in Paguate. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at the Paguate/Casa Blanca Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Randy Pence and Reverend David Preininger, officiating. Burial will follow at Paguate Cemetery. Pallbearers will be friends and family. Grants Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements.
Joseph Carmona of Albuquerque and formerly of New York passed away Friday, July 12, 2002. Joseph is survived by his wife, Irene Carmona; son, Kevin Carmona and wife, Kathleen; daughter, Janet Townsend and husband, Ron; stepchildren, Robert and Valerie Valerio; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; stepmother, Chipita Carmona and three brothers, Tony, David and Adrian Carmona. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. at the Church of the Risen Savior, 7701 Wyoming NE. Interment of cremains will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services.
Grace V. (Altagracia) passed away Monday, July 15, 2002.' She was born March 26, 2002, in Hurley, New Mexico. Grace was preceded in death by her son, Ernest R. Chavez. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Eulalio M. Chavez; seven children, Patricia R. and husband, Toby J. Gutierrez Jr., Sylvia D. Chavez, Alice L. Chavez, Alex L. Chavez, Lalo Chavez and wife, Lorraine, Rose and husband, Lorenzo Montoya, and Norma Alfarto; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, 5901 Saint Josephs Dr. NW., on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 10:30 a.m., with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will Joseph Alfaro, Manuel Vargas Jr., Adam Libario, Anthony Trujillo, Lorenzo Montoya and Mariano Vargas. Honorary Pallbearers will be Alex Chavez, Lalo Chavez, Toby Gutierrez, and Terry New. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th NW, Albuquerque, 343-8008.
Jack D. Cyrus, age 72, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle was called home to be with the Lord our Savior, Monday, June 24, 2002 after a long illness. Jack was born in Jackson, Ohio and was a resident of Corrales for 32 years. Jack was a private pilot; and was a member of the Sandia Peak Ski Patrol for 22 years; he loved to sail, fish, and go camping. He also loved to dance; and was involved in a Swedish Dance group. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Gwenn Cyrus of the family home; a son, Tait of Colorado; a daughter, Linda Cottle and husband, Craig; two granddaughters, Bailey and Cydnee Cottle. Also surviving are his sister, Sue Beyer and husband, Ronnie of California; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. A Memorial Service will be conducted Saturday, July 20, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at his daughter's home. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Desease Foundation, 710 West 168st, New York, NY 10032 or www.pdf.org. or at (800) 457-6676. Services were entrusted to Alameda Mortuary, 9420 4th Street NW.
Walter W. Dodson, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Albuquerque on Sunday morning, July 14, 2002. A resident of Albuquerque for thirty-two years, he was employed by Forest Products until his retirement in 1984. A member of the American Legion, Mr. Dodson, served with the U.S. Navy during WWII. Survivors include Margaret, his beloved wife of sixty-two years; his son, Robert Dodson and wife, Susan of Anthem, AZ; his son, Jerry Dodson and wife, Glynda of Thoreau, NM; his daughter, Linda Dodson of Sherman Oaks, CA; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Myrtle Illum of Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. Mr. Dodson was a longtime member of St. John's United Methodist Church, where a memorial service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2002, with Rev. Charles Price officiating. The church is located at 2626 Arizona NE, just north of Menaul. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3150 Carlisle NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 are suggested. Sunrise Society is serving the family. (891-8200)
Shirley N. Dramer, 79, a resident of Albuquerque since 1965, died Friday, July 12, 2002. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Col. E.M. Dramer (Ret); daughter, Judith Dramer Honegger and husband, Samuel E.; sons, Richard Dramer and wife, Brenda O'Brien Dramer and Daniel K. Dramer and wife, Wendy; grandchildren, Heidi Marie Honegger Rogers and husband, David; Adam S. Honegger and wife, Kate; Cody Dramer and Kyle Dramer; great-grandchildren, Gustavo Rogers, Maya Rogers and Gage Honegger; sister, LaVaughn Klose and husband, Eddie. Shirley was a volunteer at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital for 25 years. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2002, 10:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE. Interment of cremains will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice Inpatient Unit, Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 2666, 87125-6666. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Jack L. Finley, 82, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away July 11, 2002 from complications of a stroke. He was born October 23, 1919, in Los Angeles California. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Gertrude for 62 years, sons Gary and wife Nancy, Dana and wife Susie, brother Al Hutchings and Aunt Wanona Saunders both of California. His grandchildren, Garth Finley and his wife Lisa of Cornelius, N.C., Heather Finley of Arlington, TX. Derrick Finley of Mooresville, N.C. and Tiffany and husband Steve Winrich of Albuquerque were special treasures to him and they adored him. He is also survived by many other loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends who also suffer by his loss. Jack was preceded in death by his father, Jess and mother Exa. Jack graduated from Albuquerque High and was a student at the University of New Mexico when the New Mexico National Guard regiment, which became the 200th Coast Artillery was called to active duty. Jack was a Bataan Death March survivor and spent 3 years in Japanese concentration camps during WWII. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his achievements in the Southwest Pacific Theater. After retiring from the Army in 1960, Jack worked for the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), now DOE and retired in 1975. Jack was a past member of the Shriners, Elks and Post 49. Jack loved spending his summers in Idaho and being with his many friends. He also enjoyed playing cards with family, playing the organ and watching most sports especially boxing and car racing. Jack will be remembered for many things including his wonderful sense of humor and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Strong-Thorne Mortuary at 1100 Coal AV SE on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 2:00 pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials honoring Jack be sent to the charties of their choice.
