Jeanne Strobel Higbie, an Albuquerque resident, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2002 and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born on April 30, 1928 in Washington D.C. She lived over thirty years in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a Navy wife and during retirement. She and her husband, James C. Higbie moved to Albuquerque in 1989. Family was very important, and she loved being a wife, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and her husband always had a circle of wonderful friends with whom they shared many fun times and fond memories. She worked on the Four Hills MHP newsletter and was the MHP Lion's Club treasurer. She liked reading, puzzles, bowling, bridge, making driftwood furniture, electronic appliances, watching football with her husband, and taking trips in the U.S., as well as a trip to Egypt and Italy. She is survived by her son, Jim Higbie and his wife, Mary Alice of Albuquerque; her daughter, Dena Dollar and husband, Benny of Grand Prairie, TX; grandchildren, Tessa, Daniel, Josh, and Cinnamon; and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Isaac, and Matthew. There will be a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2002 at Chapel of Sandia, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albuquerque Lions United Sight Conservation Committee in care of Lee Roy Milton, Treasurer, 2818 Pennsylvania Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Arrangements by Sandia Funeral Care, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE, 821-0010.
Jim Holpp, a resident of Albuquerque since 1958, died on Saturday, August 10, 2002. Jim is survived by his wife, MaryAn Holpp; daughter, Judy Mason and husband, Allen, of Farmington; son, Joe Holpp and wife, Silvia, of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Kyle and Kate Mason of Farmington and Codie, Kelsey and Stephanie Holpp of Albuquerque. Jim was born March 22, 1918, in Tell City, Indiana. He received a B.S. degree from Western Kentucky University in August 1940 and a M.A. from Western in August 1948. Following Motor Torpedo Boat School, he served with MTB Ron 33 in the Pacific, primarily in the Philippines. Jim served as captain of the PT488, 'Little Joe' during World War II. Prior to and following World War II, he was a science teacher and athletic coach in Kentucky high schools. Beginning in 1952, Jim started employment with Sandia National Laboratories and was division supervisor at time of retirement in April 1981. Jim was a registered professional engineer in Kentucky and New Mexico and served as a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality Control. Jim was also a member of Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic Church and the Elks Club. He was also enjoyed playing tennis. A Memorial Celebration will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5800 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87110. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
Rosa C. Jerkatis, 42, a resident of Albuquerque for less than a year, collapsed while working out at Del Norte Heath and Wellness Center shortly after noon Saturday, August 10, 2002 and never regained consciousness. She was born September 24, 1959 in Lima, Peru, Rosa Mercedes Carrion, the daughter of Abraham A. Carrion and Ruth N. Castillo. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth J. Jerkatis, whom she married December 28, 1990 in Chicago, IL; mother, Ruth; brothers, Daniel and Marco; and sisters, Isuara, Elsa, and Nora. Rosa was energetic, active, fit, outgoing, persuasive, strong-willed, competitive, classy, elegant, beautiful, thoughtful, caring, and giving. Running was her first passion, possessing a natural talent, having a PR of 3:06:13 in the Chicago Marathon 1990. Other marathons included: New York, Boston, Columbus, Twin Cities, Lake County [IL], plus many, many more half-marathons, 10k's and 5k's. A medical condition forced her to give up running and pursue less strenuous avenues for fitness. Long walks and fitness training, treadmill and stair-step, were her favorite outlets. Rosa was an employee of Talbot's. She loved the clothes and enjoyed the customer relationships. Rosa had an impeccable memory for people, birthdays, and anniversaries and was known for intense conversations. She was truly gifted in her ability to connect with people of all ages, especially children, and establish long-term relationships. Rosa was naturalized as a U.S. Citizen in Chicago and considered Chicago her home. She had established many friendships at the Lake Forest Running Club. Her many residences included Newport News, VA, Orlando, FL, Barrington, IL, Palmdale, CA and most recently Albuquerque. Services will be held Friday, August 16, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (823-9400). Memorial services will also be held Saturday, August 24, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Louise Parish in La Grange Park, IL. