Robert Semrad, 72, a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died Friday, October 8, 1999. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elise Semrad; her mother, Nell Johnson and husband, William; children, Christina and Dan Westbrook, Susan and Everest Sewell and Robert and Joy Semrad; grandchildren, Cathryn Allen and Sara Elizabeth Westbrook and Elyse Marie and Everest George Sewell; sisters, Eleanor Sampsell and husband, Jack, Dorothy Dorman, Pauline Dorman and husband, B.F. and Mary Taylor and husband, Nick; brothers, Jack Semrad and wife, Jean and Jim Semrad and wife, Sherry. He is also survived by many other family members and friends. Mr. Semrad served during WWII in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in geology in 1950, and devoted his entire professional career to the Sulphur Industry. After working for Pan American Sulphur Company in the United States and Mexico, he retired as President and C.E.O. of Pennzoil Sulphur Company in 1991. Since retiring, Mr. Semrad was an active volunteer with the Albuquerque Public Schools, Catholic Social Services, Albuquerque Astronomy Association, and the Republican Party. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE, with Msgr. Joaquin Bazan, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming NE, Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Hospice Homecare, c/o Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 26666, Albuquerque, NM 87125-6666 or to the charity of your choice. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
Margarito Merced Baca, 68 years old, of Albuquerque, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2000 after a year long illness. He was preceded in death by two sons, David and Walter. He is survived by his wife, Hollis Hedlund; his son, Steve Baca and wife, Laura of Menlo Park, CA; his daughters, Dorothy Baca and husband, Lee Wasserman and Maria Baca and husband, Ben Gonzalez; daughter-in-law, Patricia Baca; two brothers, Margarito Alejandro Baca and wife, Floy of San Pedro, NM and Arthur Baca and wife, Margo of Santa Fe; two sisters, Lugarda Garduno and husband, Joe of Greeley, CO and Neva Montoya and husband, Robert of Santa Fe. Margarito is also survived by seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Merced, as he was known since childhood, was a graduate of Santa Fe High School. He retired from ABF Trucking Company in 1996. He was also an Albuquerque realtor and businessman. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2000, 1:30 p.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1301 Osage Avenue, in Santa Fe, NM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the College of Santa Fe Scholarship Fund. Strong-Thorne Mortuary in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Antonia T. Baldonado, 85, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on October 9, 2000. Mrs. Baldonado is survived by three sons, Paul Griego, Manuel Baldonado and wife, Loudell, and Chris Baldonado and wife, Kathy; four daughters, Celia Beller and husband, Matt, Helen Casados and husband, Gilbert, Della Banter and husband, Bob, and Reyes Lopez and husband, Charlie; 31 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchilden; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Baldonado was a member of the Catholic Church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. by Deacon Manuel Montoya. Final visitation will be Thursday morning from 9:30 until 10:00 in the St. Therese Little Flower Church, 300 Mildred NW, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 by Father John Plans. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Patricio Baldonado, Anthony Romero, Danny Baldonado, Manuel Baldonado, Gabriel Lopez and Felipe Chavez. Gabaldon Mortuary in charge of arrangements.
