Acoya
Clarence Acoya passed away on Monday, July 15,. He was born at the Albuquerque Indian Hospital in Albuquerque to Bennie Acoya and Howy Paisano Acoya on October 20, 1930. He was 71.
Clarence Acoya is survived by one son Wendal Acoya and his wife Ruth of Anaheim, Calif.; two brothers Bert Acoya and wife Angela of Albuquerque and Andrew Acoya and wife Marie of Albuquerque; two sisters Katherine Augustine of Albuquerque and Freida Aragon and husband Albert of Albuquerque; one grandson Matthew and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Acoya began his formal education at the Seama Government Day School on the Laguna Reservation, going on to the Albuquerque Indian School. He graduated from the Albuquerque Indian School in May, 1949. He then went on to Bacone Junior College in Muskogee, Okla. After completing his junior college courses, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, which led to military action in Korea. He was a squad leader in a machine gun platoon where his division received the Presidential Unit Citation. After Korea, Mr. Acoya was transferred to Kodiak, Alaska. After his discharge from the Marines in 1954, he returned home and enrolled at the University of New Mexico and worked with A.P. Quinn and Company. In 1960, he was first elected chairman of the Laguna colony in Albuquerque. In 1964, Mr. Acoya was elected Laguna tribal treasurer; he served this position for two years. He was then appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Bernalillo County Medical Center. Mr. Acoya went on to serve as executive director of the New Mexico Commission on Indian Affairs in 1986 under New Mexico Governor David Cargo. He belonged to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). In 1969, Mr. Acoya received an Urbam Program Fellowship at Yale University. After completing courses at Yale, Acoya was sent to Tucson, Ariz., to work with the city's mayor. He then went on to serve as assistant to Commissioner Louis Bruce in Washington, D.C. He then worked with the Equal Employment Opportunity Office in Denver, Colo.. Mr. Acoya remained with this office until April, 1986, when he retired and returned home to Paguate. He was also a member of the Laguna United Presbyterian Church and served on several committees at the local, Presbytery and Synod levels.
Visitation was on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. at the family home in Paguate. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2002, at 11:00 a.m. at the Casa Blanca Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Randy Pence and Reverend David Preininger officiating. Burial followed at Paguate Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be friends and family.
Grants Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements.
Lopez
Angela B. Lopez, 76, died at her home in Grants October 16, 2001 following a lengthy illness. Lopez was born April 25, 1925 in Los Angeles, California to Alfredo Baca and Josephine Velasquez Baca.
Lopez is preceded in death by her husband Nazario Lopez Sr., her parents, two daughters; Betty Ann Lopez and Edna Martinez and one brother Manuel Baca.
Lopez is survived by three sons; Nazario Lopez Jr. and wife Jane of Lakewood, Washington, Billy Lopez and wife Natalie of Seboyeta, Kevin Lopez of Grants, sixdaughters; Ruth Marez and husband of Joe of Grants, Lydia Mirabal and Joe of Los Lunas, Terry Torrez of Albuquerque, Julia Lopez of Milan, Corrina Velasquez and husband Robert of Albuquerque and Angela Lopez of Grants, one brother Val Baca and wife Donna of San Bernadino, California, two sisters; Viola Baca and Delia Ceballas both of Los Angeles, 29 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
A visitation was held and a rosary recited Thursday. The funeral mass was held at St. Teresa de Avila Catholic Church with Father Emeric Nordmeyer OFM officiating. Interment followed at Grants Memorial Park.
Pallbearers included David Torrez, Joseph Torrez, Peter Mirabal, Raul Lopez, Eddie Marez and Aaron Baca.
Grants Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Francisco "Frank" Barela
Francisco "Frank" Barela, 63, passed away April 26, 2003, following a lengthy illness. He was born May 10, 1939, in San Rafael to Donacio Barela and Petrita Apodaca Barela.
He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley in 1996, and by sisters Rachael Serna and Eufemia Serna.
