Robert J. Vargas, 84, of Ranchos de Taos passed away on April 9, 2001.
He was a steel cutter in San Francisco in 1942 during WWII. He was a carpenter and cabinetmaker before owning and operating Vargas Paint Company with his wife Martha for 40 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Enrique and Sofia Vargas, son, Donald E. Vargas in 1943, brother, Enrique Vargas, Jr. in 1971 and sister, Adelina Garcia in 1988. He was the oldest of eight children. he is survived by his wife of 59 years, Martha Vargas and children, Arthur E. Vargas (Diana) of Las Vegas, N.M., Christine A. Vargas, Patricia C. Vargas and Viviana Vargas-Gonzales (Raymond) all of Ranchos de Taos. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, brothers and sisters, Lucille Vargas of Taos, Emma Merriman of Santa Fe, Elias Vargas of Taos, Josie Romero of Santa Clara, Calif., and Gilbert Vargas of Taos. Graveside Service was held on Tuesday, April 10, 2001, at New Llano Quemado cemetery. Pallbearers were Virgil Gomez, Nicky Johnson, Luciano Trujillo, Jesse Hawthorne, Raymond Gonzales and Anthony Hawthorne. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Shorey Ellen Gomez, 17, of Taos Pueblo, passed away unexpectedly on April 5, 2001. Rosary was held on April 9, 2001 at Rivera Chapel. Memorial Mass was held on April 10, 2001, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Ella Rose Sweet, 87, currently of Ranchos de Taos and longtime resident of Coyote Howis Park, Why, Ariz., peacefully passed over on April 1, 2001. She was a life member of the Eastern Star Chapter 72 Charlevoix, Michigan, and a lifetime honorary member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth R.D. Sweet, in 1988. She is survived by children, Charles Beeman (Dorothea) of Warren, Michigan, Don Beeman (Patricia) of Ventura, Calif., Ralph Sweet (Marcella) of Taos, Sara Sweet Bradly of Orlando, Fla. and stepchildren Roger Sweet of Michigan and Barbara North (Donald) of Fla. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and for her unconditional love.
An evening service was held on April 2, 2001 at Rivera Chapel officiated by Rev. Shirley Ellingboe, St. James Episcopal Church. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Abimelech “Abbie” Lucero, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Aug. 13, 2001. She will be remembered for her kindness, good humor and the love for her family, friends and her Lord. She will be sorely missed by family and friends and will live in our hears forever. She was born in Dixon, N.M. on May 12, 1903. She lived most of her life in Black Lake, N.M. on a ranch, as well as living the reminder of her life in Albuquerque. She and her husband, Demetrio lived in Denver, Colo., for the first four years of their married
life. She attended Presbyterian School in Dixon for the lower grades and Allison James Presbyterian School in Santa Fe, N.M. from 1918-1921. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Demetrio Lucero, son, David and grandson, William Anglin. She is survived by her children, Marcy Anglin (Dale), Roger Lucero (Dorothy), and Tito Lucero. She is also survived by grandchildren, Terry Dolberry (Steve), David Anglin (Mary), Rita McAlpin (Rick), Dean Lucero (Eleanor), Monty Lucero, Monica Young, Daniel Martinez (Patty), Nino Lucero, great-grandchildren, Dolly and Vanessa Anglin, Alyssa and April McAlpin, Danny, Charlene and Isaiah Martinez and Sheridan Young, and four great-great-grandchildren. She has two sister, Hevila Martinez and Marcelina Ramos, brother, Aaron Duran (Dolores), many nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held on Aug. 17, 2001, at First Baptist Church in Albuquerque. Interment was held at Sierra Vista cemetery. Pallbearers were David Anglin, Dean Lucero, Richard McAlpin, Daniel Martinez, Danny Martinez and Tyler Dolberry. In lieu of flowers you may make contributions to the Heart Foundation. 6301 Forrest Hills NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 or First Baptist Church of Alameda, 8818 2nd St., Albuquerque, NM 87114. