Brian T. Pardo. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to all the friends who were so kind, supportive and compassionate. Your thoughtfulness did much to ease our sorrow.
Hillcrest Funeral Home
225 San Mateo NE
265-5959
Mary G. Rolando, 92, passed away on June 22, 2003. She was born on December 1, 1910 in New Mexico. A Rosary will be recited on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated immediately following at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Burial will take place at the Algodones Cemetery in Algodones, NM. Funeral services are entrusted to:
Alameda Mortuary
9420 Fourth St. NW
898-3160
Filiberto Sanchez, at the age of 85, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2003 surrounded by his loving family. He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Filiberto was a WW II Veteran who enlisted in 1941 and proudly served his country with the US Army till his honorably discharge in 1945. He attended Highland University. He was a patrolman for the City of Belen beginning in 1944 and was later promoted to Chief of Police in 1946 through 1956. He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad from 1957 through 1962. He then was employed for Sandia Base from 1962 through 1963. He later worked for Sandia National Laboratories beginning in 1964. Filiberto retired in 1982. Filiberto is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Florella Sanchez; his loving children, Mary Jane Dotson and husband, Greg; Annabelle Romero and husband, Ben; Lorraine Parker and husband, Rich; Judy Vigil and husband, Alan; Lawrence Sanchez and wife, Juanita; Dolores Jaramillo and husband, Roque; 22 grandchildren, LeeAnn Romero-Thomas and husband, Damien; Terri Lynn DeVries and husband, Tjeerd; Denise Romero; Lauren Marie Gilbert-Roithmayr and husband, Paul; Martin Chavez and wife, Stephanie; Kyle Rhine; Tanya Chavez; Keith Rhine; Angelina Rodriquez and husband, Randall; Nathan Parker; Kristy Arcidez and husband, Justin; Geneva Jaramillo-August and husband, Kevin; Antonio Sanchez; Monica Jaramillo; and Andres Sanchez; and his eight great-grandchildren. Filiberto is also survived by his sisters, Flora Pena; Sophia Turrietta and husband, Tom; and Bernie Sanchez and husband, Orlando; and his many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Seferino Sanchez; and his sisters, Amalia Baca; Josephina Sanchez; Eutimia Romero; and Nica Cole. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Lee Ann Romero-Thomas, Lauren Marie Gilbert-Roithmayr, Kyle Rhine, Martin Chavez, Geneva Jaramillo-August, and Antonio Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers will be his remaining grandchildren. All of Filiberto's services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A viewing will be held on Friday, June 27, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. with a Rosary following at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. with Father David officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM 87002.
Mary J. Schwering, age 49, passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening, June 22, 2003. Mary was a native New Mexican, born in Socorro, NM on January 21, 1954. She graduated from Del Norte High School and attended the University of New Mexico. She was active in the restaurant and hotel business and loved her position at the Double Tree Hotel, her last place of employment. She is survived by her mother, Janet C. Schwering of Albuquerque; brothers, Robert A. Schwering and wife, Terri and Paul B. Schwering II and wife, Sharon; nephews, Paul and Richard Schwering and Rachael, Jeffrey and Greg Tanonaka. Mary was preceded in death by her father, Paul B. Schwering in 1973. Many uncles and aunts, many cousins who she loved so very dearly. Mary had a special place in her heart for her neighbors, co-workers and many, many friends who stated, "Mary was the best friend I ever had." Mary truly loved dogs. Joe and Lillie will miss her forever, her last two faithful companions. Viewing and Visitation will be held from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2003 at Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Directors. Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2003 in the Chapel of Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Directors. Final resting place will be Sunset Memorial Park and serving as casket bearers will be Jim Cowley, Chris Cowley, Robert Schwering, Paul B. Schwering, Paul C. Schwering and Richard Schwering. Arrangements are under the direction of:
Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Directors
3113 Carlisle Blvd. NE
884-1188
Dorothy Vier Sheldon, 85, a resident of Albuquerque since 1988, died Tuesday, June 24, 2003. She is survived by her husband, Benjamin Sheldon, Lt. Col. USAF Ret. of Albuquerque; daughter, Christine Marie Mock of Green Forest, AR; and grandchildren, Jeremy Mock of Fayetteville, AR and Carlie Crane and husband, Gregory of Branson, MO. Dorothy married Ben Sheldon in Athens, Greece in 1950 and spent the next 25 years traveling to many interesting places while Ben served with the United States Air Force. She enjoyed painting and sewing. Mrs. Sheldon was also an accomplished pianist and a member of Faith Lutheran Church. She was involved for many years with the American Red Cross. Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 10000 Spain Road NE with Rev. Luther Mathsen officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 10000 Spain Road NE, 87111.
