Vivian Vigil-Wiliams
Funeral Services for Vivian Sue Vigil-Williams, 46, of Grants, will be held on Aug. 5, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Compassion Mortuary. Pastor Louie Martinez, Pastor Clemente Saavedra and Pastor Andy Martinez will officiate.
She was born on Nov. 15, 1962, in Leadville, Colo., and passed away on July 30, 2009, in Prewitt.
She is survived by her mother: Shirley Vigil of Grants; father: Joe A. Vigil of Ely, Nev.; brother: Danny Vigil and wife Celine of Gallup; sister: Deana Johnson and husband Paul of Reno, Nev., and Brenda Medina of Carlsbad; aunt: Prescilla Munoz of Albuquerque; nieces: Tieyerra Vigil of Gallup, Tiffany Clark and husband Jessie of Columbus, Ga., Brandi Vigil of Gallup, Monique Lucero and husband Issah of Gallup, Shayla Johnson of Reno, Nev., Bianca Acosta and husband Carlos of Reno, Nev.; nephews: D.J. Vigil of Gallup and Paul Johnson, Jr. of Reno, Nev.; cousins: Debbie Gonzales of Albuquerque, Enisdl Ulibarri of Albuquerque and Mona Kenton of Albuquerque.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Jose Muniz and Edonila Muniz, Don Vigil and Mary Vigil.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Della Gonzales
Visitation for Della Gonzales will take place on Aug. 5, 2009, from 4- 6 p.m. at the San Rafael Church with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2009 at the church, with burial to follow at the San Rafael Cemetery.
Gonzales, a life-long resident of San Rafael, was born on July 8, 1933, in San Rafael to Tomas and Piedad Murrietta and passed away on Aug. 1, 2009 at home with her children by her side.
She is survived by her children: Mona Roberts and husband Randy of Grants, Teddy Gonzales and wife Lisa of San Rafael, Jimmy Gonzales of San Rafael, Greg Gonzales and wife Janie of Bluewater, Yvonne Gonzales of Albuquerque, and Rachel Gabaldon and husband Jeffrey of Grants; grandchildren: Tracy Gonzales, Colin Roberts, Matthew Gonzales, Rory Roberts, Samuel Gonzales, Bobby Gabaldon and Kristyanna Gabaldon and six great-grand children; sister: Betty Salazar and husband Pete of San Rafael; brother: Benito Murrietta and wife Viola of Mesa, Ariz.; many nieces and nephews.
Della was preceded in death by her husband: Frank (Pancho) Gonzales; parents: Tomas and Piedad Murrietta; brother: Baltazar (Junior) Murrietta and sister Matilda (Tillie) Chavez.
Direct Funeral Services of Albuquerque is in charge of arrangements.
James Lister
Memorial services for James C. Lister, 84, were held on Aug. 6, 2009, at 6 p.m. at Compassion Mortuary.
Lister was born on July 27, 1925, and passed away on Aug. 2, 2009, at his home in Grants. He was a resident of Grants for 51 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marge; daughter: Suzanne Evonne Mazzacua and husband Frank of Phoenix, Ariz.: sons: Jimmy Lister and wife Nancy of Albuquerque, Mike Lister and wife Bertha of Elko, Nev.; grandchildren: Laurie Lister, Lance Lister, Shannon Rogers, Kelly Simoes, Lindsay Litton and Kelsey Lister; step-grandsons: Chris Baca and Brian and Chris Mazzacua; sister Oleta Bradley; several nieces and one nephew.
Lister enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 15 and served in the Pacific during World War II, where he won a Silver Star for his valor during the battle of Saipan. He took great pride in his family, enjoying camping and fishing. He will be greatly missed.
Larry Amerson
Services for Larry Orville Amerson, 61, a former Grants resident, will be held Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, at 10 a.m. at French Mortuary Wyoming Chapel in Albuquerque. Interment will at follow Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
He passed away on Aug. 26, 2009, at his home in Albuquerque.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Gail Amerson of Albuquerque; mother, Dorothy Fay Amerson; father, Orville Dee Amerson of Las Vegas, Nev.; children: Staff Sgt. Larry Thomas Amerson and wife Rebekah Kay Amerson of Fort Smith, Ark., Nancy Gail Amerson-Green and husband Capt. Jason A. Green of Rio Rancho; grandchildren: Paige, Jacob, Ryleigh, Aidan and Brandon; sisters, Carol Sedberry and Denise Chavez.
French Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Genoveva Garduno
Funeral Mass for Genoveva Rosabel Romero Garduno, 82, of Grants, was held on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Burial followed at the Grants Memorial Park. The Very Rev. Alberto Avella officiated.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, from 2-5 p.m. at Compassion Mortuary.
