Mildred Chaves
A funeral service for Mildred Marie Chaves, 87, of Laguna Pueblo, will be held on March 27, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at French-University Chapel in Albuquerque. A viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the chapel, with interment to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.
She was born on Oct. 13, 1931, in Claremore, Okla., to the late Andrew and Ethel Buron and passed away on March 23, 2009.
She is survived by sons: John Chaves and wife, Goldie of Tallahassee, Fla, Glenn Chaves and wife, Diane of Henderson, Nev.; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was a faithful member of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A lady of great courage and conviction; she had a great love for her country and was very active in politics all her life. She was known to be "fiesty" and dedicated to the causes in which she believed.
Memorial donations may be sent to Heartland Hospice, 423 W. Santa Fe Ave. #C, Grants, NM 87020.
French Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Vicki Cisneros
A memorial rosary and mass for Vicki Martinez Cisneros 45, of Grants, will be held on March 28, 2009, at 9 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.
She was born on Dec. 12, 1963, in Grants and passed away on March 24, 2009, in Grants.
She is survived by her son: Oscar Cisneros of Grants; father: Serafin Martinez of Grants; mother: Marylou H. Fech and husband John of Thoreau and brother: Tom Martinez of Grants.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Kevin Jaramillo, Steve Padilla, Fabian Padilla, Daniel Padilla, John Twitty and Polito Martinez.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Grace Vandever
Services for Grace Desiderio Vandever, 81, were held at 10 a.m. on March 21, 2009, at the Prewitt Assembly of God.
She was born on Sept. 10, 1927, in Haystack and passed away on March 18, 2009, in Grants.
She is survived by her children: James Largo, Jr., and wife Betty of Haystack, Rita Willie and husband Ben of Thoreau, Albert Largo of Ganado, Ariz., and Margaret Largo of Grants; brothers and sisters: Hannah Long and husband Sam, Thomas Desiderio and wife Mary and Bessie Vandever and husband Joe; 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Esidero and Martha Desiderio; husband: Tony Vandever, Sr.; brothers: Johnnie Desiderio and Jouis Desiderio, Sr.; sisters: Yidibah Johnson, Donna Martinez and Helen Garcia; grandson: Reginald Yazzie.
She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and wife.
Compassion Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Frederico Chavez
Funeral mass for Frederico Chavez, 79, of Cubero, was held on Oct. 10, 2009, at Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Cubero. Burial followed at Cubero Cemetery. A Rosary was recited on Oct. 9, at Salazar and Sons Mortuary in Albuquerque.
He was born in 1930 in Cubero to Estanislado Chavez and Adalida Gonzales and passed away on Oct. 8, 2009.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years: Corine Chavez; sons: Jose-Esequel Chavez and wife Donna of Albuquerque; Anthony Chavez of Cubero; Paul Chavez of San Francisco, Calif., Lawrence Fred Chavez of Albuquerque, Robert Mejia and wife Rhawnie of Mesa, Ariz. and Ricky Chavez of Cubero; daughter: Carol Encinias and husband Chris of Corrales and Sofia Frederick of Cenver, Colo.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters: Lita Vallejos of Los Lunas, Micky Otero of Maywood, Calif., and Arline “Rosie” Maldonado and husband Jesse of Albuquerque; brothers: Roy Chavez and wife Susie of Riverside, Calif., Joe Chavez of Albuquerque and Carlos Chavez of Albuquerque; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters: Mae Chavez and Sally Chavez.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict. The superintendent of the Los Altos, Arroyo Del Oso, UNM and Rio Rancho golf courses, he participated in the Charlie Pride Celebrity Golf Tournament and he Los Borrachos Tournament. He retired to his ranch in Cubero.
Salazar and Sons Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Martin Chavez
A Rosary for Martin Chavez 62, of Blanco, will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Compassion Mortuary. Burial will be held at a later date.
Martin was born on April 27, 1947, in San Rafael and passed away on Oct. 31, 2009, in Farmington. He was retired from the City of Grants.