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Thursday, August 15, 2002, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bertha King, 79, a resident of Albuquerque since 1952, died Sunday, August 11, 2002. She is survived by her daughters, Wanell Pate and husband, Bob, Sheila Lefebvre and husband, Ed all of Albuquerque and Vietta LaMonte and husband, Tim of Amarillo, Texas; sons, Jim King and wife, Pat of Marysville, CA and Leonard King and wife, Bekki of Albuquerque, NM; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Lawrence Ray and wife, Mary of Sikeston, MO; sister, Lois Krauss and husband, Charlie of Sikeston, MO; and several nieces, nephews and friends. Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, V.J. King on November 18, 1996 and her granddaughter, Chas King on February 19, 2000. She was born in Bernie, Missouri. Bertha married V.J. King on April 2, 1949. She was an insurance secretary for over 50 years working for Berger Briggs, P.F. McCanna and Southwest Insurance Agency. Bertha was a member of New Fellowship Church of God in Los Lunas, NM. She was a beloved mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Services will be held Friday, August 16, 2002, 10:00 a.m. at French Mortuary, University Chapel, 1111 University, N.E. with Pastor George Clyde officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. Pallbearers will be Ed Lefebvre, Tim LaMonte, Bob Pate, Charlie Morris, Leo Rizzo, and Michael Rubi. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Chapel, 1111 University, N.E. Thursday, August 15, 2002, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
David Lucero went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 9, 2002. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, JoAnn; his two children, Christina Morantes and husband, Gabe; his son, David Lucero, Jr.; his four grandchildren, Ashleigh, Diontae, Quaram and Ezra; his mother, Regina Lucero; his brothers and sisters, Joseph, Bernice, Andrew and Ray; and many other family and friends. David touched many lives always bringing caring, laughter, and his own unique way of looking at life. He was a family man with that being the most important, a good friend and a great supporter. David enjoyed car races, fishing, movies, barbecuing and his grandchildren's swim events and games-always cheering the loudest. He will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him. David we love you. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, August 15, 2002 4:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Ivan 'Ike' Lyddon, 81, a resident of Albuquerque since 1945, died Tuesday, August 13, 2002. He is survived by Helen M. Lyddon, his wife of 55 years; son, Jon Russell VerPloegh; grandchildren, Ola and Miriam VerPloegh, Joshua Julian, all of Albuquerque; brothers, Dale Lyddon and wife, Esther of Arkansas and Doyle Lyddon and wife, Lenora of Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ivan was the owner of City Electric in Albuquerque from 1948 until his retirement. He was a member of the Elks Club for 53 years, the IBEW for 55 years, a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and a member of Monte Vista Christian Church where he served as a Deacon, Elder, and Youth Counselor. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Friday, 10:00 a.m., at Monte Vista Christian Church, 3501 Campus NE, with Rev. Fred Dorisse officiating. Interment of cremains will be at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. Contributions may be made to Monte Vista Christian Church, 3501 Campus NE, 87106. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Mary Rita Montoya, 85, a lifelong resident of New Mexico, died on Friday, August 9, 2002. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Laudente H. Montoya of Albuquerque; daughters, Mary Ann Roberts and husband, Melvin, Lorraine Armijo and husband, Andrew, all of Albuquerque; son, Herman A. Montoya and wife, Thomasine of Rio Rancho; daughters, Geraldine Hernandez and husband, Mario of Tijeras, NM, Yolanda Guerrero of Rio Rancho; son, Laudente A. Montoya and wife, Faye of Albuquerque; grandsons, Damian Roberts and wife Lillian,. Darin Roberts, Virgil Gil and girlfriend, Kelly, Rafael Montoya and Nicholas Montoya, Mario Hernandez Jr. and girlfriend, Michelle, Eric Hernandez and girlfriend Kari, Gabriel Guerrero, Laudente S. Montoya and girlfriend, Estella, and Joseph Montoya; granddaughters, Alexandra Armijo and Ashley Armijo, Mirinda Guerrero, Nicolita Montoya, Natalie Montoya, Nadia Montoya, and Samantha Smith; great-grandsons, Tanner Roberts, Spencer Roberts, Lawrence Garcia, Mario Hernandez, III, and Isaiah Montoya; great-granddaughters, Jacquelyn Mora, Micayla Mora, and Rene Montoya; sisters, Lucy Garcia and husband, Johnny A, Odelia Montoya and husband, Lee A., all of Albuquerque and Amalia Choice and husband, B.J. of Austin TX.; sisters-in-law, Emily Nye and husband, Kenneth of Hastings, MI, Arabella Montoya of Albuquerque; and brother-in-law, Armando Montoya and wife, Rose of Las Vegas, NM. Services will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2002, at 11:00 a.m., at Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque, 4001 Osuna Rd. NE. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Montoya's grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mrs. Montoya's granddaughters. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Wednesday, August 14, 2002, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Mary A. Palese, 92, a resident of Albuquerque died Saturday, August 10, 2002. She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Pennington of Albuquerque; son, C. Robert Frey Sr. and wife, Karen of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Ron Frey and Debra Banach of ittsburgh, PA, Serena Seese of Pittsburgh, PA, and C. Robert Frey Jr. and Stacie Frey of Burnham, PA, Andrew Nochevich, Curtis Nochevich, and Nathan Nochevich all of Phoenix, AZ; and four great-grandchildren, Michelle, Serena, Madison and Zayah. Memorial services will be held, Saturday, August 17, 2002, 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Annunciation Church, 2610 Utah NE. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
Nora E. Romero, age 87, passed away August 11, 2002 at the Meadow's Nursing Home in Las Vegas, NM. Nora was born November 2, 1914 in Cuervo, NM to the home of Simon and Genoveva Baca Romo. She married Joe V. Romero February 1, 1937 in Newkirk, NM. Nora and Joe made their home in Santa Rosa in the mid 1940's. Nora worked for Teeters Department store, Medley's Cafe and with her brother-in-law, Dale Bartz at the Santa Rosa Drug. She was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and was active in the Sacred Heart Society, the Altar Society and while her children were attending St. Rose School she was active in the St. Joseph's Guild. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe; her brothers and sister, Cristobal Romo, Napoleon Romo and Annie Bartz; her grandson, Louie Sanchez; and her son-in-law, Leroy Ulibarri. Survivors include her son, Philip J. Romero and wife, Geraldine of Las Vegas; her daughters, Mary Esther Ulibarri of Las Vegas, Bertha Marrujo and husband, Larry of Tularosa, Gloria Sanchez and husband, Louie of Glorieta and Betty Jo Cockrell and husband, Larry of Las Vegas. Also surviving are her sisters, Della Mynaugh and husband, Charlie of Los Alamos and Mary Marquez of Las Vegas; her brother, Benny Romo and wife, Patsy of Las Cruces; brothers, and sisters-in-law, Dale Bartz of Texas, Alice Romo of San Antonio, TX, Ramona Sena of San Antonio, Guadalupe Garcia, Arthur Romero and wife, Mary, Eddie Romero, Freddy Romero and wife, Maryann all of Albuquerque; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews relatives and friends. Rosary Services will be held on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. from St. Rose Church in Santa Rosa. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. also from St. Rose Church with Father Stephen Schultz officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa. Serving as Pallbearers will be Christopher Madrid, Jason Sanchez, Jose Sanchez, Michael Marrujo, Larry Wade Cockrell, Darin Romero, Alfonso Garcia and Lawrence Marrujo. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home, 923 South 3rd Street, Santa Rosa, NM (505)472-3369.