He is survived by his special friend Orlin Chavez; sons Tommy Barela of San Rafael, Terry Butler and Harold Butler of Lakeland, Fla. and Anthony Barela of Albuquerque; brothers Charlie Barela of San Rafael, Eugene Barela and Steve Barela of Grants and Danny Barela of Albuquerque; sister Cora Ross and husband Eddie of Grants; many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
A member of the San Rafael Volunteer Fire Department, he also belonged to Mission San Rafael Catholic Church and was involved in all aspects of the San Rafael community.
A rosary was recited April 29 at Mission San Rafael Catholic Church, with funeral mass celebrated April 30 at the mission with Fr. Jeff King officiating. Burial was at San Rafael Cemetery.
Pallbearers included Hermanos de la Morado de San Rafael.
Honorary pallbearers included members of the San Rafael Volunteer Fire Department.
Grants Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Romelia Brito
Romelia Brito, 77, passed away May 3, 2003, in Albuquerque. She was born Sept. 28, 1925, in McNary, Ariz.
She is survived by her husband Joe; sons Ruben Brito and Joseph Brito; daughter Patsy Matthews; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take palce from 5-6 p.m., May 7, at Mt. Taylor Mortuary. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., May 7, at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Funeral services will take place May 8, 2003, at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Grants Memorial Chapel.
D. S. (Diggs) Mills
D.S. (Diggs) Mills, 84, of Bluewater, died May 31, 2003 in Bluewater.
He is survived by his wife Carlene (Polly) Mills; his sons Rex Roland, Roy Curtis, Bruce Rodney and Ronald Charles; his two daughters Rebecca Rose Poppell and Roxy Robyn Flanders; 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by son Robert Dale Mills and daughter Nancy Redden.
Visitation will be tonight from 7-8 p.m. at Mt. Taylor Mortuary Chapel. Funeral services will be start at 10 a.m., tomorrow, at Mt. Taylor Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow at Bluewater Pioneer Memorial Park.
Mt. Taylor Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth Dean Pauling
Kenneth Dean Pauling, 60, passed away April 27, 2003. He was born March 22, 1943, in Spencer, Iowa.
He was former president of Lee Ranch Coal Company, retiring in 2000.
He is survived by his parents Martin and Rosella Pauling; wife of 35 years Mary Ann; sons Lee and Derrick; daughter-in-law Nicole; granddaughter Alexia; sisters Karily Reiland and husband Al, Deanna Oakes and husband Bill, Vicki O'Neill and husband Bob and Carmen Adams and husband John; many nieces, nephews and close friends.
Services will be May 9 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely, Minn.
He received a bachelor of science degree in mine engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines in 1966. He was a member of Theta Tau, the professional engineering fraternity, the Rocky Mountain Coal Institute and various civic organizations in Grants.
He began his career with the Reserve Mining Company in Babbitt, Minn. His life centered around family, his career in the mining industry and the outdoors. After retirement he pursued hunting, fishing and golfing until ill health prohibited his active lifestyle. Although his years on earth were fewer than expected, his adventures and travels were many. He tackled life with enthusiasm, energy, determination and humor.
The family requests donations to ALS Association of Arizona, 5040 E. Shea Blvd., Ste. 151, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, or Hospice of the Valley, 2222 S. Dobson, Ste. 401, Mesa, AZ 85202.
Leota Florene Davis
Leota Florene Davis, 79, passed away April 15, 2003. She was born Dec. 29, 1923, in Lamar, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Gayle Busby, and her husband, Lester Davis.
She is survived by her son, Jerry Davis of Denver, Colo.; daughter Vickie Crow of Albuquerque; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grrandchildren.
Services will be April 26 at Glory Christian Fellowship in Albuquerque.
Strickland
Geraldine Strickland, 81, of Bloomfield, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2002 in Grants. Mrs. Strickland was born on February 7, 1921, in Zoe, Okla., to Dozier and Vina Skelto.