French Mortuary
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
823-9400
Della Sperry, 92, a resident of Albuquerque since 1955, died Sunday, June 22, 2003. She was the daughter of Della Paola and Herman A. Guetzkow and was born June 20, 1911 in Milwaukee, WI. The family moved to Newton, IA when Della was three or four years old and she was educated in the Newton schools, graduating from Newton High School. She was married to William D. Sperry, December 23, 1935 in Newton at the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Sperry was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 49 years, Lt. Col. William D. Sperry in October 28, 1984. She is survived by her daughter, Karen S. McLaren and husband, Lee of Albuquerque; two grandsons, William David Camp and wife, Patty of Radcliff, KY and Carter D.V. Camp of Albuquerque; great-grandchildren, Joshua David Camp and Virginia Ann Camp; and niece, JoAnne Steinberger of Newton, IA. Mrs. Sperry was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church for 43 years where she was active with United Methodist Women, a member of Naomi Circle and served as President of Jolly Elders. She was also a member of Albuquerque TROA, ROWC and the Military Widows Association; as well as being an active Bridge player. Services will be held Friday, June 27, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, with Rev. Charles E. Price officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.
French Mortuary
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
823-9400
Harriet Marcoux Sutton, 87, passed away in her sleep at home Monday, June 23, 2003 after a battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William T. Sutton and sister Pauline Swisher. Mrs. Sutton is survived by her sister, Roses Longino of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Janet Nixon of Albuquerque; sons, Tom Sutton (W.T. Jr.) and wife Julie of Houston, TX; Joe Sutton and wife, Karen of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Mike Nixon and wife, Keri of Houston; Steve Nixon and wife, Debbie of Alb.; Karen Scanlon and husband Gene, of Albuquerque; Greg Nixon and wife, Melanie of Albuquerque; Cote Sutton and wife, Laura of CA.; Susan Sutton of Houston, Jason Rambo and wife, Charmaine and Katie Sutton all of Portland, OR. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren; Jessica and Stephanie Nixon, Bailey, Brittany, and C.J. Scanlon, and Skylar Nixon, all of Albuquerque. Harriet was a widely renowned artist and resident of Albuquerque since moving from Florida in 1948. Harriet was recognized for her acrylic paintings and innovative collage techniques in the 60s. Her widest reputation came as a master of the watercolor. She was a Charter Member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society, earning uncountable awards in their competitive exhibitions as well as at the New Mexico State Fair Professional Exhibitions, the Biennials of the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe, Pen Women shows, and invitational shows throughout the United States. Harriet was a strong-willed and devoutly religious woman throughout her long and inspirational life. A Rosary will be said in her memory on Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria NE in Albuquerque. A Memorial Service and Mass will be held Friday, June 27, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at Sangre de Cristo, to be followed by private interment of her remains alongside her husband at the Santa Fe National Memorial Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the American Cancer Society, Division of Breast Cancer Research, 5800 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, or to Presbyterian Hospice Care, 8100 Constitution Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.