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Adelaida “Dela” Moore, 80, of Questa died on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001 in Taos. Mrs. Moore was born in Moly Mine, N.M. to Juan B. and Josefita Archuleta on Aug. 16, 1920. She is preceded in death by her sister, Mary Anne Crouch. Mrs. Moore work for Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Nevada for many years retiring to Questa, where she loved to spend time with her great-grandnephews and other family members. She is a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa. She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Berlinda Herrera and husband Elui, stepdaughter, Bernie, step grandchildren: Debbie, Donald, Dale, Glen and JR. Cisneros, great nephews and nieces; Gabriel Herrera and wife Novella, Eddie Herrera and wife Elizabeth, Greg Herrera, Myra Trujillo and husband Richard, Lawrence Herrera, great-great nephews and nieces; Angelina, Beto, Denise, Danielle, Bernadette, Louie, Marcos, Leo, Eli, Ricardo, Jr., and other extended family; Carlos and Rosa Vidal and Anthony and Eddie Vidal. Visitation took place on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2001 at Sisneros Lafollette Family Funeral Service at 3 p.m. where a rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. Visitation took place again on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001 at 3 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Questa where another rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Aug. 13, 2001 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Fr. William Young celebrating. Burial follow at the El Pueblito cemetery in Questa. Assisting the family as pallbearers are: Anthony and Eddie Vidal, A.J. Sanchez and Manuel Sanchez, Jr., Jose “Beto” Herrera and Marcos Herrera. Honorary Pallbearers Richard Trujillo, Eli Castellano, Richard Trujillo Jr. The family of Mrs. Adelaida Moore have placed their trust with Sisneros LaFollette Family Funeral Service of Taos. 1524 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, N. 758-2100 or toll free 1-866-231-2100.
Charles “Dan” Tekstar, 56, of Red River passed away on Aug. 15, 2001. He enjoyed sailing the Caribbean and taking long hikes in the mountains with his beloved dog. He dared to be who he was no matter what anyone thought and he loved being surrounded by those he loved, his large family of friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Chuck Tekstar and brother-in-law, Tom Hodge. He is survived by his wife, Jodi Tekstar, daughters, Morgan Johnson and Kendell Tekstar of Aledo, TX and his faithful companion “Tony”, his dog. He is also survived by his mother, Marge Tekstar and sister, Cheryl Hodge, nieces and nephews, Trey, Daniel and Cannon Hodge all of Ft. Worth, TX, also an infinitely large extended family of friends throughout the world. Memorial service was held on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2001, at Red River Community Center, a wake followed at the family home. Scattering of his ashes was held on Monday, Aug. 20, 2001, at Greenie Peak in Red River. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Dora M. Roybal, born May 19, 1927, died July 15, 2001. Dora M. Roybal, formerly from Taos, N.M. but for several years a resident of Fremont, Calif., died peacefully at her daughter’s home in Modesto, Calif., with family at her side. Dora was a member of the Guadalupana group, and on the welcoming committee of her parish, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and was active in Charities for the Humanities. Dora was preceded in death by husband, Gilbert, son, Kevin, her parents, Mr. & Mrs. J.I. Montoya, two brothers, three sisters, three nephews and one niece, three brothers-in-law, several aunts, uncles and cousins. Vigil services and Mass of Christian burial were held in Fremont followed by interment in the family plot alongside her husband Gilbert and son Kevin. Survivors are son, Kelly (Mary) Roybal, daughter, Doreen (Ron) Anthony, grandsons, Sean Roybal and Leland Anthony, granddaughters, Shelley Hienman, Jeanine Roybal, Michelle Anthony, sister, Nancy Romero, Uncle, Jim Romero, niece, Judy (Francis) Martinez, grandnieces, Camille Gonzales, Francesca Martinez, Tanya Romero, Tanya Gonzales. Great-grandnieces, Ciana and Jaylyn Romero, nephews, David (Glenda) Romero, Keith and Paul Roybal, Steve (Amy) Quintanta, Paul (Lee) Quintana, grandnephews, Aaron and Adam Romero and Victor Martinez, extended family, Ada (Popolo) Quintana, Connie (Roy) Roybal, Viola (Paul) Roybal and family. Other survivors, godchildren, countless cousins and many friends. Pallbearers, Sean Roybal, Leland Anthony, David Romero, Keith Roybal, Joe Martinez, Billy Martinez. Eulogy was delivered by Rose M. Tafoya. Several former Taosenos residing in Calif., and many relatives and friends from N.M. and Colo. attended Dora’s Funeral.
