ANTONIO JOSE SALAZAR SR.
Age 84 of Hernandez, passed away at Los Alamos Medical Center on Tuesday, January 29, 2008. Antonio was born in Chamita on August 4, 1923 and was the eldest son of Roman and Marina Salazar who preceded him in death. The family moved to Hernandez when Antonio was three years old. He was a construction worker all his life and a member of the Union Operating Engineers. He served with the Army Corps of Engineering in his younger years. Antonio and his wife Filia (deceased) raised eight children: Johanna Beavers and husband Ruben of Hernandez, Consuelo Salazar of Hernandez, Orlinda Serna and husband Chris (deceased) of Alcalde and Lori Zelic and husband Dann of Alcalde, Leroy Salazar and wife Eleanor of San Jose, Tony Salazar Jr. and wife Priscilla of Ranchitos, Juan Salazar (deceased) and Rudy Salazar and wife Lupita of Hernandez; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is also survived by sisters, Angie Salazar and husband Richard Manzanares and Claudina Salazar; brothers, Roman Salazar and Wilfred Salazar and wife Anita and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Antonio was preceded in death by his brother, Juan Salazar; sister, Ramona Salazar and brothers-in-law, Alberto Salazar and Antonio Martinez; grandsons, Gerald Cata and Daniel Zelic. Serving as pallbearers, Marty L. Herrera, David Maez Jr., Orlando Salazar, Annadelle Salazar, Brandon Bartnik, Lorenzo Salazar, Ruby Maes and Beverly Fierro. Honorary pallbearers named are Finnie Garcia, Vickie Espinoza, Monica Martinez, Roman Martinez and Casey Gonzales. The family of Antonio Jose Salazar Sr. has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
DEACON BENJIE LOPEZ
Age 74, a resident of Española, passed away on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 following a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilario and Arminda Lopez; brothers, Gilbert Lopez and Felie Sandoval and wife Stella; granddaughter, Angel Martinez; great-granddaughter, Adreanna Chavez and numerous other beloved relatives. Benjie was ordained as Deacon for Sacred Heart Parish in 1987. He was Spiritual Director for the City of Española Fiestas, St. Vincent de Paul, Cursillo Movement in the north/west district of the Deanery and counselor to many in need of spiritual advice as well as past chairman of the Senior Citizen Commission. Among the many ministries, Benjie will be remembered for the multitude of wake services he was involved with. His passion was playing the guitar for the Honor and Glory of God. Deacon Benjie Lopez is survived by his wife, Lafie Lopez of Española; children, Lena Martinez and husband Andy of El Guique, Morris Lopez of Española, Valerie Martinez and husband Urban of Alcalde and Jerome Lopez of Española; granddaughter he raised, Monica Lopez and companion Jose Esquibel of Española; grandchildren, Christopher, Thomas and Aaron Martinez, ViviAnna Lopez, Becky, Loren and Cameron Martinez, Santanna, Jeremy and Isaiah Lopez; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Lopez, Damien Esquibel and Andrew and Dominic Martinez; sister, Annie Kear and husband Orville of Springer; brother, Ernie Lopez and wife Theresa of Texas; brothers and sisters-in-law, Alfonso Nolan of Miami, Fred Nolan and wife Mabel of Raton, Mike Nolan and wife Eva of Kansas, George and Phil Nolan of California, Elsie Nolan of Vaughn, NM, Julia Sanchez and husband Lorenzo of Cimarron, Elvira Montoya and Helen Garitson both of Springer and numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers, Chris, Thomas and Aaron Martinez, ViviAnna Lopez, Brian Kear and Lawrence Valdez. Honorary pallbearers named are, Johanna Beavers, Sofia Rivera, Janice Mascareñas, Roy Martinez, Juan Arguello, Horace Lopez, Helen Maestas and Daniel Burt Molina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of St. Vincent de Paul Society. The family of Deacon Benjie Lopez has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
JOSEPH F. CORDOVA
Age 74, beloved father, grandfather and friend was called to Eternal Life by the Lord on Wednesday, January 30, 2008. Joseph was born in Gilman, Colorado and was a resident of Albuquerque. He loved his dog Jojo, but his children were his pride and joy and he loved spending time with them and his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Frances Cordova; brother, Johnny Cordova; one granddaughter and two great-grandchildren. Joseph is survived by his ex-wife and friend, Betty Cordova; children, Frank Cordova and wife Mary, Tommy Cordova, Erlinda “Orly” Lopez and husband Eddie, Helen Valdez and husband Archie, Josie Jaramillo and husband Joseph, Diane Cordova and husband Joe and Mary Cordova; 23 grandchildren; 19 great-great grandchildren; brother, Henry Cordova; sister, Priscilla Garcia and numerous other relatives and friends. The family of Joseph F. Cordova has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Gregorita D. “Mom” Chavez
