Mrs. Judith L. Berkowitz, 56, a resident of Rio Rancho passed away on January 18, 2002. Mrs. Berkowitz is survived by her beloved husband of 34 years, Robert Berkowitz; one daughter Michelle Rebecca McDermott and husband Tom; one son David Joseph Berkowitz and wife Michele; three grandchildren, Aaron Berkowitz, Adam Berkowitz and Rachel Berkowitz; and her mother Rae Bennett. A Committal Service will be Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 2:30pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Rabbi Dees will officiate. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, in charge of arrangements.
Franklin W. Biggs, 82, died on January 19, 2002 in Albuquerque. He was born on July 31, 1919 in Fort Morgan Colorado. He lived most of his life in Pueblo, Colorado, attending Hinsdale School and Centennial High School. He worked for over 40 years at the C.F.&I. Steel Corporation until retiring in 1983. While working at the C.F.&I., he also worked part-time as a freight solicitor for several Pueblo trucking companies including Thacker Brothers. In 1987, he and his wife, Marianne, moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he worked for Montgomery Wards and Sam's Club until retiring in 2000. Throughout his life, Frank was a self-employed, highly skilled general handyman performing work as a carpenter, electrician, plumber and painter. A World War II veteran, Frank served in the 96th Division of the Army as a combat infantryman, fighting in both Okinawa and the Philippines. Frank married Marianne Ryan on September 8, 1939 in Pueblo and they recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. Frank is survived by his wife, three children, and five grandchildren. His son, Stanley, lives in Storrs, Connecticut with his wife Patricia. They have two sons, Christopher and Kerry, both of whom live in Connecticut with their wives, Kerry and Tanya. His son, Robert, lives in Lone Tree, Colorado with his wife Beth. They have two sons, Kyle and Nathan, both living in Colorado. His daughter, Kimberley, lives in Albuquerque with her son Robbie. Services will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 8:30 a.m. at French Mortuary - Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, with interment to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, New Mexico Affiliate, P.O. Box 90790, 87199. His wife and family will sadly miss him.
Reverend David Joseph Timothy Clark, age 80, born to John Joseph Clark and Jocine Marcella Lombard in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 2, 1922, went to be with his Heavenly Father January 19, 2002. Father Clark had been hospitalized at the Ft. Bayard Medical Center. He is survived by brothers and sister; George Richard Clark of Scottsdale, AZ, Marie Agnes Gantenbein, John Joseph Clark, Jr., Jane Mildred Riggle, and Thomas Meighan Clark, all of Pamona, CA, several nieces and nephews . He received his ordination in 1954 and served as Administrator to St. Anthony's Parish in Pecos, NM and was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, NM in 1970. Fr. Clark has served in the Albuquerque Parishes of; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Annunciation, St. Francis Xavier, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin (Alameda). He was appointed as Chaplain at St. Anthony's Hospital in Las Vegas, NM, and then St. Vincent's Hospital in Santa Fe, NM. Later he served at St. Bernadette's in Albuquerque, and then as co-pastor of Nativity Church in Alameda, and then St. Therese Church.Mass of Christian Burial will con-celebrated by Arch Bishop Michael J. Sheehen at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church (2621 Vermont NE at Claremont NE) Friday, January 25, 2002. Entombment will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors, 3113 Carlisle NE, are in charge of arrangements.
Donna Sue Clay, 44, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, died Friday, January 18, 2002. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Curtis "Bo" Clay; sons, Nathanael Clay and Brandon Clay; parents, William and Jackie Breeze all of Albuquerque; brother, James E. Breeze and wife, Kristal of Rio Rancho; brother-in-law, Vol Stover of Albuquerque; sister-in-law, Liz Cook; nephews and nieces, Heidi Ellington, Aimee and Amber Breeze, Andrew Breeze, William Stover, Jaimee Cook and Don Cook; great-niece, Chastin Ellington; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Dianna Stover. Donna loved the bible and reading scriptures. She was a devoted mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. Donna was a member of Fruit Ave. Baptist Church. Services will be held Wednesday, 1:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Road NW, with Rev. Mark Denton and Tony Aguilar officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. Pallbearers will be Ray Shuck, Gary Allen, Don Cook, Doyle Gibson, Mike Ellington, and Cris Baca. Ushers will be Scott Mortenson and Jeff Mortenson. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Westside Chapel, Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. "God Gave Us A Treasure In You" - "God gave us a great treasure of immense and untold worth, and brought a touch of Heaven to our lifetime here on earth, for he sent us someone wonderful, an angel from above, when he blessed us with the gift of you - our friend, our joy, our love, "taken from the words of Emily Matthews. French Mortuary, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW.
