Adelaide V. Paiz
Dec. 3, 1937 — Feb. 9, 2007
Adelaide V. Paiz, 69, of Dulce, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, in San Juan Regional Medical Center. Adelaide was born Dec. 3, 1937, to Avelino and Bertha Velarde in Dulce.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. today in the Assembly of God Church in Dulce. Interment will follow in the family cemetery in Burns Canyon.
Pallbearers will be Jay Paiz Jr., Roy Velarde, Ruben Vicenti, Dan Gloniiziinii Jr., Darius Willie and Alan Vicenti. Honorary pallbearers will be Cameron Velarde, Jorge Velarde, Keith Velarde, Rowyn Elote, Gifford Velarde, Merle Elote, Erwin Elote, Jairus Willie, Roque Vicenti, Mattias Vicenti, Jay Paiz Jr., Kurt Sandoval-Stewart, Jason Sandoval, Jacque Sandoval, Alex M. Castillo, and Rudy Velarde.
Adelaide is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home & Crematory, 103. E. Ute Street in Farmington,
Malcolm Ryan Joe
June 26, 1988 - Feb. 7, 2007
Malcolm Ryan Joe, 18, of Bloomfield, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, in Bloomfield. He was born June 26, 1988, in Shiprock, to Michael Joe Sr. and Janie Canuto.
Funeral services for Malcolm will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home in Farmington, with Marjorie Cayatineto officiating. Interment will follow in Bloomfield Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home & Crematory, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, (505) 325-8688.
Theodore L. Archuleta
Sept. 20, 1943 - Feb. 4, 2007
Theodore L. Archuleta, 63, of Farmington, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, in Farmington. Theodore Larry "Ted" Archuleta was born Sept. 20, 1943, in McPhee, Colo., to Mary and Charlie Archuleta. He grew up in Pagosa Springs, Colo., with eight brothers and sisters. After attending Pagosa Springs High School, he moved to Salt Lake City, where he met and married Gloria Archuleta in 1966. They had a daughter, Tedi Helen, in 1969.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1968, and served two tours in Vietnam. When he returned to the States, he enrolled at California State University at Hayward, Calif., and earned a degree in sociology in 1975.
Ted was a go-getter, an energetic optimist who worked hard and played hard all his life. He retired in 1999 after a 23-year career as a juvenile probation officer for Alameda County, Calif., in the Bay Area. During those years, he continued to serve his country in the Air National Guard. He received several commendations for his service in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He retired from the Guard in 1999 with the rank of Master Sgt.
Ted's family and friends will remember him as a dynamic man with energy to spare. He was educated, cultured, funny, intense and caring. He loved life and lived it as he saw it. The day before his heart attack, he told a friend, "If I die tomorrow, that's OK. God's been good to me. I've had a good life."
Ted was a father like no other. While raising his daughter, Tedi Helen, in California, he introduced her to travel, music and culture. He made her a part of his careers as a probation officer and in the Air National Guard. When his first granddaughter, Brandi, was born in 1999, he shared the same love and zest for life with her. When his second granddaughter, Gracelynn, was born in 2006, he never missed a beat as a grandpa or dad.
Ted loved good food, good wine, good music and good times with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing basketball and horseshoes, hiking, fly fishing, watching football, philosophizing, joking, laughing, making friends and world travel. He was fascinated by and embraced other cultures. Most recently, he visited Peru, Malaysia and the Philippines.
He was loved and will be missed by his daughter, Tedi Helen (Brandon) Archuleta Kleier, of Sonora, Calif.; his grandchildren, Brandi Olivia Archuleta Kleier and Gracelynn Maria Archuleta Kleier of Sonora; his mother, Mary Archuleta, of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; his sisters, Lala (Frank) Dunlap of Farmington, Berlinda (Wayne) Vorhies, of Tiffany, Colo., Alice Chavez, of Pagosa Springs, Sadie (John) Mares, of Bayfield, Colo., and Loretta (Dave) Vigil, of Stillwater, Okla.; his brothers, Ron Archuleta of Aztec, James Archuleta of Pagosa Springs, and Danny (Michelle) Kingsley of Tulsa, Okla.; his aunts, Adelina Lobato of Pagosa Springs, and Rose Archuleta of Durango, Colo.; his cousins, Levie and Loyola Maestes of Farmington; his niece, Luann Dunlap of Farmington; his friends, Bruce Bonawitz and Brandon Dickson of Farmington, Donna Knox of Dallas, and Norm Santos and Ken Heckart of California; and many other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. His faithful and gentle dog, Joy, and his shy, bobtailed cat, Hey Dude, will also miss him very much.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Ted's life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Parish Hall in Pagosa Springs.