Age 83, a resident of Chili passed away Thursday, January 31, 2008. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gabriel Chavez; sons, Joe G. Chavez, Anurfo “Nerf” Chavez; Herman “Chabs” Chavez; grandson, Daniel Rendon “Tets”; parents, Rubel and Dolores Duran; brothers, Max and Ruben Duran; and sister, Lila Snyder. Gregorita is survived by her daughters, Edalia “Dolly” Montoya and husband Ben of Chili; and Zennie Rendon and husband Abel of El Llano; son Manuel “Mosco” Chavez and wife Kim of Chili; grandchildren, Gabriel “Gaby” Chavez, Tara Chavez and husband Anthony Martinez, all of Chili, Dolores Trujillo of Ojo Caliente, Jennifer Chavez and husband Brian Maestas, Melissa Gallegos, Annadyne Chavez, Jaiden Lynn Chavez, all of Chili, and Patrick Chavez of Pojoaque, grandchildren whom she raised, Ashley and Justin Chavez, both of Chili; great-grandchildren, Alexus Martinez, Nathaniel “June Bug” Trujillo, both of Ojo Caliente, Janiesa Maestas, Faith Maestas, Hannah Martinez, and Isaac Chavez, all of Chili, and Dominic Chavez of Albuquerque; daughter-in-law Leonires Chavez of Chili; sister, Mary Herrera of Delta, Colorado and many other relatives and friends. The family of Gregorita D. “Mom” Chavez has entrusted her cremation arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Theresa M. Salazar
Age 76, a resident of Albuquerque passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2008. She was preceded in death by her parents Juan Alire and Constancia Martinez, her brothers; Estevan and Leroy Alire, her son Teddy Salazar and her daughters; Ruth Medrano and Candie Salazar; and her son-in-law, Reynaldo Maestas. She is survived by her husband Ted Salazar of Albuquerque; her daughters, Elaine Salazar, Donna and Tony Lopez, Connie Mora and Robert Sherwood and Wendy Saiz all of Albuquerque; her grandchildren, Danny Valdez and Nicole Naranjo, Rebecca Salazar, Nicole and Carlos Sanchez, Phillip, Jennifer and Patrick Walck, Alicia and Christina Medrano, Joseph and Teddy Mora, Andres Rodarte, and two great-grandchildren; Anthony and Alyssa will miss their beloved “Grami.” She is also survived by her sisters; Lillian and David Saiz of Albuquerque, Lupita and Julian Chavez of Alcalde, Shirley and Nelson Martinez of San Pedro, Joann and Dale Miller of Santa Fe, Geraldine Martinez of Chimayo, Darlene Naranjo of La Mesilla, and Margaret and Celestino Griego of Albuquerque, her brothers; Adonais and Fabiola Martinez, Clifford and Angie Martinez of Dixon and John Alire of Albuquerque, her sisters-in-law; Martha Martinez and Angie Montoya of Alcalde and Mercedes Maestas of Fairview. Our mom has many nieces and nephews, many dear friends and other relatives who mourn her passing. Celebration of Her Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Espanola, with Steve Chavez and Mike and Michelle Adams providing music and Rev. Rob Muncy officiating, at a later date. The family of Theresa Salazar has entrusted her cremation arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Joe Ann Spears
Age 77 a resident of Española passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2008. She was preceded in death was a son, James D. Spears Jr. in July of 2000. Joe Ann was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on March 20, 1930. Her father was Sidney M. Thornell and her mom was Ann. Joe Ann came to New Mexico in 1930. She lived in Espanola most of the life. She also lived in Los Angles, California during the 2nd World War. She worked in her father’s restaurant and fruit stand in Espanola. She met her husband of 57 years in Espanola. They had 3 children, Sydney, Danny and Edward. Joe Ann and Jim raised all three children in a business located on Livingston Street. The name of the business was Spears Welding. She has a loving daughter-in-law, Christine Spears. Her beautiful grandchildren, Shaunna, Nickolas, Casey, Kyle, Jaemi, Ray and two great-grandchildren, Makaeli and Mckenzy. Joe Ann was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. After she sold the business, Spears Welding, she worked for the United States Department of Census, as a Senior Field Interviewer. She retired in January of 2005. She worked for the Census for over 20 years. Joe Ann received many awards and trips for the wonderful job she did for the Census. She loved to read and work cross word puzzles. She also painted with oils. Joe Ann was a workaholic. The family of Joe Ann Spears has entrusted her cremations services to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
NATIVIDAD ROSITA CONSUELO “ROSIE” QUINTANA