Stella Moreno Cockrell, 86, a lifelong Santa Rosa, NM resident died Friday, January 18, 2002 at her home in Santa Rosa. Stella was born February 8, 1915 in Santa Rosa to the home of Manuel Moreno and the former Rosita Garcia. She was reared and attended schools at Santa Rosa. Stella and her husband Wade operated a fruit stand in Santa Rosa in the downtown area for several years. She worked for several years transporting water to the residents of Santa Rosa. Stella later worked at Ophilia Ellis' Truck Stop. She also operated a restaurant in Santa Rosa for several years. From 1974 until 1984 she drove the Luna Vocational School bus between Santa Rosa and Las Vegas. Stella was an active member of the Campos Senior Citizens Center, she loved to play bingo, enjoyed sewing, quilting, and going to yard sales. She was preceded in death by her husband Wade Cockrell on February 2, 1981; two brothers Epimenio Moreno and Santiago Moreno; two sisters, Arcelia Fajardo and Isabel Duran. She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by her loving family. Survivors include two daughters, Fay Swift of Rio Rancho, NM and Loretta Martinez and husband Donaldo "Tiny" of Las Vegas, NM; one son, Larry Cockrell and wife Betty Jo of Las Vegas, NM; also surviving are seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives; and many friends. Rosary services were held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 20, 2002 at the Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa. A second rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday January 21, 2002 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2002 with Father Stephen Schultz officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa. Serving as Pallbearers will be Eddie Moon, Tony Martinez, Kris Romero, Brian Sanchez, Ricardo Martinez, Joey Hood, Rudy Archuleta, and Frank Tenorio. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 South Third Street, Santa Rosa, New Mexico. (505) 472-3369
Elizabeth K. Cox, 98, a resident of Albuquerque since 1958, died Friday, January 18, 2002. She is survived by her grandson, David Cox and wife, Sheila of Edgewood; granddaughter, Patsy Otero and husband, Salomon of Santa Fe; great-grandchildren, Michael Otero and friend, Beth Byers, Melissa Cox, Lesleigh Otero and Christopher Cox and friend, Misty Gudelj; great-great-grandchildren, Jessy Otero, Elijah Gudelj-Cox and Braydon Gudelj-Cox; and many nephews, nieces and other family and friends. Mrs. Cox was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Cox, April 23, 1986; son, Harold Cox in June 1966; and daughter-in-law, Naomi Ruth "Penny" Cox, March 3, 1999. She was a past longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Services will be held Monday, 2:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Reverend Clyde Stanfield officiating and Ron Brinkman assisting. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Sunday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Charities c/o Grand Lodge, 1638 University Blvd. NE, 87102. Special thanks to Elizabeth's dear friend, Margaret Fisher, staff of Carefree Living and Dr. Elizabeth R. Finley. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Dolores L. Daniels, a resident of Albuquerque since 1985, died on Thursday, January 17, 2002. She was a former resident of Bartlesville, OK. Dolores is survived by her husband of 51 years, Carl Daniels; son, Jack E. Daniels of Albuquerque; daughter, Jill A. Crawford, husband, Richard and grandchildren, Rachel and Daniel of Orlando, FL; mother, Eythel Loveland; brother, Gene Loveland, mother in law Helen Daniels all of Bartlesville, OK, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Rick. Memorial services will be held Monday, January 21, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. No reception will follow. Burial will take place in Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Heart Hospital Foundation, 504 Elm NE, Albuquerque, 87102.
William J. (Bill) Deuschle, Services to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Directors, 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE. Burial of the cremains will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. that same day.
Jack Dietrich, 84, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, died Thursday, January 17, 2002 of heart failure. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Dietrich of Albuquerque; daughters, Diane Christmann and husband, Charles of Placitas, Denise Meyer and husband, Michael of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Adrienne Meyer of Albuquerque; and his dog, Ozzie. Jack was born in Carbondale, KS in 1917 and he worked for Santa Fe Railroad for 4 years. He served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. Jack met and married Darlene in 1945. He worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, DC until 1955 when he relocated to Albuquerque where he was a director with the Atomic Energy Commission until his retirement in 1972. Jack was a watercolor artist and a member of the Watercolor Society, participating annually in Weem's Artfest. He enjoyed painting workshop trips to southern California, Laughlin, NV, and Vail, CO. He was a member of Four Hills Country Club and was an avid golfer. Jack was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the UNM Presidential Scholarship Fund. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held Tuesday, January 22, 2002, 10:30 a.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, with Rev. Charlie Price officiating. We would like to close with a favorite quote of his, "You've been grand through the whole ugly mess!" He will be missed.
