Fern Jackson Callaway Best, age 85, passed away in Albuquerque, NM, on Wednesday, May 1, 2002. Before coming to live in Albuquerque ten years ago, she lived in Carlsbad, NM for approximately fifty years. Survivors include her children, Ralph Edward Callaway and his wife, Marilyn Crane Callaway of Littleton, CO, and Karen Callaway Gonzales of Albuquerque; three grandchildren, Kimberly Anne Callaway of Minneapolis, MN, Julie Dawn Merritt and husband, Aaron of Littleton, CO, and Jacquelyn Dawn Gonzales of Albuquerque; as well as four great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother Vedas Jackson and family of Monett, MO. Fern, also known as Gonny, was a registered nurse, an astrologer, a musician, and was well loved by her family and friends. No service are planned. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to a charity of choice. Sunrise Society of New Mexico is serving the family (505) 891-8200
W. DeWitt Black, Jr.
The life of W. DeWitt Black, Jr., a cherished friend and colleague, ended May 1, 2002 at age 93. He had been a resident of Parkmore Village Care Home in Colorado Springs, Colorado for nearly a decade where received excellent care, and continued his gift for friendship among the residents and staff. Beginning in 1946, he was a resident of Albuquerque, residing at 7711 Hermanson Place, NE until 1986. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Geraldine Holmes Black, originally of Abilene, Texas who taught elementary school in the Albuquerque Public Schools for over 25 years. His three children and their families, Gerri Gail Stanford of Colorado Springs, Jan Aregood of Lakewood, Colorado, and Dave Black of Tucson, Arizona; a sister Elizabeth Bingham of Abilene, Texas; seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild survive him. He was born in the family of a pioneer doctor, W.D. Black, in Barstow on the West Texas Panhandle, where he had four beloved siblings, Land, a brother whom he was especially close, Mary Eleanor, Elizabeth, and Carolyn. He revered his father and his mother Lizzie Y., for their devotion to community. His father perfected house-call medicine for nearly sixty years on the Texas Panhandle, first by horse and buggy, later by Model A, and was known to have delivered several generations of the same family. DeWitt was only several generations removed from the arrival of the Black family to America from Scotland in 1710 and his grandfather, Charlie Black, fought in the Civil War at the age of 14. A successful businessman all his life, he was the owner of Black's Furniture at 1600 San Pedro N.E. for over twenty years. He was a loyal contributor and respected member of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. His response to the uncertainties and unpredictability of the business world were hard work, and a focus on customer service. He understood the simple satisfaction that comes with a job well done. DeWitt Black was a long-standing member of the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque where he served as both Deacon and Elder for over 35 years. He played a key role on their fundraising and youth activities committees. He provided extensive material and logistical support to the Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts sponsored by the Immanuel Church. He was a respected and trusted friend of many fellow church members and, on numerous occasions, helped organize them to provide anonymous assistance to community citizens in need. he did not stand in judgment of others, as he understood instinctively from his Great Depression years that hard times could befall anyone. He became a member of the Assembly of God during the last twenty years of his life. In both associations, he lived his values. In spite of the loss of his beloved wife, Geraldine in 1981, and formidable physical ailments in recent years he remained an excellent mentor, remarkable storyteller, and example to us all, ever optimistic and courageous. Through his humble and kind nature, he shared a special light with this world that we will carry with us always.
Emily L. "Dixie" Cash (1919-2002), died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 after a well-lived life. Dixie was born in Amherst, Virginia and was a true Southern Belle with a generous heart. She loved and raised three children, Peter R. Parker, E. Susan Freeman and Christine S. Gibson. She was blessed with two grandchildren, Sudie Parker and 2nd Lt. Kipp Parker; and her devoted friends, Jan Summers, Kitty Lucas and Doris Simmers. Her first husband, Joseph E. Parker, Jr., was killed in action during World War II and her second husband, Ira M. Cash, died in 1993. A farewell gathering for Dixie and her beloved son-in-law, Leslie F. Freeman will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2002, at 2:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Memorial contributions may be made to Sandia Hospice, 4725 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87110. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
Betty M. Cates, born March 13, 1925 in Iron Mountain, Michigan and a longtime resident of Albuquerque, passed away Monday, April 29, 2002. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, William; daughter, Anita Cates and boyfriend, Jerry Leischner; and son, John Cates and girlfriend, Judy Ruff. Private services were held Thursday, May 2 2002. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice, 8300 Constitution NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.