Opal F. Russell, born in Davis, OK October 25, 1916, passed away Friday, August 9, 2002. She is survived by her nephews, Jack Smith and Ben Smith; niece, Linda Hunter; sisters-in-law, Helen Smith and Trelma Vaughan and stepson, Alvin Russell Jr., and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Russell. Mrs. Russell grew up in a loving, close-knit family with twin brother Otis and younger brother, Clarence. She moved to Albuquerque in 1941. Mrs. Russell lived in Red River NM for about ten years. She was a member of The Eastern Star and Beauceant. Mrs. Russell loved to fish and play bridge. She and her late husband, Alvin were active members of Monterey Baptist Church. Funeral Services will be held at Wednesday, August 14, 2002, 11:00 a.m., at Monterey Baptist Church, 12501 Lomas Blvd NE, with Pastor Fred McDonald officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to service. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Maggie Sandoval passed away Sunday, August 11, 2002. Maggie is loved by many and will be deeply missed. Her memory is carried on by her family; brothers, George Sandoval and Raymond Sandoval; sister, Rosa Munoz; son, Gerry Sandoval; daughters, Rochelle Gonzalez and Sandy Hight and Chyrelle Jaramillo; sons-in-law, Phillip Hight and John Jaramillo, and her best friend, in the whole wide world, Lori Sanchez. Maggie is a free spirit and will live on forever in the hearts of all those who love her. We love you mom, sister, grandma, and friend. Services will be 8:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2002 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco SW
Final viewing for Morris M. Silva Jr. will be held on Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. at the San Jose Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Services are in the care of Garcia Mortuary, 717 Stover Ave. S.W. 243-5222.
Robert L. Simpson, 78, Major United States Air Force Retired, died August 12, 2002. Surviving him is, Eunice, his wife of over 30 years; daughter, Barbara Higham and husband, Bill and family of Tacoma WA: son, Bob, (recently deceased) and his wife, Marcia of Plattsmouth, NB.; sister, Helen and husband, Jim of Laguna Woods, CA. and family; sisters, Lucille Wilcox and Carol Sikora of NB; stepson, Burgess Frank and wife, Juanita and family of Albuquerque, NM, Wende Schultz and husband, Phil and family of Colorado Springs, CO. Bob spent over 27 years in the Service in the China, Burma, India Theater during WW II, and in Iceland, Germany, Washington, DC, and other places. Bob was a member of the Retired Officers Association. He was Secretary of the 462nd Bomb Group of the 58th Bomb Wing Association and had been helping with the building of the New England AirMuseum, which will house a restored B29 and B29 memorabilia. A private service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Presbyterian Hospice. The cremation was handled by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuq. 505-343-8008
Timothy Manuel Ulibarri, age 39, passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 2002. Timothy was born February 2, 1963 in Santa Rosa, NM to the home of Manuel and Viola Martinez Ulibarri. He was reared and attended schools in Santa Rosa, graduating from Santa Rosa High School in 1981. Timothy married Viola Elevario on June 23, 1984 in Santa Rosa, NM. He worked for Frito Lay as a route salesman for 11 years serving all of Guadalupe County and surrounding communities. He made numerous friends while he was on his route. Timothy is preceded in death by his brother, Jerry; his maternal grandparents, Isauro and Valeria Martinez; paternal grandparents, Manuel and Veneranda Ulibarri; and his uncle, Jose 'Cho-Cho' Martinez. Survivors include his wife, Viola E. Ulibarri of the family home in Santa Rosa; his two sons, Timothy Ulibarri and Travis Ulibarri; also of the family home, his parents, Manuel and Viola Ulibarri of Santa Rosa; brothers and sisters, twin brother, Thomas Ulibarri and wife, Frances of Santa Rosa, Peter Ulibarri and wife, Eileen of Bernalillo, Leroy Ulibarri and wife, Yolanda of Albuquerque, Anthony Martinez of Santa Rosa, Shirley Sena and husband, Faustin of Edgewood, Violet Abeyta and husband, Herman of Santa Rosa, Joann Gutierrez and husband, Gene of Albuquerque, Eileen Maestas and husband, Alvin of Santa Rosa, Matthew Ulibarri and wife, Emily of Santa Rosa, Corrine Chavez and husband, Erminio of Santa