Mr. J.O. Gray, age 88, of McKinney, Texas, passed away January 20, 2002, in McKinney. He was born on March 15, 1913, in Greenville, Texas, to James Oscar and Ida Mar (Perkins) Gray. He married Ezma Louise Hutcheson in August of 1938 in Greenville. Mr. Gray served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked as a carpenter for See-Gee Engineering until his retirement in 1975. He has a life membership with the International Carpenters Union, having completed 50 years of continuous membership in Local 1319. He was a member of Los Altos Christian Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he served as an elder. He was previously a Mason. He is survived by his daughter, LaQuita Bird of McKinney; granddaughter, Daniele Krug of McKinney; brother, A.V. Gray of Greenville; half-brother, James Ray "Bud" Gray of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and half-sister, Patsy Gray of McAllen, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 22, 2002, at Ridgeview Memorial with Reverend William Peirson officiating. Mr. Gray will lie in state January 21, 2002, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home.
Emily Barncastle Guelfi, age 74 and a life long resident of New Mexico died Friday January 18, 2002 in a local hospital following an illness. Mrs. Guelfi is survived by her husband Aido Guelfi; one daughter Angela Chiado and her husband John; one son Aido Guelfi and his wife Lee all of Albuquerque. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Geneva, Tony, Mia, and Michael, and two sisters Mamie Anderson and Caroline Montanez both of NM. Mrs. Guelfi was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and had served as a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital for many years. A rosary will be recited Monday January 21, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday January 23, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church with Fr. Francis X. Eggert celebrant. Inurnment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Hospice Inpatient Unit at Presbyterian Hospital. Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave SE are in charge of arrangements.
Birnie (Glenn) Hammock, 71, a long-time Albuquerque resident, died Friday, January 18, 2002, following heart surgery. He is survived by his daughter, Trish Littell and husband, Austin, daughter, Gloria Sands and husband, Jesse, daughter, Sally Garcia and husband, Sigfredo; father, Alton Hammock; sister, Loraine Hammock; grandchildren, Vanessa Garcia and Jesica Sands; great-grandchildren, Samantha and Dylan; additional family, and numerous friends. He was born on June 5, 1930, in Phoenix, Arizona. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, married, and began raising a family. He received his degree in Geology at UNM with a minor in Engineering. He was a well-respected ground water geologist and engineer in New Mexico. His love of geology led him into consulting in semi-retirement. He loved the outdoors, and relished time spent with friends who shared his passion for hunting. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association - NM Affiliate, PO Box 90790, Albuquerque, NM, 87199-0790. The family would like to thank the close friends and the caregivers at the Heart Hospital and the New Mexico Heart Institute for their tender care of Glenn. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 23, 2002, at French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. N.E., with Rev. Clyde Stanfield, officiating.
Mr. Joseph Jaramillo, age 36, died Sunday. He is survived by his Mother, Pauline Jaramillo, Father Leo P. Jaramillo, Partner, David Perales, Brothers, Leo M. Jaramillo and wife Delora, John Jaramillo and Max Jaramillo, Sisters, Ana Marie Lopez and Husband Benny, Linda Flores and Husband, Felix, Patricia Jaramillo, Don Jaramillo and Andra Jaramillo, and many neices and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at the Ascention Catholic Church, time of Mass is pending. Burial will follow at the Parajito Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Benny Lopez, Felix Florez, Leo R. Jaramillo, Dominic Lopez, Eddie Perales and Nicholas Lopez. Rosary service will be held Monday at 7pm at the Salazar and Sons Mortuary 400 3rd St. S.W.