Penny Beasley, lifelong resident of the Albuquerque area, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2000 at the age of 64. Mrs. Beasley is survived by her husband, Jack Beasley of 27 years; daughters, Roberta Parker of Albuquerque, Denise Crandall and husband, Paul of Albuquerque, Teri Sajevic and husband, Bob of Woodbury, MN, Jeri Akin and husband, Fredrick of Tecumseh, OK, Colleen Leyba and husband, Ed of Midland, TX; sons, Michael Muller of Highland, CA and Jim Beasley of San Antonio, TX. She is also survived by her 21 grandchildren; and one sister, Evelyn Crawford and husband, Claude. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Ida Pennington; son, Chuck Muller; sister, Anita Harris. Penny retired from Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course after 27 years, where co-workers and patrons appreciated her friendly service and many of them became life long friends. The family would like to especially thank Dr. Clark Haskins, his staff, and the staff at St. Joseph Hospital for the special care and treatment during her illness. They would also like to extend their thanks to the many close friends and neighbors for their support and friendship. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2000, 2:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Should friends desire to make memorial contributions, they may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Bella M. Dunlop, a wonderful lady, lost her battle with cancer on October 2, 2000. Born in England on August 1, 1937, Bella came to the U.S. in 1965. She settled in Albuquerque and had spent the last 12 years as manager of Lou Mae Patio Apartments. Her family consists of daughters, Tracey and Kathy of Sacramento, CA, Tara of Albuquerque, Stephanie and Nicky of England; and a son, Robert of Santa Fe, along with their families, including eight grandchildren. To her family and many friends, Bella left a legacy of generosity and kindness, courage and "tough love ". We will miss her smiles, her laughter, her good heart, and love of life.
René Ann Dziurzynski, 37, passed away Saturday, October 7, from complications of Diabetes. René was born in Albuquerque, November 30, 1962. She was a graduate of Rio Grande High School and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the College of Santa Fe. Prior to her devastating illness, she attended NM Tech then transferred to UNM to pursue a career in Biomedical Engineering. She is survived by her parents, C.T. "Ski" and Georgia Dziurzynski; sister, Karen Cox and husband, Patrick of San Lorenzo, CA; and brothers, Eric Dziurzynski and wife, Loretta of Albuquerque, and Robert Dziurzynski and wife, Shirley of San Lorenzo, CA; nieces, Georgi Cox and Andrea Pacheco; and nephews, Jared, Gabriel and Gregory Dziurzynski and Sage Cox; great-nephew, Jordan Meredith; aunts and uncles, Patty and Ron Brant, CA, Dolores and Tony Rega, OH, Marion Dziurzynski, NJ, Mrs. Irene White, Mrs. Alice Rugg, Stanley, Leonard and Eugene Dziurzynski from PA, Carlos and Yvonne, Albino and Frances Lucero, Robert Lucero. Mrs. Ramona Lucero and Mrs. Fabbie Lucero of Albuquerque, and Fred and Iris Lucero of CA. René was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and loyal friend. Although her quality of life dwindled with time she never failed to be an instrument of encouragement to her family and friends, especially the children. She was known for her desire to excel both as a participant and leader. In her life time she enjoyed GSA Brownies, baton twirling, bowling, tennis, music/band, the Drill Team, HS Gymnastics, Ballet, Jazz, teaching aerobics and jazz at the YWCA, Girls State Delegate, President of both the Junior and Senior Class, President of the Central District Student Council (Senate), member and officer of the International Toastmasters and winner of speech contests. She delighted in her parish activities CCD Teacher, Parish Chairman of the Annual Catholic Appeal Committee, Lector, and Eucharistic Minister. She was looking forward to continuing her mentoring with the YDI's Wise Men & Women Program. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 1400 Arenal SW, on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., by Father John Shedlock, Celebrant. The pallbearers are Eric, Robert, and Jared Dziurzynski, David Kozlowski, Leon Lucero and Mark Lucero. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Donnie LeRoy Eash, 64, a resident of Los Lunas, died at home on Saturday, October 7, 2000, following a long battle with cancer. LeRoy was born on December 20, 1935 at Maytag Hospital in Albuquerque, which is now Presbyterian Hospital. He was the only child of William C. Eash and Mary Ann (Basgal) Eash. LeRoy was raised in Albuquerque, graduating from Hurley High School in 1953 and attending the University of New Mexico. He served in the US Marine Corps. In his early years, LeRoy worked as a personal fitness instructor for a health spa. He later worked on a ranch in Colorado, which he really enjoyed because of his love of the outdoors. LeRoy went on to be self-employed as a general contractor and built many fine homes in the area. He was also a racehorse trainer and owned a trucking company for several years. In the early 1980's, he became an auctioneer and remained in this work until the health problems forced him to retire. LeRoy was married to Mary Becker and they had four daughters. They were later divorced. He enjoyed refurbishing old furniture, collecting antiques and had a special passion for restoring old wagons. LeRoy had a strong belief in the Native American culture and these beliefs helped him through many difficult times. He is survived by his mother; four daughters; three grandsons; and several cousins. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at a later date. It was LeRoy's wish to have his cremains scattered in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. A portion of his cremains will also be interred at Santa Fe National Cemetery. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Ivan Ellerd went to be with the Lord Sunday, October 8, 2000 at the young age of 19. He was born in Los Gatos, CA on March 5, 1981. At the time of his death, he was living and working in Albuquerque. His father, Billy Don Ellerd, preceded him in death. Ivan will always be remembered by his son, Brandon; mother, Delta De La Cruz; and sister, Salina Ellerd. Ivan has been loved and will be missed by his grandparents, Audy and Nelda Ellerd and Ernesto and Flora De La Cruz, as well as more loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ivan will be greatly missed by all of the lives that he has touched. A prayer service will be held at the Westside Church, 3021 Todos Santos, on Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Mt. Calvary Cemetery on Thursday, October 12, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. with burial following. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, 505-343-8008.
Memorial services for Mr. Fred J. Entzian will be held on Wednesday at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial where the service will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements by the Salazar & Sons Mortuary, 400 Third St. SW.
David W. Evans, 47, of Albuquerque, died Monday, October 2, 2000 at his home. He was born November 12, 1952 in Carrizozo. He graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1971 and attended UNM. He was a writer and poet, and was a former sports reporter for the "Tribune ". Survivors include his wife, Constance of the family home; his mother, Hope Evans of Alamogordo; a sister, Candy O'Dell of Alamogordo; and numerous other relatives. Memorial services were conducted Saturday, October 7, at Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home in Alamogordo, with the officers of the Elks Lodge #1897, officiating. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1318 14th St., Alamogordo, NM 88310.
Gilberto Frescas, 93, passed away at home on October 8, 2000. He was born in Mexico, raised in California, and resided in Albuquerque the past seven years. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Clementina Frescas; daughters, Connie, Mary, Elizabeth; six grandchildren, Gloria, Gene, Debbie, Theresa, Kathy, Barry; two great-grandchildren, Steve, Stella; four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Anita; numerous family and friends who loved and will miss him. Services will be held at Church of the Risen Savior, 7701 Wyoming NE 87109, with Rosary on Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at 7:00 p.m., and Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 12, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th NW, Alb., NM 87107, 343-8008.
Rudy Gonzales, 21, went home to be with the Lord, October 6, 2000. He is survived by his parents, Angie Maez and Rudolfo Gonzales; fiance, Venessa Borrego; and children, Breonna Gonzales and Gabrielle Perea; sisters, Isabel Ramirez, Annette Beltran, Monica Gonzales; brothers, George Maez, Leroy Maez, Angel Gonzales; grandfather, Ramon Maestas; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family and friends who loved and will miss him. Services will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church on Broadway, with a visitation beginning at 5:30 p.m. and a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2000. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2000 with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th NW, Alb., NM 87107, 343-8008.