Age 68, a resident of Santa Cruz, passed away on Monday, February 4, 2008. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Quintana; grandson, Steven Quintana III; parents, Julian and Ida Garcia. She was born and raised in Hernandez and married Stephen Quintana. She was a fulltime homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Rosie’s hobbies included interior decorating, home designer, party planner and professional patient. (She was a sick women who suffered very patiently.) Rosie is survived by her husband, Stephen Quintana; daughter, Ida Maestas and husband Rick; son, Stevie Quintana Jr.; grandchildren, Candie Quintana and her children Jayla and Francisco Garcia, Valerie Ortega and her daughter Savanah Martinez and Andy Quintana all of Santa Cruz; brothers and sisters, Elizabeth Jane Trujillo and husband Pete of Hernandez, Gloria Martinez of Hernandez, Julian Garcia Jr. and wife Jane of El Guique, David Garcia of Hernandez, Gerald “Greg” Garcia and wife Loretta of Hernandez, Cathy Garcia, Beverly Lopez and husband Lawrence and Julie Herrera and husband Steve all of Albuquerque and many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends and in Rosie’s own words, too many to mention especially my other family, my God-children all my friends and loved ones, can’t leave anyone out. The family of Natividad Rosita Consuelo “Rosie” Quintana has entrusted her cremation services to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Teresina Serrano
Age 88, a resident of Santo Nino, New Mexico was born on November 3, 1919, and passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2008. She was preceded in death by her parents; Vidal and Vicentita Romero, aunt and uncle that raised her Epifinia and Luciano Maeatas, her husband; Eduvigen Serrano, her son; Chris Serrano, Grandson; Jason Lopez, granddaughter; Angelica Serrano, brother; Ernesto Romero, half sister; Amelia Maestas step sister; Clorinda Fernandez, step brother Cosme Romero, and a very special uncle; Eusebio Romero, son-in-law; Esteban Estrada. She is survived by her daughters; Vicentita Estrata and companion Moises, Cynthia Maestas and companion Benjie, Velma and companion Armondo, Geraldine Lopez and husband James, her sons; Joe and Andy Serrano, half sister Polita Fernandes and husband Delfido, daughters-in-law; Bernadette Serrano and Esther Serrano, and a special friend who was like a daughter to her; Dorothy Espinoza, 19 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. The family of Teresina Serrano has entrusted her funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
JOHNNY B. MOE
Age 41, a resident of Santa Cruz, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2008. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald E. Moe; brother, Chester C. Duran; sister, Judy Angel Moe and grandparents, Celestino and Jane Gallegos. Johnny was the owner of Moe Maintenance and was well known and respected through out Albuquerque and the Española Community. He was a wonderful husband, father, son and God-father, but most of all he was a wonderful caring and kind friend to everyone he knew and met along the path of life. He loved to fish, camp and loved children. He was always willing to help anyone in need and would say, “A good deed a day will never hurt anyone.” He had the biggest heart. Johnny is survived by his son, Justin Moe; daughter, Linnea Moe both of Albuquerque; mother of his children, Ana Lucia Moe of Albuquerque; mother, Sofie B. Moe of Santa Cruz; brothers, Leonard Duran of Santa Cruz, Robert Duran of San Antonio, Texas, Donald Moe and wife Louella of San Pedro and Melvin Moe of Santa Cruz; sister, Donna Talachy and companion Anthony Gutierrez; God-daughters, Jenessa Palomares and Cierra Rodriguez; father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Angela Salazar and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and other relatives and friends. Honorary pallbearers named are, Efraim Rodriguez, Eusevio Salcedo, Miguel Salazar, Lenny Ortiz, Anthony Gutierrez, Emiliano Salazar, Anthony Martinez and Anthony Martinez of Albuquerque, Tommy Martinez and Gary Duran. The family of Johnny B. Moe has entrusted his cremation services to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
FRANK N. ORTIZ
Age 86, a resident of Arroyo Seco, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2008, after a long illness. Frank was a sheep shearer and loved what he did. He loved animals, especially horses and sheep. He worked as a truck driver for Honstein Oil Company for 30 years. Frank is survived by his children, James L. Ortiz and wife, Frances of Espanola, Kathy Lucero and husband, Larry of Arroyo Seco, Frank Dennis Ortiz and wife, Debbie of Arroyo Seco, Coleen Trujillo of Sanford, Colorado; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Andrew Ortiz of La Jara, Colorado; sisters, Maria Barela of Albuquerque, Cora Gibson and husband, Bill, of Los Alamos and Veronica Ortiz of El Rito and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. The family of Frank Ortiz has entrusted his cremation arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Manuel Chacon
Age 84, a resident of Chili formerly of Coyote, passed away on Monday, February 11, 2008. He was preceded in death by his wife, Angelica Chacon; brothers, Diego and Guzman Chacon, both of Coyote. Manuel is survived by his children, Trudy Chacon of the home in Chili, Margaret Rinehart, Lonnie Chacon, and Amalia Chacon, all of Texas, John Chacon and wife Geraldine of Tierra Azul, Gene Chacon, Catherine Chacon, and Andres Chacon, all of Chili; 3 sisters, Rebecca Gonzales of Utah, Simmie Jacquez of Coyote, and Margie Aragon of Albuquerque; 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and many other relatives. Burial will take place at the Coyote Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Sam Garcia, Edwardo Aragon, J.B. Chacon, Armandor Jacquez, Michael C. de Baca, and Dennis Jacquez. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren. The family of Manuel Chacon has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