Lydia F. Martinez, 78, of El Prado passed away on Aug. 13, 2001. She was preceded in death by her brother, Victor Fresquez, in 1983. She is survived by her husband, Luis C. Martinez, and their children, Luis C. Martinez, Jr. (Donna), Raymond Martinez (Carmen) all of Albuquerque, Dolores Trujillo of Taos, Pancho Martinez (Judy), Bill Vigil all of Albuquerque and Francina Martinez of El Prado. She is also survived by grandchildren, Anthony Martinez (Shannon), Katrina Martinez, Brian Martinez, Vicki Martinez (Brit), Horacio and Manuel Trujillo, Camille Gonzales (Mark), Francesca and Victor Martinez, Ryan Trujillo, William Vigil (Antoinette), Lisa Vigil Cameron and Ashley Vigil, great grandchildren, Tyler and Evan Martinez, Dylan Bowers, Antonio and Vanessa Vigil, Nick Gonzales, brother-in-law, Patricio Martinez, sisters-in-laws, Adelina Vigil and Connie Archuleta, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. A rosary was recited on Aug. 14, 2001, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. Funeral Mass was held on Aug. 15, 2001, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Interment followed at Dolores cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be made to Taos Mountain Home Health Hospice. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Sobeida T. Duran, 86 of Llano Quemado passed away on Aug. 18, 2001. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jose Edwin Duran, in 2000, son Tommy Duran in 1993 and sister Elviria Mondragon in 1999. She is survived by grandson Thomas L. Duran of Llano Quemado, sister Solidea Griego of Llano Quemado and daughter-in-law Carmen Duran of Ranchos de Taos. She is also survived by nephews and nieces Agapito Griego, Rose Polaco, Estela Tafoya, Manuel Griego, Millie Rivali, Frances Martinez, Polly Varos, Juanita Roybal, numerous other nieces and nephews. Rosary was held on Monday, August 20, 2001 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at San Francisco de Asis Church. Interment followed at New Llano Quemado cemetery. Pallbearers were Agapito Griego, Manuel Griego, Leroy Polaco, Zeke Tafoya, Kenneth Varos and Wayne Rivali. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home
Dr. Victor Westphall, PhD, 89, founder of the Vietnam Veterans National Memorial in Angel Fire passed away on July 22, 2003. He along with his wife and son created the memorial in memory of his son, Marine Lt. David Westphall who passed away in 1968. With David’s insurance policy he built the Vietnam Veterans National Memorial to honor all Vietnam Veterans. He earned an Arts Education Degree from Milwaukee State Teacher College, Masters and PhD in American Studies from the University of New Mexico. He was a homebuilder in Albuquerque, historian and publisher of several books of Southwest History & Land Grants. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeanne V. Westphall and son, Walter Douglas Westphall (Dorothy) of Andover, KS. He is also survived by his sister, Merline Kyle of La Sal, Utah, grandchildren, Kimberly and David Westphall.
Funeral service was held on July 26, 2003 at the Vietnam Veterans Nation Memorial in Angel Fire. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans National Memorial, P.O. Box 608, Angel Fire, NM 87710. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Lorenzo Arturo Maestas Jr., 16, of Ranchos de Taos passed away unexpectedly on July 28, 2003. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Abedón & Damiana Maestas, great-grandparents, Frank & Mabel Durán. He is survived by his parents, JoAnn Gonzales and Lorenzo A. Maestas Sr., sister, Lori Ann Maestas (Tammie Romero) and half sister, Cathy Romero (Leonard). He is also survived by grandparents, Addie Gonzales and Ted Gonzales, many uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Rosary and funeral mass will be held at San Francisco de Asís Catholic Church with interment to be held at New Llano Quemado cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home
Manuelita Medina Aragón, 88, formerly of Taos passed away on July 27, 2003. She was born December 18, 1914 to Cipriano Medina and Sarita Casías Medina. She is preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter, Shirley Ann Aragón, son, Mario Aragón, grandson, Manuel Aragón, brother, Bonifacio Cruz Medina and mother in law, Crestina Fernández. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Moises Aragón, children, Ralph Aragón (Rebecca), Gilda Márquez (Isaac), Albert Aragón (Tina) and daughter in law, Virginia Aragón. She is also survived by grandchildren, Gina Arriendo, Isaac Gonzales, Debbie Braum, Jeanette, Michael, Shirley, Tina, Moises, Manuelita, Ralph, Rebecca, Liberty and Jennifer Aragón, , many great grandchildren, brother, Roberto Medina (Juanita), sister, Estella Cruz Robbins, many nephews and nieces.