Hillcrest Funeral Home
225 San Mateo NE
265-5959
Isaac Chavez, born December 1, 1983, died Monday, April 29, 2002 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Isaac is in the arms of the Lord, his Ta Ta Juan B. Chavez, and dad Pancho who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving mother, Patsy Chavez; his beloved 'Na Na', Emilia Chavez; his cousins who were raised with him as brothers and sisters, Jenny, Jesse Jr., Valarie, Mickey Chavez, Carmen, LaToya, and Joey Rosas. His special aunts who kept a vigil at the hospital and never left his mother's side, Debbie Rosas and husband, George, Mary Maes, and Evelyn Chavez. He is also survived by his uncles, Jesse Chavez, Sr., Demetrio Chavez, Joe Chavez and wife, Helen, Joe Nieto and wife, Josie, and Steve Nieto and wife, Lorraine. Special friends Alexandra Sanchez and Gabriel Nunez, and many special cousins and friends loved him and will miss him. The Rosary will be held Monday, May 6, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at San Jose Church, 2401 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, NM. Mass will be Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. at San Jose Church with burial to follow at Mount Calvary. Pallbearers will be G-Bo, Go Go, Quik, Jaw Breaker, Abu and Tiny. Honorary pallbearers will be Mickey, Jesse, Jr., Joey, and Baby Drew. Thank you to all the doctors and nurses at the Trauma Unit at University of New Mexico Hospital for caring. Arrangements have been provided by Metropolitan Direct Burial and Cremation Center, Inc., 729 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque 256-9400.
Lucretia S. Chavez. On Friday, May 3, 2002 our precious, wonderful, loving mother, Lucretia S. Chavez, went to her true home in heaven and to our beloved Daddy, Jose Sisto Chavez, who died on April 4, 1988. Mom was born on March 30, 1905 to Petrita Buenabenta and Ciprian Sisneros in Manzano, New Mexico. She grew up on their ranch, "Los Valles ", north of Manzano. Dad and Mom were married for 61 years and Dad always said, "I am the head of this family, but your Mom is the heart." Our home in Mountainair was filled with faith and love and good example. Mom leaves us, her nine children and spouses, Mary Ann Strong and husband, Bob, Carmen (Chris) Covington and husband, Rick, Joe and wife, Sindy, Louis and wife, Dolores, Mary Esther McRae and husband, Bill, Ben and wife, Mercy, Dolores (Dodie) Farone, Gene and wife, Diana, and Ann Salmen. Mom loved all her daughters-in-law and sons-in law as true sons and daughters. She leaves 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving is her beloved sister-in-law, Adelita Chavez, widow of Amado Chavez. Of her 22 grandchildren, Mom was able to enjoy those who live nearby and saw her often, Felicia, Rosa, Maria Antonia, Lily and Sunny. They brightened her life so very much. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Our thanks to Jessie M. Chave4z ( "eldest son "), Christopher (Louis) Buenabenta, Eliseo Sisneros and Ida Acuņa, all who cared for Mom in such a very special way. God's love and peace flowed through our Mother and she was a blessing to all whose lives she touched. We all felt she had a "direct line to God" and called on her often to pray for us, our friends, or anyone in need of prayer. Words cannot express the void we now have in our lives and hearts. Mom's love for us was unconditional and boundless, and we thank God for blessing us with her caring presence for so many years. We love and miss you Mama. You will always be in our hearts and in the hearts of all those whose lives you touched. We wish to thank the staff at Vista Care Hospice, especially Kathleen Corcoran and Robert Salazar, for loving and caring for Lucretia. We also thank the Staff of Sandia Hospice for their care in easing Mom's last days. Pallbearers will be Mom's four sons, Joe, Louie, Ben and Gene, nephew, Jessie M. Chavez, and grandson, Tracy McRae. Honorary pallbearers are Amado and Adelita Chavez's sons. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2002 at Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Avenue SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2002 at Francis Xavier Church, 820 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 6, 2002 at Saint Francis Xavier Church. The Celebrant will be Reverend John Jasinzki with the Saint Francis Xavier Choir (led by Mom's special son-in-law, Rick Covington) providing the musical accompaniment.