He is survived by his children: Lucy Harris of Bloomfield, Nancy Chavez of Rifle, Colo., Annette Chavez and husband Teotso Lucero of San Rafael, Samantha Chavez and husband Christino Enriques of Albuquerque, Peggy Chavez of Jacksonville, Texas, Martina Puckett of Farmington, Antonia Tafoya and husband Tommy of San Rafael, Annabelle Tafoya of Muskogee, Okla., Bill Tafoya of Farmington and James Tafoya of Milan; sisters: Sylvia Salcido and husband William of San Rafael, Mary Padilla and husband Mel of San Rafael; brothers: Eugene Chavez and wife Dannie of San Rafael, Cecilio Chavez and wife Lorraine of Phoenix, Ariz., Manuel Chavez and wife Sally of Grants and Richard Chavez and wife Ramona of San Rafael; 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Augustine and Lucy Chavez.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Dionisia Sprunk
A Memorial service for Dionisia “Diane” Marie Sprunk will be held on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Central Baptist Church, 710 E. Sage St. in Grants. Burial will follow at Grants Memorial Park. A fellowship and potluck at the church will conclude the services.
She was born on Aug. 30, 1935, to Demetrio and Elijia Montoya in Albuquerque and passed away on Nov. 3, 2009, surrounded by her family.
Dionisia is survived by her sisters: Bernadita Casados of Los Angeles, Calif., Loretta Carter and Amadeo of Albuquerque, Deolinda Garcia of Albuquerque; brother: Larry Montoya of San Diego, Calif.; daughters: Sandra Mancha and Tomas of Albuquerque, Wanda Chavez and Raul of Grants, Janice Villegas and Andrew of Kenai; son: Gary Sprunk of Gallup; grandchildren: Consuelo Wright and John of Albuquerque, Jessica Doyle and Todd of Farmington, Camille Sprunk of Milan, Andrea Olivas and Joshua of Albuquerque, Jolynn Chavez of Grants, David Sprunk of Albuquerque, Orlando Mancha of Albuquerque, Eli Chavez of Grants and Valerie Villegas of Kenai; great-grandchildren Brandon Chavez of Grants, Elijah Olivas of Albuquerque and Haleigh Doyle of Farmington and countless cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and one sister.
Known to many as Diane, Dionisia grew up in the Santa Barbara neighborhood where she spent her free time mischievously with her five sisters and three brothers. married in November, 1952, Dionisia raised four children in Albuquerque before moving to Grants in 1974. Dionisia was a giving, selfless woman who involved herself in many community activities. Her two most prominent were the B.P.O.E. Does and the Hospital Auxiliary. She served the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop for 17 years eventually becoming a chairwoman, retiring only because her health could not afford her the ability to continue. Camping, fishing, embroidery and bowling were among Dionisia's favorite pastimes. A loving sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dionisia lived for her family placing them above all else. She looked forward to opportunities when everyone could come together. As she grew older her greatest joy was sharing stories of all the precious memories that were created, memories that her surviving loved ones will cherish forever. You have been the light of our lives for so many years. It is difficult to say good bye, but we have peace and comfort in our hearts trusting that you are now in the presence of our lord. Direct Funeral Care of Albuquerque was in charge of arrangements.
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.
Connie Howell
Memorial services for former Grants resident Connie Ogden Howell, 84, was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Cortez, Colo. A reception followed the memorial service in Mary Blake Hall located at the church.
She was born on June 6, 1925, near Anamosa, Iowa, as passed away on Thursday, Dec, 3, 2009, at Southwest Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
The daughter of A. Parke Ogden and Pearl Lucile (Umbenhauer) Ogden, Connie graduated from Anamosa High School in 1942 and Coe College in 1947 with a degree in geology. She then attended graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., working toward a degree in palynology.
Connie worked for a number of years in Caracas, Venezuela, where she was regarded as one of the top palynologists in that field. After returning from Venezuela, she became a partner in a palynological research lab in Boulder, Colo. There she married Ralph Howell on Oct. 31, 1952, in Denver, Colo. They returned to Venezuela where they continued to live and work for a number of years. In 1960, they relocated to Grants where they both worked in the uranium industry. In 1985 they moved to Mancos, Colo., where Connie worked at Nielson's Inc., until her retirement in 1991.
One of Connie's passions was volunteering at the BLM Anasazi Heritage Center Library, Dolores, Colo., from 1992 through 2002, and returning again in 2009. She cumulatively contributed more than1,300 hours and helped hundreds of library patrons, researchers, students and teachers. She will always be part of the Heritage Center's heart.