A Rosary was held on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, at 7 p.m. at St. Vivian's Catholic Church in Milan.
She was born on Aug. 1, 1927, in Nambe, and she went home to her Lord and Savior on Sept. 28, 2009, in Grants.
She is survived by her daughters: Elsie and Nolina Garduno of Grants, Stella McKenzie and husband Bob of Tucson, Ariz., Ramona Chavez and husband Ricky of San Rafael, Triny Barajas and husband Jimmy of San Rafael, Patsy Garcia and husband Rodney of Bluewater Village; sons: Ramos Garduno and wife Sandra of Grants, Michael Garduno and wife Debra of Grants and Gilbert Garduno and wife Darlene of Denver, Colo.; brother: Arturo Romero and wife Mary of Nambe; sister: Teresita Sandoval of Nambe; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; six sisters-in-law, seven brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews and other family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years: Gilberto Garduno; parents: Vidal Romero and Ramona Lopez Romero; son: Larry Garduno; great-granddaughter: Richanda Jaramillo; brothers: Martiniano Romero, Ramon Romero, Petrolino Romero and Bernardo Romero; sisters: Maria Gomez, Eluteria Ortiz and Lydia Romero.
Genoveva was the wonderful mother of ten children as well as a loving grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She enjoyed family, travel and shopping.
Pallbearers were: Dominick Garduno, Romanita Jaramillo, Tina Barajas, Melanie Garcia, Nichole Garduno, Anthony Garduno, David Garduno and Eddie Gonzales, Jr.
Honorary pallbearers were: Sandra Garduno, Debra Garduno and Darlene Garduno.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the American Diabetes Foundation, 525 San Pedro, NE Suite 101, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
Compassion Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Lupe Pohl
Funeral Mass for Lupe Estella Pohl, 72, of Grants, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Grants Memorial Park. The Very Rev. Alberto Avella will be the Celebrant. A Rosary will be held on Monday, Oct. 7, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the church.
She was born on March 3, 1937, in Grants and passed away on Sept. 30, 2009, in Grants.
She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years: Eloven Pohl of Grants; daughters: Margie Pohl of Grants, Angelina Pohl of Grants, Eloisa White of Grants; son: Dennis Pohl of Grants; grandchildren: Asja White, Shane White and Jaycie White all of Grants; sisters: Jennie Soto of San Francisco, Calif., Mary Flores of San Francisco, Calif. and Margaret Marquez of Grants; brothers: Frank Robledo of Albuquerque, Albert Robledo of San Francisco, Calif. and Fred Robledo of San Francisco, Calif.; aunt: Rita Serna of Albuquerque; son-in-law: Shane White of Grants; and cousins: Lydia Chavez and Karen Stewart.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Jose Montano and Eloisa Montano; daughter: Debbie Pohl.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life. She enjoyed sitting on the porch watching them play and enjoyed them to the fullest. She loved trying to teach them Spanish.
Pallbearers will be: Catarino Hernandez, Ivan Marquez, Shane White, Joseph Quintana and Frank Chavez.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Eloy Molina, Fedencio Aragon, Margaret Marquez, Bea Hernandez and Ruby Marquez.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Margitta Bibo
A Memorial Service for Margitta M. Bibo, 68, will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Vivian’s Catholic Church in Milan.
Graveside services will be held afterward at Grants Memorial Park.
She was born on June 22, 1941, in Bamberg, Germany, and passed away on Oct. 25, 2009, in Grants, after a brief illness.
She is survived by her loving companion, Pat Jaramillo; children: Philip Bibo and wife Janelle of San Mateo, Rick Bibo and wife Rena of Farmington, Jack Bibo of Milan, Anne Bibo-Hamilton of Milan, Jim Bibo and wife Trinh of Chandler, Ariz.; sister: Sonja of Bamberg, Germany; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father.
Margitta moved to New Mexico in 1961 after marrying her late husband, Phil A. Bibo.
She will always be remembered as “Oma,” German for grandma. All the children will miss her German food and outspoken ways. She loved to cook and have everyone eat.
Erlinda Quintana
Rosary and Funeral Mass for Erlinda Maria Quintana 49, of Grants, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. The Very Rev. Alberto Avella will be the Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Grants Memorial Park.
Erlinda was born on Aug. 18, 1960, in Grants and passed away on Oct. 22, 2009, in Albuquerque.
She is survived by her mother: Rosarito Quintana of Grants; sisters: Lou Metzger and husband Scott of Milan, Isabel Bearden of Grants; brothers: Steven Quintana and wife JoAnn of Grants, Florentino Quintana and companion Gloria Cordova of Grants; nephews: Paul Salazar of Albuquerque, Toby Quintana of Grants, Clifford Bearden, III, of Grants; nieces: Ashley Metzger of Milan and Gracie Metzger of Milan.