Dorothea A. Hatch-Lane, 85, an Albuquerque resident for 35 years, passed away at home on Monday, October 9, 2000. She was born in New York on April 29, 1915 to the late Joseph and Mary (Donoghue) Ruddy. She is survived by three daughters, Mary Alice Hatch and Monica Hatch, both of Albuquerque, and Deborah Randall of Denver, CO; two sons, Thomas E. Hatch of Maryland and George J. Hatch of Questa, NM; one sister, Mary Healy of New York; 19 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. a Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2000 at Gate of Heaven Chapel, 7500 Paseo del Norte NE. Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Clifford E. Hedstrom, age 85, a resident of Albuquerque, died on Monday, October 9, 2000. Cliff was born in Sioux City, Iowa on September 20, 1915. He was a member of the Masonic Temple and Ballut Abyad Shrine in Albuquerque; also the Telephone Pioneers. He retired from U.S. West in December, 1975. Cliff is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; and daughter, Karen, both of Albuquerque; two sisters; two cousins; nieces and nephews. Elizabeth and Karen wish to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the nursing staff at Manor Care Health Services, 7900 Constitution NE, for all their tender and loving care since May of 1998. Sunrise Society of New Mexico is serving the family of Mr. Hedstrom, 891-8200.
Emmett L. McAlester, 97, of Fort Sumner, NM, died Monday, October 10, 2000 at the Pecos Valley Care Center following an illness. Mr. McAlester was born January 14, 1903 in Shamrock, TX to the home of Tom L. McAlester and the former Jennie Lynn Williamsons. He served in the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Emmett was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on December 11, 1922. He worked for 20 years as a law enforcement officer with the Fort Worth, TX Police Department. Following his retirement he made his home in Fort Sumner from 1964 to 1968. He made his home in Shamrock, TX from 1968 until he moved to the Care Center in 1997. While living in Shamrock he enjoyed wood working. He also farmed at Shamrock for several years. Emmett was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred McAlester; his parents; two brothers, Rufus McAlester, Frank McAlester; two sisters, Gertrude Beatenbow and Ruth Brown. Mr. McAlester was a member of the Methodist Church. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Inez McAlester of Fort Sumner, NM; a niece, Anna Gustafson and husband, Steven of Albuquerque; a nephew, Mike Westmoreland and wife, Sandi of Klamath Falls, OR. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. (C.S.T.), Friday, October 13, 2000, from Shamrock Cemetery in Shamrock, Texas with Rev. John Dorn, of Shamrock Methodist Church officiating. Pallbearers will include Billy Bob Bonner, Steve Gustafson, Robert Gustafson, Mike Westmoreland, and Mike Vansickler. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner, NM, (505) 355-2311.
Betty Jo McCorkle, a lifelong resident of New Mexico, died Saturday, October 7, 2000. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Thomas L. McCorkle Jr.; daughter, Tommie Clerkin of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; son, Clyde L. McCorkle of Springfield, Virginia; grandchildren, Lee Nelson and Michele Nelson, both of Maryland, Elizabeth McCorkle of Virginia; sister, Edith Hammer and husband, Donald of Albuquerque; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Clyde Oliver. Mrs. McCorkle was a member of Rebekkehs and the American Legion Auxiliary. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2000, 2:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Earl McNeely
January 17, 1932 - October 08, 2000
Earl McNeely, 68, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 8, 2000. Earl proudly served his country in the army for four years. While enlisted in the Army, he was involved with the atomic testing at Enwitok Proving Ground, Marshall Islands and he was also acknowledged for his outstanding performance during the typhoon disaster on the Enwitok Islands in 1952. Later, Earl went to work for AT&T for 37 years as a communication technician. He was also Union President for Workers of America for three terms (15 years). Earl was also a very dedicated and active member of the Loyal Order of the Moose. He held offices of Governor, Past Governor, Administrator, Club Manager, and District Ritual Chairman of the Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse L and Mollie McNeely; and two brothers, James and Alfred McNeely. He is survived by his loving wife, DeAnne McNeely of Belen; his children, Mollye Gibson and daughters, Shanna and Falonna of Los Lunas; Cindy McNeely and daughters, Samantha and Audrina of Albuquerque; Denise James and son, Robert of Arizona; Bobby and his wife, Vicki of Kansas; Tammy and her husband, Frank Olguin and their children, Elisha and Francisco of Belen; Debbie Huddleston and her children, Ashleigh, Caitlynn, and Jarred of California; two sisters, Rosemary Byers and Nell Dotson of Kentucky; two brothers, Frank McNeely of Kentucky and Alfred McNeely of Florida; and a longtime friend and shadow who was as close as a brother, Bob Horton. Earl will be deeply missed and always loved by his wife, children, grandchildren, and all of his many, many friends. A Viewing will be held on Thursday, 1:00 p.m., at Romero Funeral Home followed by a Funeral at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Terrace Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Horton, Jimmy Reeves, Bobby Trujillo, Jimmy Hoover, Jimmy Gorter, and Dennis Hayes. Honorary Pallbearers are all of Earl's brothers from the Moose Lodge. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.