MARY JANE HOOVER
Age 60, a resident of Peñasco, passed away on Sunday, February10, 2008 following a brief battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leandro Lopez Sr. and Anastacia Lopez; infant daughter, Annette Hoover; brothers, Louis and Johnny Lopez; sisters, Laura Mascareñas, Shirley and Elizabeth Lopez and close nephew, David Craft. Mary Jane was employed as a paralegal with the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 20 years. She enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. Mary is survived by her children, Melissa Hoover and husband Dean, Matthew Hoover and wife Tanya and Jessica Hoover all of Peñasco; grandchildren, Joey, Anikka and Anastacia Garcia, Marisa Sebastian and Christian Hoover; father of her children, Lawrance Hoover; brothers, Leandro Lopez Jr. and Alfredo Lopez; sisters, Sandra Candelario, Nancy Lopez and Eleanor Gurule and numerous other relatives and friends. The family of Mary Jane Hoover has entrusted her cremation services to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
EMILIO MEDINA
Age 62, a resident of Chimayo, died on Saturday, February 9, 2008 after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank J. and Julia R. Medina and one brother, Leonard J. Medina. Emilio was born and raised in Chimayo, upon graduation from Santa Cruz High School he served two years in the Army and finished with an honorable discharge. He was a member of the American Legion Society, and was a parishioner of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo. Emilio was a loving, gentle, church-going spirit. He was a great husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He was very close to his relatives and friends. His pleasure in life was taking long-distance road trips. He is survived by the joy of his life, Angela and their two daughters, Katrina Medina, Rebecca Apodaca, and one granddaughter, Ieshea Sisneros. He had several brothers and sisters, Frank and wife Ruby of Cuarteles, Leroy and wife Eva, Michael, and Lawrence and companion Betty Medina, all of Chimayo; Patsy and husband David Trujillo of Truchas, Josie and husband David Macias of Santa Fe, Leona and husband Dennis Tiede, Sennie and husband Henry Gallegos, and Donna and husband David Dominguez, all of Chimayo and many other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers, Noah Lucero, Mathew Medina, Abenicio Medina, Adrian Dominguez, Earl Martinez and David Trujillo. Honorary pallbearers are Miguel Macias, Angelica Dominguez, Ieshea Sisneros, Michael Medina, and his best friend, Lawrence Martinez. The family of Emilio Medina has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Christopher J. Arellano
Age 26, a resident of Albuquerque, originally of Los Alamos passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 10, 2008. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Carl Cushing. Christopher was a 2000 graduate of Los Alamos High School. He was a student at the University of New Mexico and was going to accomplish his degree in Fine Arts, and Architecture was his final goal. He is survived by his mother, Gillian Sutton and husband David Sutton; brother, David Arellano; sister, Michaelle Sutton; grandparents, Bea Cushing, and John T. and Alyce M. Sutton and fiancée, Shawnell Kiehne; all of Los Alamos, and many friends. The family of Christopher J. Arellano has placed their trust in DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
PATRICK W. MONTOYA
Age 45, a resident of La Villita, NM passed away on Sunday February 10, 2008 after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Evedardo Montoya Sr.; brother, Evedardo Montoya Jr.; paternal grandparents, Jose and Sinforosa Montoya; maternal grandparents, Isabel and Genoveva Garcia. Patrick was born and raised in La Villita. He enjoyed golf and swimming and drawing. He also retired from the city of Española. He devoted his life to his children and friends. Patrick is survived by his daughter, Franchesca Montoya; sons, Patrick Montoya and Dean Gardiner all of Pueblo Colorado; mother, Belen Alanis and husband Alfredo of Downey, California; brother, Joseph Montoya and wife Bonnie; nephews, Bryan and Isaac Montoya of La Villita; close aunt and uncle, Theresa and Johnny Chacon; aunts, Ramona Martinez and Husband Ruben, and Helen Maestas; uncles, Reyes Martinez and wife Rafelita and Many other aunts, uncles, cousins and other close friends. Serving as pallbearers, Louie Salazar, Eric Valdez, Lucas Martinez, Isaac Montoya, Antonio Valario, Johnny Chacon, Bryan Montoya and Clarence Maestas. Honorary pallbearers, Tim Martinez and all his cousins. The family of Patrick W. Montoya has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home.