John H. Kelly, 86, a resident of Albuquerque since 1948, died Thursday, January 17, 2002. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marguerite Kelly; son, Michael J. Kelly, both of Albuquerque; daughter, Kathleen Satchell and husband, Frank of Conifer, CO; granddaughter, Lisa Montoya and husband, Andy; grandsons, Michael Kelly and David Kelly; great-granddaughter, Christina Kelly; great-grandson, Isaac Kelly, all of Albuquerque; and sisters, Vivian Truitt of Novinger, MO, Kathrine Kelly of Dubuque, IA and Clara Marie Capps and husband, George of Potosi, WI. John was preceded in death by son, Richard "Dick" Kelly; grandson, Fred Kelly; and brothers, Marion Kelly and Jim Kelly. He was of member of St. Therese Little Flower Church. Rosary will be recited Monday, 7:00 p.m., at St. Therese Little Flower Church, 3828 4th NW, with Legion of Mary reciting. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, 11:00 a.m., at St. Therese Little Flower Church, with Father James J. Suntum, S.F., Celebrant. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frank Satchell, Joe Ulibarri, Anthony Ulibarri and Bob Butziger. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Monday, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Gene Kelsch, 96, died Tuesday, January 15, 2002. He is survived by his sons, Peter Kelsch of San Francisco and John Kelsch of San Mateo, CA; daughter, Barbara Kelsch Harris of Marvel, CO; and four grandchildren, Cecil Gardipe of Denver, CO, Michael Gardipe of Albuquerque, Martine Kelsch of San Francisco, CA and Diamond Kelsch of the Philippines. Mr. Kelsch was preceded in death by his wife in 1970, Betty Kelsch; and two daughters, Naomi Kelsch and Katharine Kelsch. He was born July 5, 1905 in St. Paul, MN. Mr. Kelsch married Betty Geffner December 31, 1929 in New York City, NY. They moved with their family to Albuquerque in 1950 after a five-year stay in Prescott, AZ and had lived there ever since. Mr. Kelsch was a graduate of the Chicago Art Institute and did graduate study at Yale University. He operated a sign and advertising business in Albuquerque for 45 years. He was past president Albuquerque Sign Assn. 1958-1964, Chief Warden Bernalillo County and Albuquerque Civil Defense Organization 1959-1963; member of Temple Lodge #6, A.F. & A.M., 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of Ballut Abyad Shrine Temple in New Mexico. He was a charter member of NM Yale Alumni Assn. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held Monday, 3:00 p.m., at Temple Lodge #6, A.F. & A.M., 3801 Osuna NE. Disposition of Mr. Kelsch's cremated remains will take place at the Rose Garden at Unity Village in Kansas City, KS. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 Beauregard, St. Alexandria, VA, 22311. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Rose Marie Long, age 83, passed away Thursday, January 17, 2002 in a local nursing home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene P. Long. She is survived by her son, Eugene Long of Farmington, NM, and other family members, Louise Jones of Phoenix, AZ and Kenneth Mann of Albuquerque, NM. Graveside Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors, 3113 Carlisle NE, are in charge of arrangements.
Mike K. Madrid, 71, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away January 18, 2002. He was born in Reserve, NM on Dec 7, 1930 and also proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Madrid of 45 years; daughter, Valerie Taylor of Albuquerque; granddaughters, Ayesha and Alesia Taylor; son, Mike Madrid and wife Jennifer of Gilbert, Arizona; grandsons, Mike, Merrick, and Mason; brothers, Arthur Madrid of Lakeside, Arizona, Rudy Madrid of Gallup, NM, Eusevio Madrid of Stigler, Oklahoma; sisters; Antonia Madrid of Woodlake, California, Mary Davis of Mustang, Oklahoma, twins Lydia and Ramona Madrid of Gallup, NM; mother in law, Ruth Gonzales of Gallup, NM; sisters in law, Irene Telles of Gallup and Celia Montoya of Rosewood, California; several loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Emilia and Dario Madrid; brothers and sisters, Della Romero, Candelaria Naranjo, David Madrid, Max Madrid, Moises Madrid and Richard Madrid. Rosary will be recited at St. Jude Thaddeus, 5712 Paradise NW, Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass. Interment will take place at Gate of Heaven. Pallbearers will be, Mike Madrid III, Arthur Madrid, Ray Madrid, Larry Madrid, Jerry Moraga, Emil Romero, Ray Anthony Montoya, and Russell Telles. We Love You Husband, Dad, Grandfather. French Mortuary-Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course NW.