A. Beth Childers, age 92, a resident of Albuquerque for 70 years died April 28, 2002. She is survived by nieces, Eva Beth Havel and Edna Beeson both of OR; as well as other nieces and nephews. Beth was a member of N.A.R.F.E, T.A.C.A, Telephone Pioneers of America and she retired from Kirtland Air Force Base in 1980. Beth is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and two sisters. At the request of Beth no funeral services will be held. Contributions may be made to the New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranch 6209 Hendrix Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Directors, 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE is handling her arrangements.
Marian Lola Daley, 82, lost her battle with cancer and died peacefully with her family at her side on May 1, 2002. She was a resident of Albuquerque since 1948 and retired from a successful nursing career in 1988. After graduating from the Ravenswood School of Nursing, she worked at Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago, ILfor 2 years, specializing in premature babies. After moving to Albuquerque, she worked with UNM Hospital for many years and was instrumental in helping set up the UNM Family Practice Clinic. She retired in 1988 and was able to travel and enjoy her weekly game of bridge until recently when her health started to fail. She is survived by her four children, Chris Karen of Albuquerque, Brent and wife Georgette of Orlando, FL, Alan and wife Carrie of Albuquerque, and Beth and husband Joe of Colorado Springs, CO.; brother, Don and wife, Nan, of Niles, MI; Aunt, Lola Reum of Albuquerque; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Patrick, Michael, Richard, Charles, Emily, Jennelle, Kendall, Mariah, Robert, and Jarrett and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by grandson, Thomas. Private cremation has already taken place. The children of Marian are hosting a "Celebration of Life" reception for friends & family on Tuesday May 07, 2002 from 4-8 pm at the Marriott Hotel located at 2101 Louisiana Blvd. NE.
Please come and join us in celebrating 82 years of life with a beautiful woman, our Mother.
Olive Jane Daugherty, 77, a resident of Bosque Farms, NM, died Saturday, April 27, 2002. She is survived by her sons, David W. Daugherty and wife, Beverly, and Dow 'Herk' Daugherty and wife, Marlene; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert 'Bob' Daugherty. Cremation has taken place. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
Gloria R. Ellis, who died December 28, 2001, will be honored in a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 11, 2002 at 10:00 A.M. at Aspen Funeral Alternatives, 1935 Juan Tabo NE. Having the service on the Eve of Mother's Day is fitting, for she was a great mother, a super wife, and the best girl in the world. Luv-U. Arrangements by Aspen Funeral Alternatives, 1935 Juan Tabo NE. 323-9000.