Rosary will be recited on Thursday, July 31, 2003 at 7 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 1, 2003 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with interment to follow at Dolores cemetery in Cañon. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Stella Gignac died on Wednesday, July 9, 2003 at the age of 93 in Taos, NM, where she lived for the past three years. She resided for most of her life in West Lebanon, NH. She worked as a waitress for many years at the Hanover Inn in Hanover, NH. Mrs. Stella Gignac was the widow of Omer Gignac. She is survived by her nieces, Bonnie Kaufman and Cheryl Bussomette, her grand nieces, Jemery and Jessie Kaufman and Anne Helft, her great grand nieces, Julia and Eva Helft.
Graveside service will be held in Quechee, VT at a later date. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Frances “ Donnie” (Skalsky) Ormerod, 85, died Saturday October 6, 2001 in Lakota, ND. She was born Dec 28, 1915, in Belpre, Kansas. Married Charles F. Ormerod, Sr. and they moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1939, then to Gardena, CA, raising three children. She worked as an Executive Secretary, retiring at the age of 65. Resided in California until 1991 then moved to Medford, OR, living with son Bill and his wife Belinda. In 1967, the three moved to Lakota ND, having adventurous spirits they wanted to experience small town America. She was a loving Mother and Grandmother. Her hobbies were: reading and experiencing life. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Charles F. Ormerod, Sr; stepson, Charles F. Ormerod, Jr; daughter, Etta Joann Ormerod; sisters, Ludovica “Toots” Deckerhoff, Lydia and Mathilda Skalsky, Hilda Rensimer; brothers, Alfred and George Skalsky, Sr., and great-grandson, Porter Rockwell Ormerod. She is survived by her sons: Bill Ormerod and wife Belinda of Lakota, ND, Phil Ormerod of Taos, NM, daughter, JoeEtta Zimmer of La Jolla, CA; step-daughter, June John of Angola IN, and 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Grave site interment Saturday, Oct. 20, 2001, at Inglewood Park cemetery, Inglewood, California.
Harold G. Chance, 77, peacefully departed this life on Friday, Oct. 5, 2001, at Taos Living Center, Taos, NM. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Questa, N.M. Memorial Services, Saturday, Oct. 20, 10:45 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Questa. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Doris Graves Chance, son, Tommy Gene Chance, Ford, Washington, son, Monty Craig Graves, Victora, TX, son, Paul Ross Graves, Aubrey, TX, son, Redge Allan Graves, Dallas, TX, daughter, Mrs. Robbie Graves Beasley, Morganton, NC, daughter, Mrs. Kerri Graves Nowowiejski, Daubai United Arab Emirates, sister, Mrs. JoAnn Evans, Fort Worth, TX, aunt, Mrs. Robbie Nell Boman, Bixby, OK. and 15 grandchildren.
Mercedes T. Trujillo, 88 of Taos passed away on Oct. 11 2001. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alejandro Ramon Trujillo, infant daughters, Albesa and Teresita Trujillo, parents, Pedro and Rebecca Trujillo, sisters, Raquel, Pablita and Domitila Trujillo, brother, Mike Trujillo and Granddaughter, Claudette Trujillo. She is survived by children, Angie Martinez (Cladio) of Ranchos de Taos, Horacio Trujillo of Taos, Gilbert Trujillo (Tin) of Virginia and Luther Trujillo (Sylvia) of Llano Quemado. She is also survived by grandchildren, Claudio Jr. (Antonette), Alex and Natalie Martinez and sister Julia Padilla of Brush, CO. Rosary was recited on Friday, Oct. 12, 2001. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2001. Both services were held at San Francisco de Assis Catholic Church. Interment was held at Dolores cemetery in Canon. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