Sister Mary Henry Russell, OSU
Sister Mary Henry Russell, 86, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph of Maple Mount, Ky., died Jan. 3, 2003, at Owensboro Mercy Health System, Owensboro, Ky. She was in her 65th year of religious life.
Hemperley
Helen Hemperley, 82, passed away Jan. 10, 2003, at her home in Grants. She was born March 21, 1920, to John Wesley Burge and Artie Cohran Burge in Shreveport, La.
Bobby Lee Gabaldon
Bobby Lee Gabaldon passed away on April 11, 2003. He was 25. Bobby was born in Grants on June 11, 1977, to Margie Baca Gabaldon and Tom Gabaldon.
Sister Charles Marie Coyle, OSU
Sister Charles Marie Coyle, 91, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph of Maple Mount, Ky., died March 22, 2003, at Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse. She was in her 74th year of religious life.
Dave D. Wagner
Dave D. Wagner, 86, noted woodcarver, passed away March 16, 2003. He was born Nov. 1, 1916, in Bayfield, Colorado.
Romelia Brito
Romelia Brito, 77, passed away May 3, 2003, in Albuquerque. She was born Sept. 28, 1925, in McNary, Ariz.
Francisco "Frank" Barela
Francisco "Frank" Barela, 63, passed away April 26, 2003, following a lengthy illness. He was born May 10, 1939, in San Rafael to Donacio Barela and Petrita Apodaca Barela.
Kenneth Dean Pauling
Kenneth Dean Pauling, 60, passed away April 27, 2003. He was born March 22, 1943, in Spencer, Iowa.
Leota Florene Davis
Leota Florene Davis, 79, passed away April 15, 2003. She was born Dec. 29, 1923, in Lamar, Mo.
Emilio Marez
Emilio Marez, 69, passed away April 19, 2003. He was born May 18, 1933, to Mariano and Frances Marez in Tinaja.
Rosario Rodriguez
Rosario Rodriguez, 70, passed away April 21, 2003.
Lawrence Benavidez, Sr.
Lawrence Benavidez Sr., 66, of Grants, passed away April 15, 2003, in Grants.
Helen Gordon Bechtel
Helen Gordon Bechtel died on September 24, at her home in Grants. She was 94. Cremation has taken place.
Tommy Gonzales
Thomas "Tommy" Gonzales passed away in Pecos, Oct. 2, 2003. He was born Oct. 31, 1967, in Grants, to Gilbert Gonzales and Pauline Ortega Gonzales. He was 35.
William "Bill" Hatten
William "Bill" C. Hatten passed away in Albuquerque Oct. 3, 2003. He was 62.
Mary Frances Head
Mary Frances Head, resident of Grants for 72 years, passed away Wednesday Oct. 1, 2003, in Grants. Mrs. Head was born in Raton, on the Dec. 29, 1912, to Thomas F. Cade and Frances Teeple. She was 90.
Thomas Joseph Langenburg
Thomas Joseph Langenburg, 62, a resident of Roscommon, Mich. passed away Sept. 26, 2003.
Esther C. Macias
Esther C. Macias, 83, passed away September 27, 2003. Services were held at St Theresa Catholic Church in Grants. A Rosary was recited on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2003. A Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, October 1, 2003, with burial following at Grants Memorial Park. She was born and lived in Grants and was a member of the St Theresa Catholic Church. She is survived by children Ray Macias Sr. and wife Cecilia, Carmen Lopez, Ernest Macias and wife Juanita, Mary Lou Macias, and Josephine Chavez and husband Claude; 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 36 great-great grandchildren; nephews,George Corona and Ralph Trujillo; and other family and friends who loved and will miss her. Esther was preceded in death by her husband Benjamin Macias; son, Eloy J. Macias and daughter Mary Macias Nanez.
Adolfo G. Chavez
Adolfo G. Chavez passed away on January 9, 2004. He was 45. He was born on June 26, 1958 to Merced Chavez and Mary Vallejos Chavez in Albuquerque.