Elizabeth "liz" M. Salazar Gabaldon, 54, a life long resident of Belen, passed away in an Albuquerque hospital on Thursday, May 2, 2002. She was an active member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Liz was instrumental along with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eugene and Gloria Gabaldon in the construction of the gazebo that graces Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. This gazebo is dedicated to the memory of her late husband, George P. Gabaldon. Liz and her late husband were a well-known NM business team, owning and operating Gabaldon Construction. After George's death in 1991, liz ran the family construction and development interest until her illness. She was an active member of the Democratic Party throughout the state. She actively served on the Board of Directors of TRESCO which served to help handicap individuals in all facets of their lives and their variety of needs. Also, she was a member of the Belen and Socorro Chamber of Commerce. Her wide range of interest were many but the most important to liz was her family. Her grandchildren were the light in her eyes. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George; her father, Henry Salazar in 1979; and her brother, Rod in 1983. Liz is survived by her loving son, Sean and his wife, Brenda of Belen; two wonderful grandchildren, John Connor and Christian; and her late husband's grandchildren who loved her dearly. She is also survived by her mother, Priscilla Salazar of Belen; two brothers, Henry E. of Belen; and Greg of Las Vegas, NV; her loving companion Jake Chavez of Socorro, NM; and her many loving nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and friends. All services will be held at the church that she cherished, Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. The family will be receiving guests on Sunday, May 5, 2002, 5:30pm with a rosary being recited at 6:00pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 6, 2002, 10:00am. Liz will be buried next to her beloved husband at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Lydia Carbajal; Leyla Sedillo-Gallegos; Dana Gum; June Salazar; Karie Gabaldon Wood; Carla Leyba Chavez; Fran Chavez Sanchez; Gloria Perea; Jennifer Tafoya; and Marybell Tabet. Honorary pallbearers will be Salomon Mantano; Ron Tabet; Barbara Zellers; Michael Chavez; Jerry Gum; Chad Salazar; John Salazar II; Eric Sanchez; and Rick Penner. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N Main St, Belen, NM.
Loyd F. Goatcher Sr., 89, a resident of Albuquerque, NM, died Friday, May 3, 2002. He is survived by his son, Loyd F. Goatcher, Jr.; grandchildren, Jay Goatcher and wife, Loretta, Larry Goatcher and wife, Karen, and Kelly Carmody and husband, Jeff all of Albuquerque; great-granddaughters, Jessica, Jacqueline, Kaley, and Kristye; great- grandson, Kalvin; sister, Edith Cudd of Longview, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Mr. Goatcher was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel whom he met and married in Poteau, OK in 1931. Loyd was born in Hackett, AR on June 20, 1912 and moved to OK as a young boy with his family. He was a sawmill master mechanic for International Paper, retiring in 1974. They moved to Albuquerque from McAlester, OK in 1989. Services will be held, Friday, May 10, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mills Funeral Home in McAlester, OK. Interment will follow at Elemwood Cemetery, in Hartshorne, OK. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Tuesday, May 7, 2002 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Dan Hamilton (Certified Honest Jaybird), age 70, a resident here died May 2 at his home. He is survived by sons, Charles Hamilton and wife, Janice, of Albuquerque, Jay Hamilton and wife, Kris, of Los Lunas; brother, Robert Hamilton and wife, Pat, of Albuquerque; granddaughters, Lauren, Jaimie, Annette, Celeste; niece, Joy Hamilton; his pets, Kelly and Smokie; and many dear friends. He loved his family and friends very much. He was also an avid CB enthusiast, a veteran truck driver of 22 years for Creamland Dairies, a member of Sons of the American Legion Post 49, and East Heights Moose Lodge 2241. Following cremation a memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at Northeast Heights American Legion Post 49, 11005 Central NE. In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorial donation be made to the American Legion Post 49. Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors, 3113 Carlisle NE, were in charge of the arrangements.