French Mortuary
1111 University Blvd. NE
843-6333
Jesse Valdez, 70, died Wednesday, June 25, 2003. He is survived by his wife of 21 years LaVonne Valdez; daughter, Sandie Buehrer, and husband, Mark. Other surviving family is Vonda Cheshire and husband, Ray; Mike Addy and wife, Brenda; six grandchildren, Jessica Buehrer, Shawn Michael Baber, Ashley and Chani Addy, Mark Cheshire and Jennifer Petersen. Mr. Valdez was a member of the New Mexico Horse Breeders Association and the New Mexico Horsemen's Association. Services will be held Monday, 1:00 p.m. at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, with Rev. Chip Bryant officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Eddie Fowler, Jerry Nicodemus, Bruce Brinkley, Carl Dahl, Julian Luna, Dee Tucker and Dr. Bruce Talsma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Mexico Horsemen's Association, 217 Palomas NE, 87198.
French Mortuary
1111 University Blvd.
843-6333
Alifas Valenzuela, 98, went to meet our Lord on June 25, 2003. He was born on October 27, 1904 to Jesus and Sinforina Valenzuela. He was a member of San Clemente Catholic Church. Alifas was a school bus contract driver for the Los Lunas Schools for thirty-nine years, retiring in 1971. He was a well-known farmer, especially for his chili gardens which he planted and perfected throughout the years. He loved the outdoors and his love for matanzas brought him together with his many family and friends. Alifas is survived by his loving wife, Sara Valenzuela; his five daughters, Aurelia V. Aragon, Edwina Martinez and her husband, Medardo, Shirley Gowens, Diana Ray and her husband, Marty, Cindy Rael and her husband, Ernest; his three sons, Bennie Valenzuela, Lawrence Valenzuela and his wife, Maria, Robert Valenzuela and his wife, Yolanda; his 20 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; one great- great- grandchild; and a very special friend, Fred Gallegos. He will also be missed by his many loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends. A viewing will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2003 at Romero Funeral Home and with a Rosary following at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2003 at San Clemente Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Los Lentes Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nick Carrasco Jr., Robert Valenzuela, David Valenzuela, Lawrence Valenzuela Jr., Jack Aragon, and Johnny Martinez. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM 87002.
Meregildo (Frank) Vigil, 67, a lifelong resident of New Mexico, and for the past 20 years in Albuquerque, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2003. Frank was born October 23, 1935 the son of Julio and Caroline Lovato Vigil in Ojo Feliz, New Mexico. He had been self-employed in the janitorial business for over 30 years before his death. Frank enjoyed golf, and amateur auto racing. He loved to spend time with his great-granddaughter, Jessica Bowman. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Nana) in 1993. He is survived by two children, Brant Vigil and wife, Gail of California, and Deanna Ramirez and husband, Ernie of California; one brother, Trin Vigil and wife, Joyce and family, of California; sister-in-law, Virginia Roby of California; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his grandson, Jason Bowman and wife, Victoria and granddaughter, Jenny Bowman. The Visitation for Frank will be held today, Friday, June 27, 2003 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the Service at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. Interment will follow in Vista Verde Memorial Park. Arrangements by:
Vista Verde Mortuary
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
892-9920
Olin Wallis, age 22, died Tuesday, June 24, 2003 from complications following a relapse of his leukemia. Olin was born in Albuquerque, attended Zia Elementary, Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1999. While a senior at AHS, Olin was diagnosed with leukemia. After almost three years in remission, he relapsed and received a bone marrow transplant early in 2002. His illness inspired him to work and play with pediatric cancer patients at the American Cancer Society sponsored Camp Enchantment and in the UNMH Children's Clinic. Olin attended UNM on a Presidential Scholarship. At the time of his death, he was a senior working towards a BS in Biology. He hoped to attend graduate school to study either molecular biology or pharmacy. Olin will be remembered not just by the words that describe him--friendly, active, caring, enthusiastic, intelligent, hilarious--but by the fact that no list of attributes or activities could ever encompass him. He could sing "I Will Survive" in a Scottish accent or spontaneously build a medieval catapult. Even when he was sickest Olin never stopped smiling. Everyone who met him will remember his courage, compassion, and love. Among the many who will miss his beautiful smile and clever wit are his sister, Meredith; girlfriend, Whitney; parents, Terri and David; and grandparents, Jean Wallis, Lois and Benard Jones, and Mary Ann Nethers. If friends desire, please remember Olin by donating to the Albuquerque offices of the American Cancer Society, The Children's Cancer Fund, or the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. The family will hold a private service.