Services are entrusted to Alternative Choice Cremation and Funeral Services, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, (505) 325-9611.
James Dewitt Wooten
Sept. 7, 1924 - Feb. 5, 2007
James Dewitt Wooten, 82, of Farmington, died Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, at Life Care Nursing Home in Farmington. He was born Sept. 7, 1924, in Stafford, Okla.
Memorial services are pending with Alternative Choice Cremation and Funeral Services, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, (505) 325-9611.
Watson Slim Sr.
April 7, 1946 - Feb. 3, 2007
Watson Slim Sr., 60, of Red Mesa, Utah, returned to his Creator Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, in Shiprock. He was born April 7, 1946, in Red Mesa, to the late Slim Yabeny and Lucy Dee-Yabeny. He was born to the Bitterwater clan and born for the Manygoats clan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tony Nelson; a sister, Anna Slim-Dee; and a daughter, Melinda Slim; two uncles, Posey Dee and Littlepouch Dee.
Watson is survived by his wife, Ella Slim; sister, Daisy Brown; daughters, Matilda Yazzie, Charlene Slim, Charlotte Slim, Lucinda Slim, and Lucina Slim; sons, Watson Slim Jr., Wilton Slim, Wilson Slim and Patrick Slim; 27 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home in Farmington. A reception will follow at the Red Mesa Chapter House.
Watson is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home & Crematory, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, (505) 325-8688;
Christine Pruitt
Jan. 28, 1920 - Feb. 2, 2007
Christine Pruitt, 87, of Farmington, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, in Phoenix, Ariz. She was born Jan. 28, 1920, in Farmington.
Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 414 N. Allen Ave. in Farmington. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Farmington, with Father Tim Farrell as celebrant. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Farmington.
Arrangements are with Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home & Crematory, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, (505) 325-8688.
Ruth Elizabeth McKinney
June 27, 1916 - Feb. 2, 2007
Ruth Elizabeth McKinney, of Farmington, passed away Friday, Feb., 2, 2007, at the age of 90. She was born June 27, 1916, in Whitt, Texas, to William and Velma Reynolds, the second of nine siblings.
In 1937, she married Bernard "Earl" McKinney. They lived in Texas for 19 years and had three children. In 1956, Ruth, Earl and their children moved to Farmington during the oil boom. Ruth was an avid gardener. She also enjoyed sewing, rock hunting, playing games and bowling. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and they loved to spend time with "Gran."
In addition to her three children she had nine grandchildren who are Kendra, Heather, Kristi, Marty, Julie, Glen, Brenda, Louis and Holly. Her great-grandchildren are Christopher, Angelica, Michael, and Sarah J.
She is survived by her son, Kent McKinney and wife, Pam, of Grants; daughter, Patsy Deardoff of Farmington; brother, Mack Jr. of Cahy, Texas; and sister, Merlene McQueen of Rowlette, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Earl; son, Billy Earl; son-in-law, Michael Deardoff; great-granddaughter, Jessica Ellen Marie Bouren; four brothers; and two sisters.
Services will be at 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Cope Memorial Chapel in Farmington, with Pastor Jeromy Ray officiating.
Pallbearers will be Glen Earl McKinney, Juan Carlos Guzman, Christopher Muniz, Steven Bouren, Arvil Mead, and Kent McKinney. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Baros and Richard Marquez.
Ruth will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Ruth is in the care of Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, (505) 327-5142.