Peter Martinez, age 80, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, was called home to be with the Lord our Savior, Thursday, January 17, 2002 while surrounded by his loving family. Peter was born in San Marcial, New Mexico to the late Francisco and Lupita Martinez; he was a resident of Albuquerque and a parishioner of St. Edwins Catholic Church. Peter was preceded in death by a grandson, Jessie Martinez; granddaughter, Jaquelyn Aragon; and son in law Charles Aragon. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dora Martinez; his children Patrick, Philip, and wife Lorraine, Peter, Paul and wife Josephine, Jo Madeline, Perry, Steve, Mary Ann Olguin and husband Jerry, Rita, Barbara, and Benny; 30 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Procopio Martinez and wife Erma, Melardo Martinez and wife Edwina, one sister Lydia Romero and husband Orlando; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Peter will be greatly missed by his loving family and those who knew and loved him. Visitations will be Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 820 Broadway SE, where a Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. also at the church, with Fr. Frank Prieto as celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary cemetery. Casket bearers will be Patrick Martinez, Philip Martinez, Peter Martinez, Paul Martinez, Perry Martinez, Steve Martinez, Benny Martinez.
Betty Jane Peterson, 78, of Albuquerque, NM went to be with her Heavenly Father, Wednesday, January 16, 2002. Mrs. Peterson was born March 18, 1923 in Concordia, Kansas, the daughter of Walter Don and Levina Johnston. A 50-year resident of Albuquerque, she was employed by the Veteran's Hospital of Albuquerque for 21 years. She was married to Charles M. Peterson, on May 6, 1943 in Atchison, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 23, 1994. Survivors include a brother Don Johnston and his wife Peggy, of Shawnee Mission, Kansas; a son Charles R. Peterson and his wife Louise of Corrales, NM; two daughters Janis Spade of Admire, Kansas, and Susan Wagner of Lansing, Kansas; and six grandchildren, Michael and Rebecca Spade, Matthew, Katie, Benjamin and Jonathan Wagner. She was a loving and devoted wife, sister, mother and grandmother. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday January, 25, 2002 at Celebration Baptist Church, 5620 Loredo Rd. NW, Rio Rancho, NM with the Reverends Bob Britton, First Baptist Church, Chama, NM and David Britton, Celebration Baptist Church, Rio Rancho, NM officiating. The family asks in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to the American Lung Society, First Baptist Church, Chama, NM or Celebration Baptist Church, Rio Rancho, NM.
Katheryn "Kathy" Phelps, 67, a resident of Albuquerque since 1987, died Saturday, January 19, 2002. She is survived by her son, Woody Phelps and wife, Gloria Vanderstelt of Los Lunas; and brother, Donald Harrelson and wife, Yong Chung of Korea. She was preceded in death by her son, Elmer Allen Phelps in 1999, and her mother, Dorothy M. Harrelson in 2000. Mrs. Phelps was a member of Peralta Methodist Church. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. at Sandia Memory Gardens with Reverend Charles E. Price officiating. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Neita K. Tucker, age 70, died Thursday afternoon, January 17, 2002 in Los Lunas at the family home. She was born February 24, 1931 in Albuquerque to the late Fremont C. and Mabel Christensen Kutnewsky. She is survived by her husband, William K. Tucker; daughter, Dr. Patricia M. Fitch of Edgewood, NM; two sons, Daniel F. Fitch of Prunedale, CA, and Gregory J. Fitch of Santa Fe, NM; and step-son, Alan G. Tucker of White House, TN. Survivors also include eight grandchildren; her brother, Drace W. Kutnewsky of San Jose, CA; and sister, Carol Oglseby of Albuquerque. Neita worked for Sandia National Laboratory for 30 years, before retiring in 1995. While working for Sandia, she attended night school for eight years earning her MBA from Highlands University. When she retired from Sandia, she was a manager in the accounting department. She was an excellent bridge player and enjoyed many Thursdays playing with the other retired Sandians. She and William loved to travel, especially in their RV. She spent many weeks traveling in the RV throughout New Mexico and neighboring states with the Rio Grande Bounders, and across the west and southeast USA with friends and family. Another love was horses, and she and William raised several on their place in Peralta before their recent move to the big city, Los Lunas. She couldn't bare to sell their last "baby", named Peanut, so she gave Peanut to a close friend in Peralta where Peanut still lives. Gardening and cooking were two more things she loved to do. She was famous around the neighborhood for growing the largest and best tomatoes and for preparing the best New Mexican dishes found in the state. Later in life, she found another love, genealogy. She helped William with his family genealogy, then she added to the work her brother, Drace had started on their family genealogy. She reconnected with several long-lost distant cousins in the Kutnewsky and Christensen families. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at Sandia Funeral Care 7601 Wyoming NE on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 2:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to New Mexico Boys Ranch, PO Box 5000, Boys Ranch, NM 87002; or to Lovelace Hospice, 5403 Gibson Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