She was preceded in death by her father: Gerardo G. Quintana.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Edward “Tom” Collins
Edward Thomas “Tom” Collins, Jr., formerly of Grants, passed away on Nov. 10, 2009, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Spokane, Wash.
Tom was born Oct. 14, 1931, to parents Edward, Sr. and Elizabeth in Baltimore, Md. He led an active and adventurous life. Tom was Korean War veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy and then the U.S. Army, receiving numerous honors including Purple Hearts, Silver Star and Bronze Star. Whether driving the Senior bus, working restaurant sales or as owner of Bear Lodge Resort, he was quick to offer a great story, amazing fact or complete Robert Service poem. He embraced both Native American and Scottish cultures and his Irish heritage. Tom volunteered thousands of hours of service and leadership to Boy Scouts of America, National Ski Patrol, American Red Cross and Senior Citizen Centers.
He is survived by his dear wife: Evelyn; sister: Nora; children: Patrick, Tracy, Katie, Kim, Robby, Mike, Brooke, Rodger and Randy; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and beloved friends around the world.
Shirley Burton
Services for Shirley Burton, 88, will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the Community Room of Leavitt's Mortuary in Ogden, Utah.
Shirley was born on March 7, 1921, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, to Robert and Christine Hastings-Trew, and passed away on Nov. 29, 2009, in Twin Falls, Idaho, at the Willowbrook Assisted Living Facility.
She lived in Cranbrook until her teens, when her father accepted a bookkeeping position with a mining company in Noranda, Quebec. There, while skiing she met her future husband, Ron. They were married on September 7, 1940. They were happily married for 58 years, until Ron's death in 1998. Ron's job as a chemist in the mining industry provided them a rich and interesting life, taking them from Canada to Peru, Cyprus, Chile, New Mexico, and finally Arizona. After Ron's retirement, they left Tucson and moved to British Columbia, where they took up pottery making. They owned and operated a small art studio, which gave them much enjoyment and time together.
Shirley was quite talented, artistically. A fabulous seamstress, she made costumes for a dance studio in Tucson during the 1960s and early 1970s. She loved to knit, crochet, do needlepoint and embroidery. Later in life she took up painting. There was even a period in her life when she tried her hand at candle-making. No one can think of an art form that didn't spark her interest. Although her audiences weren't as enthusiastic, she also loved to sing. She passed on her love of art to her four children. Also her singing ability. She loved animals, and the house was always occupied by at least a dog and a cat, and occasionally a snake or two. Her children always knew they were loved, as did her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was quick to laugh, even if the joke was slightly off-color.
After Ron's death, she moved to Ogden, Utah, with her daughter and son-in-law. She was a member of the Ogden Athletic Club, where she enjoyed riding her exercise bike every morning, and doing water aerobics three times a week. Shirley got to go to the 2002 Winter Olympics, where she held the distinction of being the oldest person to hike the two miles up the hill in Park City to the venue where the Women's Giant Slalom was held. It was quite a steep climb, and there were rest stops along the way. At each one she was offered a chair. At each one she refused, becoming more determined and more indignant. With both hands on hips, she told one volunteer her age, and he radioed the volunteer at the top who showed them to their seats. When she arrived there was applause, and she feigned embarrassment, but ate it up.
When her son-in-law was transferred to Twin Falls, Idaho, in 2008 Shirley relocated with them.
The family would like to express their sincere and deep gratitude to the staff at Willowbrook. Shirley was very well cared for and loved there.
She is survived by her brother: Mike; children: Dick and wife Cheryl, Don, Doug and wife Andrea, Connie and husband Pete; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Ron; son: David, and Don's wife Kris.
Jimmie Yazzie
Services for Jimmie Glen Yazzie, Sr., 57, of Grants, will be held on Jan. 24, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Haystack Gospel Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in Haystack. Burial will follow at the Grants Memorial Park. Pastors Edward King and James Skeet will officiate.
Yazzie was born on August 10, 1951, in Grants and passed away on Jan. 20, 2009, in Albuquerque.
He is survived by his children: Pamela Yazzie of Grants, Anceta Emerson of Phoenix, Ariz., Darrell Yazzie and wife Anissa of Acoma and Jimmie Yazzie, Jr. and compassion Tomasita Curley of Mariano Lake; sisters: Jennie Garica of Haystack, Angie Yazzie of Prewitt, Margie Garcia of Haystack, Evangie Yazzie of Haystack, Angeline Yazzie of Haystack and Dolores Delgarito of Prewitt; brothers: Phillip Yazzie of Haystack and Edward Yazzie of Haystack; grandchildren: Jonathan Largo of Phoenix, Ariz., Amy Largo of Phoenix, Ariz., Elijah Jones of Phoenix, Ariz., Kasia Sanchez of Grants, Nevaeh Yazzie of Acoma, Heather Yazzie of Acoma, Thomasina Yazzie of Mariano Lake, Roland Yazzie of Mesita and Taytum Yazzie of Mariano Lake.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Etta Yazzie; parents: Jimmy Yazzie and Mary Martinez Yazzie.