Joe Lucio Gomez, SFC US Army Ret., was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He passed away July 15, 2002 in Albuquerque. Joe served and retired from the US Army after 35 years of service. He served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, with tours in Europe and Japan. He was preceded in death by his children, Susie Gomez, Tony Baca, and Richard Gomez and grandson, Gerry Gallegos. Joe is the beloved husband of Julia Riquetti Gomez of the family home in Albuquerque; father of Irene Gallegos and Roberto Joe Gomez; step-father of Lourdes Baca Riquetti; grandfather of 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sister of Lillian Maestas, and other family and friends who loved and will miss him. A viewing will be held in the Chapel of Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW. on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1860 Griegos Rd. NW. on Friday, July 19, 2002, 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Joseph Anthony Gallegos, Jason Gomez, Josh Gomez, Marissa Riquetti Rodriguez, Natalie Bianchi, and Pam Gomez. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW. Albuquerque. 505-343-8008
Petrita Sanchez Griego, 99, went home to be with the Lord on July 12, 2002. She was born on February 24, 1903. She is survived by her sons, Salomon Griego and Manuel Griego; daughters, Placida Griego, Juanita Martinez and Mary B. Garcia and husband, Jerry; eleven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday evening at San Ignacio Catholic Church at 7:30 p.m. Mass is pending and will be announced at a later date. Burial will take place in Manzano, NM. Pallbearers will be George Martinez Jr., David Griego, Donald Griego, Chris Alex Garcia, Richard Jojola II and Eduardo Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Services are in the care of Garcia Mortuary, 717 Stover Ave. S.W. 243-5222.
Ray J. Gutierrez Jr., 49, a resident of Albuquerque passed away on July 14, 2002. Ray is the beloved husband of 30 years to Rosie Gutierrez. Ray is also survived by four daughters, Melissa Gutierrez, Consuelo Rascon and husband, Leroy, Antionette Marquez and husband, Leon and Andrea Gutierrez; his father, Ray Gutierrez Sr.; two sisters, Sarah Gutierrez and Shirley Montoya and husband, Robert; a brother, Dusty Gutierrez and wife, Mary Lou; two grandchildren, Desiree Ramirez and DavidRey Marquez; his in-laws, Rudy and Theresa Martinez; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ray was a member of the Catholic Church and a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Viet Nam Era. A visitation will be Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco SW with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A final visitation will be Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. by Father Manuel Viera. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. with Military Honors. Jose Gutierrez will do the readings. Pallbearers will be, Danny Lopez, Bobby Maldonado, Ernest Gabaldon, Leon Marquez, Leroy Rascon, Pete Jaramillo, Dusty Gutierrez and Joey Maldonado. Honorary pallbearer will be Joseph Gutierrez. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Rd SW in charge of the arrangements.
John Henry Hartranft, Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt.), USAF Retired, a resident of Albuquerque since 1971, age 79 years, died Saturday, July 13, 2002 at the Ladera Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born November 22, 1922 in Conyngham, Pennsylvania, son of Edna Jane Santee and Eugene Hartranft. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Rosaline; two children, Jane Malinda Kemp, her husband, John of Waco, Texas; son, Dwayne Michael Hartranft and his wife, Maria of Albuquerque; two grandchildren, David Christopher and James Matthew of Waco, Texas. John entered the military service in 1943, upon graduation from Mansfield State Teachers College, and served in the South Pacific Theater of Operations for 20 months as a radio operator during World War II. In the early 1950's he came to Albuquerque to reenlist in the Nuclear Special Weapons field of the USAF and was stationed at Sandia Base before it became Sandia National Laboratories. It was then he fell in love with the Land of Enchantment and vowed to return when he retired. From Sandia Base he was stationed at Deep Creek Station near Spokane, Washington for 12 years where they were a number of missile silos. From there he spent three years at Sembach Air Base in southern Germany where he was appointed as liaison between the military and the civilian communities. Upon returning to the States he spent two years at Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka, Kansas, as a First Sergeant before retiring to Albuquerque in 1971. He worked in the security field for a number of years in the Albuquerque area. He was an active member of the Central United Methodist Church, the Partnership Class, and the Methodist Men's Bowling League. He was a long time delivery man for Meals on Wheels; donated more than eight gallons of blood; and participated in several studies for the Aged. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 18, 2002 at Central United Methodist Church, 1615 Copper NE. Arrangements are being made through the Sunrise Society of NM, 891-8200. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to the TV Ministry of Central United Methodist Church, Central United Methodist Church, 1615 Copper NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, telephone 505-243-7834
