Refugio Garcia
A church service for Refugio Ray Garcia, 87, will be held on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Holy Ghost Parish in Albuquerque.
Garcia was born on March 2, 1922, in San Jose to Frutoso and Maadalena (Gallegos) Garcia and passed away peacefully on Oct. 6, 2009, at Las Palomas Care Center in Albuquerque. He was born on March 2, 1922, in San Jose to Frutoso and Magadalena (Gallegos) Garcia.
He is survived by his loving daughter: Dorothy and Craig Otero; grandchildren: Delano and Atalie Garcia, Feliciano Otero, Elijah and Sonya Pimentel and Maya and John White; great-grandchildren: Francis Jane and Cyanne Garcia and Eliz White; siblings: Jimmy Garcia and wife Isabelle of Santa Fe, Joe D. Garcia and wife Vera, Jerry Garcia and wife Frances and Marie Toivanen, all of Grants; sister-in-law: Elia McComie of Washington, D.C., and many caring nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Francis; devoted daughter: Donna and Carlos Pimentel Garcia; brother: Jose F. Garcia, and sister: Bella Eva Garcia.
Garcia attended the Santa Fe School for the Deaf for his public school education. After graduation, Ray enjoyed traveling and living in different parts of the country and loved telling friends and family of his various experiences. He resided in Minnesota, Richmond, Calif., and Chicago, III. While he attended vocational school in Chicago, he married the love of his life, Francis Baenen. They moved to Albuquerque in the late 1950s, where he was self-employed as a television technician. He later worked in the food service business and retired from the Veteran's Hospital. After retirement, he dedicated 12 years to the care of his wife during her long illness. Ray was a big fan of sports: baseball, football, basketball, golf, and tennis. He loved watching televised sports with family and friends. Well known in the deaf community, Garcia was an active member of the Barelas SC Hearing Impaired Senior Citizens Group and received numerous awards for his continuous service and contributions to hearing impaired causes. His articulate and eloquent sign language will be missed by his family and friends. His admiring family wants to thank him for his benevolent presence in their lives.
Herman Markowitz
Graveside services for Herman Markowitz, 87, were held on Sept. 21, 2009, in Philadelphia, Penn.
He was born on March 22, 1922, in Philadelphia and departed this life on Sept. 19, 2009, surrounded by his family. Rabbi Melinda Levinson Zalma officiated, with Janna Wallen serving as cantorial soloist.
Markowitz is survived by the mother of his children: LoisAnn Markowitz of Grants; daughters: Taube Jenkins and husband Ray of Grants and Janna L. Wallen and husband David of Rockville, Md.; 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; brother: Oscar Markowitz of Philadelphia, Penn., and numerous nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his son: Eric Lee Markowitz; parents: Joseph and Annie Markowitz and sister Min Levinson.
Markowitz served in the US Marine Corps during World War II when he was in the second wave of Marines landing on Okinawa. His primary role was that of radio man, working on the radar and aircraft radios. He later served by recording the stories of returning American POWs held in Japan. These recordings were then played in the GI's hometown, reconnecting them with their families. He received a field commission as captain during the Korean Conflict. When he was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, he met LoisAnn Heymann, who was in the Navy at the time. They married after the war, a marriage that lasted 60 years and produced three children.
Markowitz, known as Mark to his family and friends, was an electronics technician and manufacturer's representative until his retirement in 1994. He came to Albuquerque in 1949, then settled in El Paso, Texas, in 1952, where he lived until 1985. In El Paso, he was the owner of Custom Electronics, installing and repairing sound systems and hospital equipment. From 1985-91, he lived in Woodbridge, Virg., then moved to Raleigh, N.C., until 1999, when he and LoisAnn moved to Grants. Health reasons took him to Maryland in 2006.
Mark loved helping people and took great pride in his family. He never met a stranger. He was active in the Jewish community wherever he lived, and while in Grants he was also an active member of Kiwanis, the Grants Senior Citizens Center and Literacy Volunteers, where he served on the board. While living at the Hebrew Home in Rockville, Mark participated in the Ethical Will Project, which helps people shape their spiritual and emotional legacy for future generations.