Norma Evelyn Mitchell died on October 10, 2000. She was born at Cotton Gin, near Mexia, Texas, on December 29, 1920, the daughter of Pearl Wright Higginbotham and Dennis Higginbotham. She married John Wesley Mitchell in 1939 and moved to Albuquerque in 1940. She was a seamstress and needlepointer and served 11,000 hours as a volunteer at the St. Joseph Northeast Heights Hospital. She is survived by her daughter, Marjorie J. Jannotta and son-in-law, Charles A. Hundertmark of Lafayette, Colorado. She is survived also by her lifelong friends, Mary J. Fauss and Harian H. Fauss of Albuquerque. Family survivors include her sister, Frances Higginbotham; her sister-in-law, Charlene Scherer; brother-in-law, Larry Joe Mitchell and numerous nieces and nephews in Texas, Colorado, Australia and New Mexico. Her husband predeceased her in 1974. Internment and a simple graveside service will be held on Friday, October 13, 2000 at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Albuquerque Meals on Wheels, Sandia Hospice Memorial Foundation or any charity.
Severo "Nolie" Montano, 62, crossed over to be with our Lord early Saturday morning after a long illness at home in Bernalillo surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his father, Fernando Montano; his mother, Virginia Salas Montano; his brother, Peter F. Montano; and his infant grandson, Matthew Christopher Montano. Severo was blessed with his wife of 41 wonderful years, Flora R. Montano; his daughters, Debra Montano, Cindy Montano, Delilah M. Baca and her husband, Steve; and his sons, Christopher S. Montano, Jason Montano, and Matthew Montano. More of God's blessings to Severo were his grandchildren, Gabriel Armijo, Mariah Armijo, Joshua Leyba, Jaclyn Leyba, Amber Baca, Steven Baca, Nicole Montano, Nichelle Montano, Andrew Montano and Nicholas Montano. Throughout his life he was blessed with his sisters, Alice Trujillo and Gloria Montoya and her husband, Elefio Montoya; and his brothers, Ralph Montano and wife, Patricia, Robert Montano and wife, Maryann, and Walter Montano and wife, Filomena. Severo was a Veteran who served proudly in the U.S. Navy. He also worked in the steel industry for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #7633, where he distinguished himself for over 20 years. He was also a part of the association of the Hermanos de Nuestros Padre Jesus Nazareno of San Luis. Viewing will be held Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Alameda Mortuary. Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Bernalillo, NM on Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows with burial to follow in San Luis, NM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association of New Mexico would be greatly appreciated. We will miss you and always love you, Dad.
Alice R. Nelson, 84, a resident of Albuquerque, died on Sunday, October 8, 2000.
Services will be held on Thursday, 11:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, with Pastor Rick Donaho, officiating.
Interment will follow at the Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd.
Friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at French Mortuary, Wyoming Chapel.
Graveside services for Ruth A. Nichols and Mildred N. Stoneman will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2000 11:30 a.m., at Fairview Cemetery.
Horace "Curly" Padilla, 74, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2000. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2000, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. in Palm Chapel at Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave. SE. There will also be a visitation on Thursday, October 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at San Felipe de Neri in Old Town on Thursday, October 12, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. Strong-Thorne Mortuary in charge of arrangements.