James Hamilton
James Hamilton, 80, of Silver City, passed away at his daughter's home surrounded by loving family and friends on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004.
Kenneth Eugene Hartman
Kenneth Eugene Hartman passed away Jan. 18, 2004. He was 76. He was born August 6, 1927 in Topeka, Kans. to Louis Hartman and Alta Fae Singer Hartman.
Nell H. Taylor
Funeral services were held for Nell H. Taylor on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004 at the Lanier-Andler Funeral Home in Sneads, Fla. Burial followed in Pope Cemetery.
Timothy J. Greene
Timothy J. Greene, a former resident of Grants passed away at his home in Los Angeles, Calif. On Feb 16, 2004. He was 52 years old.
Germain A. Marcotte
Germain A. Marcotte passed away at his home in Grants Friday Morning the 26th of March 2004 following a lengthy illness. Mr. Marcotte was born in L'Avenir Providence, Quebec, Canada to Emery Marcotte and Agnes Babineau. He was 89.
Lawrence Marez
Lawrence Marez, 52, of Grabrs passed away March 25 after a brief illness. Lawrence was born March 22, 1952. he was preceded in death by his companion Thelma Medina; his parents Abel and Juanita Marez and grandparents Frank and Josefita Marez and one sister Rachel Marez.
Ramon Vigil, Sr.
Ramon Vigil, Sr., 79, a resident of Albuquerque for 44 years, born and raised in San Jose, N.M., passed away March 22, 2004. he is survived by his daughters JoAnn Coleman and husband Charles of Silver City, Monica Martinez and husband Luke of Taos; son Ramon Vigil, Jr. and wife Gloria of Albuquerque; grandson Richard Medina of Grants with whom Ramon resided for the past 30 years; grandchildren Valerie, Cindy Natalie, Melanie, Christine, Lisa, Amber, Luke Jr. and Veronica; six great-grandchildren; sistersHelen Padilla and husband, Alfonso of Santa Fe and Judy Ann Ortiz and husband Ernest of Grants and many nieces and nephews.
Anna Lou Cantrell
Anna Lou Cantrell, passed away at her residence in Gallup early Friday morning May 21, 2004, following a lengthy illness. She was 86.
Ms. Cantrell was born in Talihina, Okla. on May 22 1917 to John Bell and Martha Ewer.
She is survived by three sons Jimmy Cantrell of San Rafael, Dick Cantrell and his wife Angela of San Rafael, and Troy Cantrell of Odessa, Texas; five daughters Ann Butts and her husband Morris of Farmington, Jean Cantrell of Farmington, Sue Everett and her husband Larry of Farmington, Mary Polich of Gallup and Lou Jones and her husband Terry of Houston, Texas; three sisters Vera Grace Medders of Oklahoma, Jewel Dean McCormic of Oklahoma and Martha Mae Chaffin of Oklahoma; 31 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Martha Bell; husband Willie "Bill" Cantrell; her baby daughter Estella; one son Johnny; grandchildren Junior Fields, Tommy Fields and Valerie Brewster; brothers Frank Bell, S.E. Bell and Sye Bell, and John Sylvan.
Ms. Cantrell has been a resident of the area in since she moved here 57 years ago. She was remembered by friends and family as an active member of the Church of Christ in our community who enjoyed quilting, cooking, and traveling.
Visitation was Sunday, May 23, at Grants Mortuary. Funeral services were Monday, May 24, 2004 at the Church of Christ in Grants, with Mr. Stephen Stewart officiating. Graveside services followed at Grants, Memorial Park.
Pallbearers were Mike Fields, David Everett, Billy Cantrell, Darren Javier, Kyle Hawkins, Cody McDougal, Billy Gray, and Frankie Gray.
Honorary Pallbearers included Jimmy Saunders, Parnell McDougal, Thomas Fields, Lynn Jr. Gray, Billy Jones, George Polich, John Lambson, Jeremy Cantrell and Michael Cantrell.
Grants Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements.