Dorothy (Gallegos) Goodge-Mecham
June 4, 1927 - Feb. 4, 2007
Dorothy (Gallegos) Goodge-Mecham, 79, a resident of Farmington since 1959, passed from this life Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington. Dorothy was born June 4, 1927, in Servilleta, the daughter of Bonifacio Gallegos and Antonia (Lovato) Gallegos.
Dorothy was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Farmington 6th Ward, and held many positions. Just recently she served in the LDS Temple in Albuquerque with her husband. Dorothy was employed with San Juan Regional Medical Center OB Floor for 42 years and brought many new Farmington residents to their mothers. She loved to hunt and crochet. Most recently Dorothy was active at the senior citizens center in Farmington, and especially loved dancing.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Alvin Mecham of Farmington; daughter, Sandi Zufelt and husband, Gary, of Farmington; three beautiful grandchildren whom she loved very much, granddaughter, Cari Kruger and husband, John, of Seattle, Wash., 2nd Lt. Devin Zufelt of Montgomery Air Force Base in Alabama, and Jarom Zufelt of Farmington; one great-granddaughter, Madison Kruger; brothers, Abedon Gallegos and wife, Betty, of Aurora, Colo., and Max Gallegos and wife, Carmen, of Leadville, Colo.; sister, Labrie Madril of Denver, Colo.; brother, Oliver Gallegos of Greeley, Colo.; and sister, Cora Valasquez and husband, Richard, of Del Norte, Colo.
Her first husband, Leland (Jim) Goodge; two brothers, Joe Gallegos and Bonifacio Gallegos Jr.; sister, Solema Espinoza; and her parents preceded Dorothy in death.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home in Farmington, and one hour prior to service at the church.
Funeral services for Dorothy will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Farmington 6th Ward Chapel, 4400 College Blvd. in Farmington, with Bishop Chris James conducting. Dorothy will then be laid to rest next to her first husband, Leland (Jim) Goodge, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Farmington.
Pallbearers are Marcy Madril Jr., Gary Zufelt, Jerom Zufelt, Steven Merrill, Wayne Merrill and Calvin Miller.
Honorary pallbearers are Devin Zufelt, John Kruger, Genevieve Lopez, Linda Mascarenas, Mrs. Joy Munkres, doctors Frank Nordstrom, Hume, Fisk, Ken Crider and Gibbs, and all the staff on the OB floor that Dorothy worked with.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the OB Floor of San Juan Regional Medical Center, 801 W. Maple St., Farmington, NM 87401.
Dorothy is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home & Crematory
Ricky Bennett
Dec. 2, 1960 - Jan. 27, 2007
Ricky Bennett, 46, formerly of Aztec, died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, in Phoenix, Ariz. He was born Dec. 2, 1960, in Nageezi.
Memorial services are pending with Alternative Choice Cremation and Funeral Services, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, (505) 325-9611.
Mattie McDonald Norris
April 8, 1917 - Feb. 4, 2007
Mattie McDonald Norris, of Aztec, passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, at Good Samaritan Home in Aztec. Mattie was born in Ophir, Colo., April 8, 1917, to Mathew and Pasqua (Casagrande) Toniolli.
Mattie lived all her life in Colorado, many years in Silverton, Colo., and later in Ridgway, Colo.
She was preceded in death by one son, Charles; her parents; three brothers and two sisters; and her husbands, Pete McDonald and Allen Norris.
Mattie is survived by her son, Paul McDonald and wife, Shorty, of Farmington; granddaughter, Robin Rogers and husband, Mark, of Grand Junction, Colo.; grandsons, Kevin McDonald and wife, Kanina of Phoenix, Ariz., and Ken McDonald and wife, Kim, of Florence, Mont.; one sister, Cecilia Bridgewater and husband, Jim, of Cortez, Colo.; and friend and care giver, Melody Lanc of Ridgway.
The family wishes to thank all the kind people at Good Samaritan and the doctors who cared for Mattie.