Rosa, Sylvia Gurtierrez and husband, Jerry of Moriarty, Margaret Rodriguez and husband, Alfonso of Clovis, Angie Martinez and husband, Teddy of Moriarty and Yolanda Acosta and husband, Diego of Amarillo, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of friends. Rosary Services will be held on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. from the Chavez Funeral Home is Santa Rosa. A second Rosary will be held on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. from St. Rose of Lima Church in Santa Rosa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. also from St. Rose Church with Father Stephen Schultz officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa. Serving as Pallbearers will be Fabian Elevario, Pat Martinez, Ricky Blea, Mario Andrada, Howard Griego, Alvin Maestas, Sr., Robert Lopez an Tony Gutierrez. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Ricky Gutierrez, Eric Chavez, Phil Sierra, Gene Gutierrez, Jody Elevario, David Gonzales, Melissa Blea, Pat Martinez,Anthony Martinez, Jake Gutierrez, Tommy Martinez, Louie Marquez, Berna Abeyta, Julie Abeyta, Jamie Gutierrez, Janelle Gutierrez, Joslin Gutierrez, Erninio Chavez, George Elevario, Albert Elevario, Mario Elevario, Chris Elevario, Lawrence Rodriguez, Herman Abeyta, Bill Gee, Andre Martnez, Pat Velasquez, George Dodge, Jr., Faustin Sena, Horace Elevario, Pat Elevario and Manuel Martinez. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home, 923 South 3rd St., Santa Rosa, NM (505)472-3369.
Gabriel Joseph Valencia (Porfey), En Un Istante Entrastes En Nuestros Corazones Para Siempre. (In an instant you came into our hearts forever) born August 10, 2002 passed August 10, 2002, our Little Angel (Porfey). We will always love you. Porfey is survived by his parents, Marion Gabriel Jr. and Amanda Michelle (Gallegos) Valencia; his paternal grandparents, Mariano G. Sr. and Rachel Valencia; paternal great-grandmother, Virginia Valencia; maternal grandparents, Patrick Joseph and Margaret Gallegos; paternal uncle and Godfather, John A. Valencia and fiance, Noel Griego; maternal auntie and Godmother, Patricia Gallegos and fiance, Lawrence Villanueva; his maternal aunties, Laura Gallegos and her fiancee, Robert Gutierrez, Melanie Gallegos and Megan Gallegos. A Mass was celebrated Tuesday, August 13, 2002, 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Estancia with Father Anthony Martinez officiating. Burial followed at the Duran Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty, NM. Grant G. Preston, Funeral Director.
Lucile Leahy Vidal passed away on August 9, 2002. Born in Las Vegas, NM she was preceded in death by her husband, Steven P. Vidal Sr.; and her parents, Judge David Leahy and Lucile Leahy and her sister, Helen Leahy. She is survived by her son, David L. Quinlan and wife, Sandra; grandsons, Robert Quinlan and wife, Nicole, Bradley McDowell and wife, Jody; granddaughter, Teresa McDowell; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by stepson, Charles A. Vidal and wife, Linda of Carbondale, CO; and her very dear cousins, Ann and Robert Reddy of Rio Rancho, NM. Lucile was an avid golfer and a member of the Albuquerque Country Club for many years. Memorial Services will be held in the Chapel of St. Marks on the Mesa Episcopal Church on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. Arrangements by Sunrise Society of NM. 891-8200.
Mark Thomas Wozniak passed away suddenly on August 10, 2002. Mark was born on December 16, 1979 in Milwaukee, WI. He came to Albuquerque from Milwaukee in 1986 and attended LBJ Middle School and was a graduate of Freedom High. He was very proud of being a manager for Papa John's Pizza. Mark was known for making friends wherever he went and had never met a stranger. His passion was music of any kind (except country), girls and riding his GSXR 750 motorcycle. He is survived by his beloved parents, Thomas and Jean Wozniak; his cherished sister, Jessica Rose Wozniak of Dallas, TX; grandmother, Emily Wozniak of West Allis, WI; and a host of very special friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. A visitation for Mark will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Sunrise Funeral Options, 2400 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho. A 'Kickin' party for Mark will be held immediately following at the Wozniak residence. Services are under the care of Sunrise Funeral Options. (891-9192).