Betty McCorkle Williamson, a third generation NM native and resident of Albuquerque for 44 years passed away on Sunday, 6/22/03. She was born in Alamogordo, NM to Robert R & Vina McCorkle on November 29, 1935. She is survived by her daughters, Ava R. Williamson and husband James Moore, Alexa Flores and husband Dan, Alicea Coyne, and Andrea Jones and husband Tom, her grandchildren, Paul and Cambria Madrill, Kelleen and Joseph Coyne, and Sarelle, Darby, and Haydn Jones, all of Albuquerque, NM. Her surviving siblings are brothers, Melvin (Wally) McCorkle and wife Loretta of Los Alamos and Sherman McCorkle and wife Cathy of Albuquerque and her sister Carolyn (Carey) Lee and husband Ron of Rio Rancho. Her sister-in-law Joanne McCombs of Roswell, NM and brother-in-law John Denton and wife Glenna of Amarillo, TX and several nieces and nephews also survive her. Betty's husband Paul (Bud) Williamson, parents Robert and Vina Davis McCorkle and her stepmother, Ava McCorkle preceded her in death. Betty and her family lived in several locations throughout NM; she graduated from Taos High School in 1954 and attended ENMU from 1955-1956. In 1956 she married Bud Williamson making their home in Roswell, NM. For the next two years she and Bud lived in Roswell and Las Cruces and had two daughters, Ava Ruth and Alexa. In 1959, the family moved to Albuquerque and added two more daughters to the family, Alicea and Andrea. In 1969 Betty returned to college and graduated from UNM in 1971 with her teaching degree. For the next ten years she taught at Bernalillo High School where she loved working with her students. In 1980 she and Bud started the Williamson Insurance Agency as agents for Farmers Insurance. Betty had continued to operate the agency after her husbands' death in 1985 along with her daughters Alexa and Alicea. In their early years Betty and Bud enjoyed hunting together in the Roswell area. In the 1980s she was a part of the Alameda Little League, coaching T-Ball teams, was a contributing member of the North Valley Optimist Club and an active member of the First United Methodist Church serving on the church council. First and foremost was her family, she loved us dearly and will be greatly missed. A reception will be held at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel on Thursday evening 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Friday 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 314 Lead SW, with Dr. Terry Anderson officiating; another reception to follow. Honorary pallbearers will be James K. Moore, Dan Flores, Tom Jones, Paul Madrill, Joseph Coyne, Haydn Jones, Sherman McCorkle and Melvin McCorkle. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the 1st United Methodist Church in Albuquerque 314 Lead SW, 87102 or the National Jewish Medical & Research Center, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, CO 80206.
French Mortuary
1111 University Blvd. NE
843-6333
JUAN MAX BUSTAMANTE, 49, of Las Vegas, N.M., and former resident of Villanueva, died Tuesday at the Northeastern Regional Hospital. He was born in Villanueva on June 13, 1954, to Pascual Bustamante and Maria Linda Baca Bustamante. He was united in marriage on July 21, 1973, to Maria Fidelia Bustamante. He worked as an auto technician for Montgomery Ward for many years. He was preceded in death by his father, Pascual Bustamante; brother, Julio E. Bustamante; uncle, Juan Bustamante; paternal grandmother, Isidora Bustamante; maternal grandmother, Anita Baca. He is survived by his wife, Maria F. Bustamante; sons, Johnny R. Bustamante of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Max Pascual Bustamante of Las Vegas, N.M.; daughters, Shirley Mae Bustamante and Maria M. Bustamante and fiancee Anthony Benavidez, all of Las Vegas, N.M.; mother, Maria E. Bustamante of Villanueva, N.M.; brother, Eloy Bustamante and Robert (Don) Bustamante, both of Villanueva, N.M.; sister, Annette Salinas and husband Juan of Las Vegas, N.M.; half-brothers, Paul Villanueva and Manuel Lee Villanueva both of Villanueva; and many other relatives and friends. Cremation has taken place, and funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Rogers Chapel. Interment of the cremains will follow at the Villanueva Cemetery. Rogers Mortuary.