Francis A. Manzanares
March 2, 1929 - Feb. 4, 2007
Our father, grandpa, friend and hero, Francis A. (Frank) Manzanares went to be with our Lord and Savior, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77 years old. Frank was born March 2, 1929, in Ignacio, Colo., to Senobia and Marion Manzanares.
He attended school at the old Oxford School in Oxford, Colo. In 1945, at 16 years of age, he joined the U.S. Army and was in the process of being shipped to Japan. Owing to the fact that he was too young, he was discharged and returned home. On his 18th birthday he re-enlisted and was then shipped to Korea, where he was wounded fighting for his country.
Soon after he returned to Durango, he found the love of his life, Helen Martinez. They were married Aug. 8, 1951, and began their family that would ultimately consist of 11 beautiful daughters. During this time Frank did two tours in Vietnam. After over 20 years of service, Frank finally retired from the Army and moved his family back to Durango. He then worked for the city of Durango and eventually for the La Plata County Sheriff's Department.
In 1979, Frank moved his family to Farmington, which became their home. Frank then worked for the San Juan County Sheriff's Department and APS as a security guard.
He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 3448, and a member of the Fourth Degree. He had the privilege to be called their Grand Knight, District Master and Faithful Navigator for many years. In 1990, Frank finally retired and spent his time with his loving wife and his now rapidly growing family, filled with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They spent many years traveling and enjoying each other's company, with his loving daughters always by his side. Frank and Helen truly loved all their daughters and shared a special bond with each one of them.
This family always had one another to depend on, even the grandchildren, who were always immensely adored. Frank often times referred to them as the sunshine of his life. His grandchildren and their parents often recollect the precious memories that Frank helped create, such as Christmas Eve, which found everyone around the Christmas tree singing and opening gifts. He was always Santa and was very serious about the job at hand. He enjoyed camping, hunting, and calling bingo at the Knights.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his daughters, Linda Martinez and Alice Manzanares; both his parents; three sisters; and one brother.
Frank is survived by his nine daughters, Mary and husband, Gary Jones, of Farmington, Caroline and husband, Charlie Martinez, of Bayfield, Colo., Roberta Manzanares, Beverly and husband, Raymond Atencio, Audrey and husband, Kenneth Johnson, Annette and husband, Alex Delgado, Janet and husband, Tony Delgado, Cynthia Manzanares, and Sandra and husband, Ruben Rue, and son-in-law, Tino Martinez, all of the Farmington and Bloomfield area; 29 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Also surviving are his siblings, George Manzanares (Susie) of Ignacio, Gilbert Manzanares (Lydia) of Price, Utah, Willie Manzanares (Polly) of Provo, Utah, Alice Martinez of Ignacio, and Margie Vallegas of Grand Junction, Colo.
Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Farmington.
Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Durango. Interment will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.
Francis is in the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home & Crematory.
Edward Erwin Grinnan
Nov. 28, 1955 - Jan. 23, 2007
Edward Erwin Grinnan was born a twin with John Campion Grinnan, Nov. 28, 1955, in Abilene, Texas. He died at his home in Farmington, Jan. 23, 2007, after a long battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Joseph Patrick and Ann Erwin Grinnan. Erwin was a lifelong member of the Traditional Roman Catholic Church.
He grew up in Durango, Colo. and graduated from Durango High School. In 1983, he moved to Farmington, and he and his brother, Camp, started The Movie Factory. He also owned and operated Roll Your Own Ammo. At the time of his death, he was employed at Advantage Dodge in Farmington. Erwin was an avid gun enthusiast and an expert on firearms and reloading.
Erwin is preceded in death by his father; and his brother-in-law, Patrick Hornung.
Left to cherish his memory, his love and his generosity are his mother; his brothers and his sisters, Campion Grinnan and wife, Paula, of Farmington, Joseph Patrick Grinnan Jr. of Goulsboro, Maine, George Grinnan and wife, Erin, of Montrose, Colo., William Grinnan and wife, Cathy, of Redlands, Calif., Michael Grinnan and wife, Gina, of Burlington, Colo., Margaret Hornung of Arapahoe, Colo., Daniel Grinnan and wife, Katy, of Burlington, and Ann Goodnow and husband of Burlington. He is also survived by 49 nieces and nephews and one great-nephew.