Jessie G. "Granny" Hill, 90, went to be with the Lord surrounded by her family, Friday, May 3, 2002. She is survived by her son, Dick Hill and wife, Janet; daughter, Deanna VanderLaan of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Cara Blackmon, Allen Chumbler, Jeff Hill, Doug VanderLaan, Gary Hill, and Debi Cone; six great-grandchildren; five step great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister, Evelyn Thompson of Benton, Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, George W. Hill and daughter, Janice Gibson Hill. Mrs. Hill was a charter member of Crestview Baptist Church and current member of the First Baptist Church. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and taught Sunday school for over 50 years. Services will be held Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. Pallbearers will be Jeff Hill, Gary Hill, Doug VanderLaan, Beau Hill, Keith Weathersby, and Bobby Prestridge. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh, Joe, and Jacob Blackmon, Lauren and Chase Cone and Britney VanderLaan. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Monday, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Noonday Ministry, P. O. Box 25451, 87125. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Cleo M. Hunley, 53, a resident of Albuquerque for 25 years, passed away on May 4, 2002. She is survived by her husband, Jess of the family home; two daughters, Jennifer Casey and husband, Tim of San Jose, CA and Jodi Hunley of the family home; mother, Asencion Valdez of Farmington, NM; two grandsons, Matthew and David Casey; five sisters, Cecilia Stover and husband, Howard, Gloria Fulton and husband, Rick, Betty Chavez and husband, Henry, Viola Moore and husband, Rex, and Raelyn Earnest and husband, Dale; father in law, Jess Hunley; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Cleo was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. She loved being with her family and friends. She loved being a nurse and liked taking care of the sick babies. She was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed. Rosary will be recited on Monday at 7:00 p.m. at French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (3 blocks North of Paseo del Norte) with the Legion of Mary, reciting. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Church, 4000 St. Joseph Drive NW with Father Frank Prieto, celebrant. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her nephews. Friends may visit French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW on Monday from 6:00 p.m. until time of rosary.
Ina Aaron Keith went to Heaven Sunday morning, April 21, 2002. Ina was born in Albuquerque on January 5, 1912 the day that New Mexico was admitted to the union. Ina was a graduate of Albuquerque High School in 1930. Ina's family was the focal point in her life. She is survived by two brothers, Bob and Joe Aaron; one son, Jack Keith; three daughters, Norma Hibbs, Kittie Seckel and Carol Frazier; ten grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Memorials can be made in her name, Baptist Childrens' Home in Portales, NM.
LEWIS DAVID, passed away May 3, 2002. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alburn and Hannah Kelly, two sisters, Vada Graham and Francis Kelly, and two brothers, Charles Kelly and Burn Kelly, Jr. Mr. Kelly has been a resident of Albuquerque since 1972. He retired from the U.S.A.F. and was an active member of Risen Savior Catholic Community and a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He is survived by his loving wife, Maria O. Kelly and his three children, Sharon Kelly, Gail Gutierrez and Ron, and Deanna Sippel and Joel, all of Albuquerque. He is survived also by his two sisters, Virginia Kelly of Seaside, Oregon and Margie Gordon of Moyie Springs, Indiana, and his two brothers, George Kelly of North Fork, Nebraska and Gary Kelly of Whitewright, Texas. Other survivors include his four grandchildren, David Kelly, Kellie Snyder, Aimee Kelly and Adam Gutierrez. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church with Father Richard Olona officiating. Committal service will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. Arrangements by Sandia Funeral Care, 7601 Wyoming Blvd, NE, Albuquerque, 821-0010.
Virginia B. Kelly passed away on May 2, 2002. She was born in Tinaja, NM, August 7, 1920. She was preceded in death by her husband, James P. Kelly, her parents, Pablo and Terecina Bernal and a brother, Alberto Bernal. She is survived by her three sisters, Elena Bernal of Albuquerque, Viola Castillo and husband, Luciano of Palo Blanco, NM, and Terecina Jean of Albuquerque; three brothers, Antonio Bernal and wife, Nora of Los Lunas, Juan Bernal and wife, Louise of Sherman, TX, and Ignacio Bernal and wife, Lala of Springer, NM; several nephews, nieces and cousins whom she loved dearly. Virginia taught school with the Dominican Sisters in Chicago, Illinois, and with the Dominican Sisters in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She finished her teaching career with the Albuquerque Public Schools at Kit Carson Elementary. Funeral services for Virginia will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of the Risen Savior, 7701 Wyoming NE, with father, Richard Olona, celebrant. Rosary will be preceding the Mass at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dennis Georgieff, Adel Sokkary, Christopher Serna, Jimmie Chavez, Charles Beverly, James Hubbs and Israel Juarez. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity. Friends may visit French Mortuary Wyoming Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE on Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