Pallbearers were Jason Janet, Shana Kerey, Arlen Janet, Caasi Janet, Ed Levinson, and Fruma Markowitz. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Jenkins and David Wallen.
Eloy Sanchez
Rosary and Funeral Mass for Eloy W. Sanchez, 62, of Milan, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at 9 a.m. at St. Vivian's Catholic Church in Milan. Burial will follow at the Grants Memorial Park. The Very Rev. Alberto Avella will be the Celebrant. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. at the church.
Sanchez was born on April 14, 1947, in Grants, and passed away on Oct. 6, 2009, in Albuquerque. He was retired from Petro in Milan.
He is survived by his wife: Felipa Sanchez of Milan; sons: Edwin Sanchez of Albuquerque, Gilbert Sanchez of Albuquerque and Joe Estrada of Milan; daughter: Lorraine Macias of San Rafael; parents: Joe and Emma Gonzales of Grants; brothers: Teddy Gonzales of Milan, Bernie Gonzales of Grants, Rudy Gonzales of Grants, Johnny Gonzales of Grants and Leo Sanchez of Bluewater Village; sister: Lucy Torres of Milan, and four grandchildren.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Delaiya Woods
Services and burial for Delaiya Elizabeth Woods, newborn, were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Charlee Land, Whiterock in San Juan County. Alvin Dorsey officiated.
She passed away on Sept. 24, 2009, in England. She was born into the Mountain Cave People Clan for the Anglo People Clan.
She is survived by her parents: Tashina Laura Woods and Bryan Travis Woods; brother: Landon Cordell Woods; grandparents: Deloris Becenti, Byron D. Charlee, Gwendolyn Charlee, Calvin Gauldin, Kathy Gauldin and Damon B. Woods.
Pallbearers were Alan S. Charlee, Cameron V. Woods, Byron Charless and Damon B. Woods.
The family received relatives and friends at the Lake Valley Chapter House following the service.
Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Gonzales
Funeral Mass for Mary J. Gonzales 93, of Grants, will be held on April 3, 2009, at 9:30 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. Visitation was held on April 2, 2009, from 1-6 p.m. at Compassion Mortuary. A rosary will be held on April 2, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the church.
She was born on March 16, 1916, in Albuquerque, and passed away on April 1, 2009, in Grants.
She is survived by her children: Antonio Gonzales and wife Lila of Albuquerque, Santiago Gonzales and wife Shirley of Grants, Fred Gonzales and wife Vicki of Grants, Alberto Gonzales and wife Inez of Albuquerque, Abelicio Gonzales and wife Debi of Grants, David Gonzales and wife Angela of Bloomfield, Eduardo Gonzales and wife Diana of Grants, Rosita Salazar and husband Robert of Grants, Dorella Zenz of Grants, Merlinda Olguin of Grants, Flora Mullen and husband John of Lanexa, Va., Angela Gonzales of Albuquerque, Marie Hilda Mazon of Albuquerque, Emily Fudala and husband Paul of Lanexa, Va. and Claire Chavez and husband Eric of Albuquerque; brother: Alfredo Apodaca and wife Orlinda of Grants; sisters: Petra Montano of Grants, and Tivi Maldonado of Albuquerque; 45 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchilden.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Santiago Gonzales; parents: Eduardo Apodaca and Piedad Lucero Apodaca; daughter: MaryEllen Brito; son: Michael Gonzales; sons-in-law: Joe Olguin, Jerry Mazon, Wally Zenz and James Shuck; brothers: Trinidad Apodaca, Damacio Apodaca, and Vicenti Apodaca; grandchildren: Jessica Gonzales, Bobby Salazar and Jessie Chavez.