Otis Breeden, 66, a resident of Lemitar, NM and a former resident of Albuquerque, passed away Thursday, July 29, 1999. He is survived by his wife, Wanda; two sons, Steve and Ron; two daughters, Loretta Lopez and husband, Gilbert and Peggy Martin and husband, Tom; father, Ralph "Popie" Breeden; brother, Everette; three granddaughters, Christy, Antonia and Alicia; one great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn; and many other relatives and friends. He was an auto electrician for many years and retired from Breeden's Auto Electric in 1989. Mr. Breeden spent his retirement years caring for his family. He was a very loving man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Graveside services will be held Monday, 10:00 a.m., at Sandia Memory Gardens, 9500 San Pedro NE, with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
John D. Collins, born July 10, 1925, died peacefully August 1, 1999 at home. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jo Collins. He served his country in WWII from November 1943 to January 1946. He was wounded in combat and received a purple heart. He is survived by his daughter, Susan DeArmond and husband, Gene and, their two sons, Jon and Richard of Las Cruces, NM; sons, Mike Collins, Steve Collins and wife, Elodie, and their daughters, Emily and Sarah. Mr. Collins will lie in state Thursday, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors, 3113 Carlisle NE. Interment will be in the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Friday, time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Presbyterian Hospice, 8300 Constitution Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors, 3113 Carlisle NE, are in charge of arrangements.
Our beloved mother, Mildred Lenora Hedges, 85, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 29, 1999. Mourning her, remembering her, and very thankful for her are her daughters, Molly McCollum and Nancy Ryckman, both of Albuquerque; her husband of 57 years, John Hedges of Albuquerque; her precious grandchildren, Tara and Joseph Noonan; and first expected great-grandchild, all of Moscow, Russia, Jesse Rios-McCollum, Brian, Molly and Abby Ryckman; her sister, Ruby
Hall of Clayton, CA; brother, Marlin Brown and wife, LaVon of Sioux Falls, SD; beloved "Kitsy" of the family home; and countless friends who will all miss her. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harry Brown. Mildred was born on December 10, 1913, to Martin and Molina Brown in Sioux Falls, SD. She attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls. Mildred taught school for seven years in the towns of Clark and Howard, SD. Moving to Seattle, Milly worked as an accountant. She married John Hedges on October 10, 1942. After WWII, John and Milly lived in many states. As a Corps of Engineers' wife, Mildred often made the best of difficult situations. She was a devoted wife and homemaker. In August 1966, the family moved to Albuquerque. Milly loved Albuquerque. She was a devoted member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. Milly was also an excellent seamstress, an avid bridge player, and an accomplished pianist. Most of all, she was known for her kindness, her wonderful sense of humor, her compassion and willingness to always help. "Don't grieve nor be afraid my loved ones. I am always with you. I am in the air you breathe, the soft winds that blow, the rain you hear and the sun upon your face. I am only away and waiting until we are reunited in God's kingdom. I am in your hearts forever." Services will be held Monday, 10:00 a.m., at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9100 Menaul Blvd. NE, with The Rev. David E. Cruson, Pastor Aaron Couch, and Intern Drew Genscler officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Pallbearers will be Brian Ryckman, Jesse Rios, Jesus Rios, Wilbur Haugen, Leslie Anderson, and Mel Schramek. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Niggel, Mark Guinn, and Stuart Purviance. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