Pallbearers will be: Darrell Yazzie, Jimmie Yazzie, Jr., D. J. Yazzie, Marvin Lamone, Brandon Yazzie.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Edward Yazzie and Phillip Yazzie.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Gilbert Archunde
Rosary and funeral mass for Gilbert A. "Sache" Archunde 74, of Grants, was held on March 16, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Private burial will be held later.
He was born on Oct. 12, 1934, in Seboyeta, and passed away on March 11, 2009, in Grants.
He is survived by his wife: Socorra Archunde of Grants; children: Bernice Glass of Rio Rancho, Rose Archunde of Albuquerque and Melvin Archunde of Grants; sisters: Vangie Martinez of Gallup and Gloria Archunde of Grants; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Josemaria Archunde and Urbana Gonzales Archunde; brothers: Paul Archunde, Johnny Archunde and Walter Archunde.
Pallbearers were: Melvin Archunde, Daniel Glass, Eric Trumbull, Gloria Archunde, Jennifer Trumbull, Steve Padilla, Allen Jaramillo and Aurellio Jaramillo.
Honorary pallbearers were: all his nieces and nephews
Compassion Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Robert Maestas
A military memorial service for Robert Leroy Maestas, 83, of Albuquerque, will be held on April 3, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
He went to be with the Lord on March 7, 2009. He was born Oct. 23, 1925, in Salida, Colo., to Mike Maestas and Ruby Mondragon.
He is survived by his sons: Tomas Maestas, Vernon Maestas and wife Cathy, Randy Maestas of Colorado, Paul Maestas, Michael Maestas and companion Arlene Ramirez of Albuquerque; daughters: Sylvia Moraine and husband Mike of Georgia, Melody Lopez of Milan; close companion of 15 years: Evalyn Cox; sisters: Evalyn Morrow and husband Tabb, Patsy Melendez, May De-Herra and husband Eddie, Jr., Linda Mondragon; brother: Leroy Mondragon and wife Maryann; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on May 14, 1946, a member of the VFW Post 49, a Christian member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and a retired uranium miner. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
James McCracken
Cremation has taken place for James McCracken, 77, long-time area resident.
He was born on Dec. 6, 1933, in Odessa, Texas, and passed away on Feb. 21, 2009, in Thoreau after a long bout with cancer.
A memorial is being planned and will be announced later.
He is survived by his wife: Irene McCracken; sons: Ralph McCracken and wife Carolyn of Las Cruces and James McCracken and wife Catherine of Albuquerque; grandchildren: Corinne and boyfriend Herman and Rebecca and husband Paul; great-grandchildren: Anita, Paul Jr., and Clorinda.
He was preceded in death by his parents: James and Beulah McCracken.
He enjoyed exploring and building and was well respected in the auto parts and mining communities. He was helped by Bud Willoughby of Grants Car Parts and Kelly of Heartland Hospice, who was able to take him home in time for his wishes.
Donations may be made to Heartland Hospice.
Dennis Chavez
Funeral Mass for Dennis David Chavez 23, of Grants, will be held on March 27, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Grants Memorial Park. The Very Rev. Alberto Avella will be the Celebrant. A rosary will be held on March 26, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the church.
Dennis was born on Dec. 2, 1985, in Grants, and passed away on March 22, 2009, in Albuquerque after a lengthy Illness. He was a student at the Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque at the time of his death.
He is survived by his parents: David and Gloria Chavez of Grants; sister: Desiree Chavez of Grants; grandparents: Gilbert and Angie Chavez of Rio Rancho and Bennie Gallegos of Grants.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather: Alfredo Gallegos, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an account in his name at the First Community Bank
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Kyoko Martinez
Memorial Services for Kyoko Martinez, 77, of Grants, will be held on March 27, 2009, at 1 p.m. at Compassion Mortuary. Burial will follow at the Grants Memorial Park.
Kyoko was born on Feb. 25, 1932, in Japan and she passed away on March 22, 2009, in Albuquerque.
She is survived by her son: Marcus Salvaggio of Albuquerque; sister Kideko Massey of Abilene, Texas, and one grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Margarito Martinez; parents: Tamaji Kayama and Tomi Asada Kayama; and sister: Hisako Nagasama.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