Pallbearers will be: Daniel A. Gonzales, Walter Zenz, James Gonzales, Chris Sena, Lennet Adams, Abie Gonzales, Jr., Scott Gonzales and Joseph Brito.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Anthony Olguin, Rose Marie Salazar, Tammy Rojeck, Angelica Gonzales-Garcia, Jamie Gonzales, K.C. Gonzales, Andrea Gonzales, Melissa
Morse and Monique Gonzales, Harry and Floyd Lee, Marrion Nelson and all of her grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the St. Teresa Catholic School 400 E. High, Grants, New Mexico 87020.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Mae Roybal
Funeral Mass for Mae M. Roybal 62, of Dona Ana, will be held on April 4, 2009, at 9 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Grants. Burial will follow at the Grants Memorial Park. The Very Rev. Alberto Avella will be the Celebrant. A rosary will be held on April 3, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Compassion Mortuary.
She was born on May 2, 1949, in Embudo and passed away on March 30, 2009, in Las Cruces. She was retired from El Paso Electric as a receptionist. Mae was a faithful member of Our Lady of Health Catholic Church where she was a Eucharist Minister. She will be deeply missed by all her family and many friends who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her companion of 10 years Frank Gonzales of the family home; daughters: Jackie Vigil and companion Rene Martinez of Mesilla, Jenell Stafford and husband Fred of Glen Rose, Texas, Jewell Lucero and partner Patrick Gutierrez of Grants and Jeneen Roybal and fiancé Joey De Los Santos of Las Cruces; brother: Lee Maestas and wife Berlinda of Grants; step-sons Raymond Roybal and wife Sylvia of San Ysidro, Rick Roybal and John Roybal and wife Rosemary all of Tucson, Ariz., David Hassel of Grand Junction, Colo., Amado Roybal and wife Luz and Tony Roybal and wife Susan all of Sacramento, Calif. and Fred Roybal and wife Leila of Taos; step-daughters Gina Rodriguez and husband Geronimo, Rose Roybal and husband Brian all of Tucson, Ariz. and Theresa Robinson of Gettysburg, Md. and by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and God-children.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Roybal; parents: John D. Maestas and Corrina Trujillo Maestas; brothers: Juan Maestas, Emerson Maestas and Paul G. Maestas and stepson Vincent Hassle.
Fred Beckner
Services for Fred A. Beckner 77, of Bluewater, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Grants.
Fred was born on July 25, 1932, in Roanoke, Va., and passed away on Nov. 27, 2009, in Bluewater. He was retired from the Anaconda mines. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War.
He is survivied by his children: Mike Beckner of Bluewater, Rick Beckner of Elko, Nev., Mark Beckner and wife Tanya of Laughlin, Nev.; grandchildren: David Beckner of North Dakota, Rick Beckner, Jr., of Silver City, Brian Beckner and wife Brooke of Deming, Jarrett Beckner of Missoula, Mont., Jenna Beckner of Texas, Josh Beckner of Colorado; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Jerry Beckner; parents: Fred Henry Beckner and Violet Marie Beckner; brother: Paul Beckner.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be: Pfc. Justin Stafford, Waylon Stafford, Marquise Ramirez, Michelle Stafford, Jadrain Lucero and Jeremy Roybal.
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.
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.
Lloyd Ortega
Services for Lloyd G. Ortega, Sr. 79, of San Mateo, were held on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at 1p.m. at the San Mateo Baptist Mission. Burial followed at the San Mateo Cemetery. Pastor James Pouges officiated. A Prayer service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the mission church.
Lloyd was born on July 29, 1930, in San Mateo and passed away on Dec. 7, 2009, in Albuquerque. He was a life member of the VFW Lodge 3221 in Grants. He was a veteran who served in the Korean War.
He is survived by his sons: Lloyd Ortega, Jr., and wife Arcelia of San Mateo, Charles Ortega and wife Araceli of San Mateo; daughters: Sheila Grant and husband John of San Mateo and Veda Ortega and husband Ricardo Padilla of Albuquerque; sister: Esther Bostic and husband JB of Albuquerque; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Velma Ortega; parents: Mariano Ortega and Marcelina Chavez Ortega; sisters: Isabel Marquez, Delia Chavez and Louise Ortega; brother: Salamon Ortega.