A celebration of Erwin's life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Three Rivers Tap and Game Room, 111 E. Main St. in Farmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Erwin's name to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and may be left at the First National Bank in Burlington.
Joel Dane Cordell
Nov. 5, 1959 — Jan. 31, 2007
Joel Dane Cordell, 47, of Flora Vista, went home to be with his Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007. The youngest of Wade and Patti Cordell's children, Joel was born Nov. 5, 1959, in Durango, Colo. He attended Aztec Schools and enjoyed sports, mainly football and track. His optimistic disposition, zest for life, and contagious smile earned him many friends.
Joel married his wife, Kathy, just before graduating from high school in 1979, and for awhile made his living as a mechanic. He spent a short time in the Air Force, then came back to the Four Corners area, where he started working in the oil field. Joel loved the drilling rigs. He couldn't pass by one without wanting to get a closer look at it.
He was best known for his work ethic, and for his warm smile and hugs. Joel was generous and compassionate, and would stand in the freezing rain for hours just to help a stranger get his car started.
With Joel, what you saw was what you got. He was genuine and sincere.
When his boys were younger, Joel helped coach their baseball teams, and also helped his wife teach Sunday school. In more recent years, he helped Kathy as a volunteer for the Four Corners Federated Republican Women, and was always thrilled to see conservative Republicans win their positions, whether on the local or national level.
Joel's faith in Jesus Christ blossomed as he aged, and as men like his pastor, Fritz Polk, poured Christ's love into him, Joel poured that love into others.
The world has lost a little of its sunshine in Joel's passing, but heaven has gained a star. We mourn the loss of this terrific man, but rejoice in the fact that he is in his Creator's presence and we will see him again when we get there.
Joel was preceded in death by his father, Wade.
He is survived by his mother, Patti; wife, Kathy; their three sons and daughters-in-law, Joel David and Jessica, Michael and Aleisha, and Christopher and Kia. He also leaves behind his three beautiful grandchildren, Dale, Alexys and Claire. His many surrogate children will miss him as well, including Erle Kole, Jason Laurence, and Jon Raney. Joel is also survived by his brothers and their wives, Spike and Sue, Rick and Barbara, Jerry and Janet, Larry and Janet, and Patrick; his sisters and their husbands, Gloria and Greg Jones, and his twin, Joyce and her husband, Bill Matney; and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Cope Memorial Chapel in Farmington. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Piñon Hills Community Church, 2400 N. Butler Ave. in Farmington. Burial will take place at the Marvel, Colo., Cemetery, and a dinner will follow at the Animas Valley Community Church, 500 Sabena St. in Aztec.
Pallbearers will be Arthur Bostich, Dominic Vallejos, Glen Millett, Mel Burnett, Eric Frohn and Guy Shephard. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Arnold, Tom Arnold, Mike Arnold, Glen Gathings and Charlie Gathings.
A memorial fund has been set up in Joel's name at Citizens Bank.
Joel is in the care of Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, (505) 327-5142.
Gregory Joseph Collyer Fitt
July 11, 1974 - Feb. 2, 2007
Gregory Joseph Collyer Fitt, 32, of Los Lunas, passed from this life Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, at the Veterans Hospital in Albuquerque. He was born July 11, 1974, in Albuquerque, to LaRay Collyer and Evelyn Florez.
Greg honorably and proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy for 14 years. His service included a tour in Hawaii, where Greg met his wife, Cynthia; Lemore Naval Air Station in California, from which he served a tour of duty aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Carl Vinson; Chinhae, South Korea; and Valdosta, Ga., as a Naval Recruiter.
Greg is survived by his wife, Cynthia; son, Kevin; daughter, Alicia; parents, LaRay and Connie Collyer of Farmington, and Katrina and Jeff Fitt of Los Lunas; brothers, Matthew, Zacrey Hewett and Casey; and sister, Crista; nephews, Matthew and Dylan; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Services will be at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, Feb. 7, at St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe, with interment at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe.