She is survived by her husband: Ralph; children: Debi Cox and husband Kyle of Fort Collins/Durango, Colo., and Ralph Howell III of Mancos, Colo.; granddaughter: Keelin Cox of Fort Collins, Colo.; sister: Bettie Miller of Anamosa, Iowa; sister-in-law, Mary Bliss and husband, Robert of Lompoc, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Connie will be remembered with a smile on her face, a sparkle in her eye, and a kind word for everyone. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Connie's name to Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498.
Arrangements are being made through Ertel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Sister Margaret Joseph Aull, OSU
Funeral Mass for Sister Margaret Joseph Aull, OSU, 87, was held on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at Mount Saint Joseph, Ky. Visitation began on Dec. 9, 2009, at 4 p.m., followed by a wake service at 6:30 p.m.
Sister Margaret, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died Dec. 7, 2009, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 69th year of religious life. She was a native of Knottsville, Ky.
She taught at St. Joseph School in San Fidel from 1968-70 and St. Teresa School in Grants from 1970-75. She also taught in Farmington and in Louisville, Ky., and taught and ministered in Owensboro, Ky., and Madisonville, Ky. She retired to the motherhouse in 2002. She was committed to “freeing and nurturing women and children.”
She is survived by her sisters: Mary T. Higdon and Anna Carolyn Lyddane, both of Owensboro, Ky.; Sister Naomi Aull, Maple Mount; Sister Marie Michael Aull, CP, Whitesville, Ky.; Joyce Marie Dunn, Tarpon Springs, Fla., and Beverly Ann Clark, Fairview, Texas; brothers: William Guy Aull, Robert E. Aull and Joseph A. Aull, all of Philpot, Ky.; numerous nieces and nephews and the members of her religious community.
Glenn Funeral Home, Owensboro, Ky., was in charge of arrangements.
Gifts in memory of Sister Margaret Joseph may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.
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.
Tom Gutierrez
Funeral services for Tom Gutierrez, 55, will be held on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. A Rosary will be said on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at 6 p.m. at the church. A gathering will take place after the rosary at the new Knights of Columbus Hall.
He was born on July 14, 1954, and passed away on Aug. 31, 2009.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grants High School for student activities.
Gabrial Nieto
Funeral Mass for Gabrial Nathan Nieto, 28, of Grants, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, 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 Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the church.
He was born on July 8, 1981, in Albuquerque and passed away on August 29, 2009, in Grants.
He is survived by his loving wife: Melinda Montano Nieto of Grants; son: Matthew Nieto of Grants; daughter: Esabella Nieto of Grants; parents: Mauricio Nieto and Sylvia Holguin Nieto of Grants; brothers: Roy Holguin of Grants, Alex Nieto of Grants and Jessie Nieto of Grants; grandparents: Hortencia Nieto of El Paso, Texas, Roberto Holguin and Socorro Holguin of El Paso, Texas; grandparents-in-law: Elojio Montano and Estella Montano of Cubero; Godparents: Jerry and Dorothy Pohl of Seboyeta; mother-in-law: Debra Lucero of Grants; sisters-in-law: Lorraine Lucero of Grants and Antoientte Lucero of Grants; Godchildren: Jasmin Holguin and Maurice Alex Nieto, Jr.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather: Mauricio Nieto, Sr.
Pallbearers will be: Roy Holguin, Alex Nieto, Jessie Nieto, James Martinez, Chris Rougemont, Jacob Aldaz, Miguel Aldaz, Nick Hernandez, Andrew Holguin, Jerry Phol, Sr., Jerry Phol, Jr., Christopher Montano and Xaiver Hernandez.
Compassion 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.
George Canada
Memorial Services for George M. Canada, 76, of Grants, will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, at 4 p.m. at the Grants Cow Palace. Burial will be held at a later date in Texas.
He was born on March 27, 1933, in Archer City, Texas, and passed away on Oct. 3, 2009, in Grants.
He is survived by his children: Marty Canada and wife Norene of Grants, Dave Canada of Gallup and Troy Canada and companion Shannon of Hillman, Tenn.; grandchildren: Cody Canada and wife Brooke of Casper, Wyo., Casey Canada of Albuquerque and Shey Lynn Canada of Albuquerque; great-grandson: Wyatt Canada of Casper, Wyo.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Jack and Jessie Canada.
Canada was a life-long cowboy and worked on ranches in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. He enjoyed camping, fishing and riding cutting horses.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Grants Good Samaritan Center, 840 Lobo Canyon, Grants, NM 87020.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