Pallbearers were: Arsenio Salazar, Jason Ortega, Brian (BJ) Ortega, Chandler Grant, ReyLynn Largo and Arturo Candelaria.
Honorary pallbearers were: Mariano Padilla, Juan Diego Padilla, Benny Lucero, Melvin Marquez, Salamon Marquez, Marisol Ortega and Dixie Anderson.
Compassion Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Miguel Sifuentes
Funeral Mass for Miguel Sifuentes 87, of Grants, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12, 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 recited on Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the church.
Miguel was born on May 8, 1922, in Matehuala, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and passed away on Dec. 9, 2009, in Grants.
He is survived by his loving wife: Maria Saucedo Sifuentes of Grants; children: Maria Griego and husband Alex of Grants, Efren Sifuentes and wife Elaine of Queen Creek, Ariz.; grandchildren: Dave Griego of Phoenix, Ariz., Don Griego of Albuquerque, Veronica Sanders of Rio Rancho, Valerie Liska of Grants, Emmanuel Sifuentes of Rowland Heights, Calif., and Lisa Hickman of Portland, Ore.; brothers: Gabriel Sifuentes, Onesimo Sifuentes, both of Mexico; sisters: Margarita Pescina, Concepcion Sifuentes and Eulilia Puente, all of Mexico; 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son: Miguel Sifuentes, Jr.; parents: Domingo Sifuentes and Agustina Martienz Sifuentes; sisters: Refugia Vasquez, Maria Garay; brothers: Aurelio Sifuentes and Guadalupe Sifuentes.
Pallbearers will be: Dave Greigo, Don Griego, Emmanuel Sifuentes, Eddie Sifuentes, Pantaleon Cabrera and Luis Griego.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
James Kommers
Services for James Howard "Jim" Kommers, 69, former Grants resident, were held on Dec. 7, 2009, at Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, Ariz.
He was born in Hyannis, Neb., on Dec. 3, 1939, to Margaret and Howard "Bud" Kommers, and passed away on Nov. 27, 2009.
He was the first of five children.
Jim went on to attend the University of Nebraska where he played football until an injury caused him to hang up his jersey.
He earned a bachelor degree from Chadron State College.
Jim married the love of his life, Viola Jean Boyer on Aug. 26, 1962.
For 25 years they made their home in Grants, where they raised three children.
He spent most of his life working in banking and finance.
The family moved to the Phoenix, Ariz., area in 1989.
Over the past few years, after living all over the country, the children and their families relocated to the Phoenix area.
We never missed an opportunity to get together to celebrate occasions big and small.
Jim has been a father figure to many over the years.
Most children believe their dads can do everything, but there was honestly very little Jim couldn't do or didn't know about.
He was fun-loving, spirited, and an amazing family man.
Snowmobiling, hiking in the mountains, playing cribbage, building things and dancing with Vi were among some of his favorite things to do.
Above all, just being with his family was the most important thing to him.
He adored his grandchildren and his love will forever influence their lives.
Jim valiantly battled cancer for the last 16 months.
An unrelated medical complication led to a quick and unexpected decline that his body could not overcome.
Our family is so thankful for the invaluable assistance from countless angels along the way who helped him to survive and enjoy as much time here as possible.
He is survived by his wife: Vi; daughters: Teri and Raymond Nevarez, Pam and Tom Sanchez; son: Jim II; grandchildren: Denise, Ronnie and Kyle; brothers: Bill and Kathy, and Phil and Mary Kommers; sisters: Kathy and Brian Kauffman and Cherie and Chuck Gorman; friends, relatives and an adopted family of many. Heaven gained an amazing angel when Jim joined his parents, grandparents and other loved ones who had passed before him. We lost one of the best men who ever lived . . . our Dad, Granddad, Vi's husband, and to many a friend. We love you and will miss you so.
In lieu of flowers, cards or donations to the family would be appreciated. 5720 E. Harmony Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206.
