Ramón V. Abeyta, 86, of Talpa passed away on December 12, 2006. He is preceded in death by his parents, Maria & Santiago Abeyta and great granddaughter, Brianna Amberly Durán. He is survived by his wife, Maria Abeyta, daughters, Lorraine Gaeta and Bertha, seven grand children, nine great- grand children, brother and sisters, Arsenio Abeyta, Vera Jones, Susie Perea, Flora Aults and many other relatives. Rosaries were recited on December 13, 2006 at Rivera Chapel and on December 14, 2006 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be held on December 15, 2006 at San Francisco de Asis Church. Interment was held at Talpa cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Moisés Alfredo Aragón, 90, of Los Angeles, CA passed away on December 07, 2006. He is preceded in death by his wife, Manuelita Aragón, son, Mario, daughter, Shirley Ann, grandson, Manuel, parents, Crestina & Rafel Aragón. He is survived by his children, Rafel (Becky), Albert (Tina) and Gilda (Isaac), daughter in law, Virginia, sister, Juanita Medina (Roberto), many grandchildren and other relatives. Rosary was recited on December 19, 2006 at Our Lady of Dolores Catholic Church in Canon. Funeral mass was held on December 20, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Dolores cemetery in Canon.
Samuel Hammer, 89, of Taos passed away on December 15, 2006. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Hammer and grand daughter, Jennifer Montoya. He is survived by his children, Betty Trujillo (Pacomio), Ida Chavez (Eugenio), Ruth Montoya (Joe), Sammy Hammer, Jr (Diana). and Harvey Hammer (Mary Ann), brothers, George Hammer, Loren Hammer (Tomasita), Charlie Hammer (Antonia) Frank Hammer (Charlotte), brothers and sistersinlaws, Manuel Martínez, Eddie Grant (Bessie), and Clarence Grant (Andra) and Mabel Torres, 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. Evening service was held on December 17, 2006 at the Rivera Chapel. Funeral service was held on December 18, 2006 at Ranchos Presbyterian Church with interment to follow at Descanso cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home,
Geoffrey L. Hockmeyer, 58, of El Prado passed away on December 05, 2006. He is preceded in death by his parents, Langdon and Elizabeth Hockmeyer. He is survived by his brother, Brad Hockmeyer and nephew, Amos Hockmeyer. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Stray Hearts Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 622, Taos, NM 87571. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
William A. Kittredge, 92, of Arroyo Hondo passed away on December 6, 2006. He is preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Lucia Kittredge, brothers and sisters, Lillian Montoya, Alice Rochine, Julian and Joe Kittredge and son in law, Eduardo Martinelli. He is survived by his wife, Cornelia Kittredge, children, Mary Ann L. HallPeche (Dale) of Santa Fe, Marlene B. Martinelli of El Granada, CA, Deacon Michael Kittredge of Arroyo Hondo and Joan B. Chinn (Brian) of San Francisco, CA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and brother, Tom Kittredge. Rosary was recited on December 12, 2006 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Arroyo Hondo. Funeral mass was held on December 13, 2006 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Interment followed at Rael cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Lynn Fieschel, of Taos, finally found peace as she passed over the river to be with the Lord on November 21, 2006. She was born July 26, 1961 in Brooklyn, NY. She is preceded in death by her mother Mary Fieschel, her maternal grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Owen Callan, paternal grandparents William and Rose Fieschel, aunt Kathy Stockel, and dear friend Cindy Lugbauer. She is survived by her father William Fieschel (Debbie) of Myrtle Beach, SC, brother and sister, Keith Fieschel of Alaska and Debbie Franklin of Maryland, uncles Joey, Richie, and Arthur Fieschel, and aunt Carol Buro. She moved to Taos over 20 years ago from the SF Bay Area where she was a skilled house painter. In the Taos area she did everything from installing the flooring at WalMart to helping renovate the historic St. James Hotel but her favorite work was tree planting for the US Forest Service as she loved the outdoors, camping, and the idea of restoring the earth. She had a strong desire to get a good education but due to low selfesteem and depression, she would often take the wrong path. She did earn her GED in 1984, was inducted into the Honor Society at NNMC in 1996 where she also completed the EMTBasic course. She started at UNM Taos in 2003 to complete coursework to become a counselor. Her goal was to help others who suffered emotionally as she had. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the UNM Taos Student Success scholarship fund. A memorial service will be held at Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home at 4pm on Sunday, December 17, 2006.
Frances W. Williams, 84, of Red River, passed away November 25, 2006 in Red River, NM. She was born to George and Ruthie Bond, January 13, 1922 in Frisco, TX. She was a member of the Red River Historical Society and Red River Community House. She and late husband Donald L Williams were the owners of the Williams Trading Post in Red River. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Dexter Walthall and second husband Donald L. Williams, she is survived by two brothers; Bobby Bond of Tyler, TX, Jerry Bond (Linda) of Venus, TX, two sisters; Anna Croy of Sanger, TX, Wanda (Buster) McDaniel of Alba, TX, and nu-merous nephews and nieces. A Viewing was held at Weylen’s Funeral Home in Questa, NM on Tuesday November 28, 2006 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Funeral Service was Wednesday November 29, at 10:30 AM at the Red River Community House, Red River, NM. Burial followed at the Red River cemetery. Arrange ments were made with Weylen’s Funeral Home in Questa, NM. www.weylens-funeral-home.com
Ann Rivers Sudlow, 86, died peacefully at her home on Blueberry Hill, Friday, Nov. 24, at 1:30 p.m. She was surrounded by her family, son’s David S. Robertson II, Mark G. Robertson (Ann), daughter-in-law, Carolyn Duval, and grandchildren, David Allen, Molly, Katie and Shanti. Also present were her caregivers, Janie Rose and Lindsey Robertson. Grandson, Cody Rivers Duval, who lives in New York, could not be there. Ann was born in Los Angeles, CA on September 20, 1920 and was raised on a Mohave Desert guest ranch called Yucca Loma where she was introduced to many stimulating (some quite famous) people. Ann graduated from high school and college in Southern California and had many adventures, becoming a Rodeo Queen was one of them. She was an accomplished horse back rider and made sure her children were too. She married
a military officer, Peter Duval, who was killed WWII, leaving her with a son, Peter Rivers Duval (deceased 1985). Ann remarried
David S. Robertson and had two more sons, David (Robbie) and Mark. Later in life she fell in love and married
Don E. Sudlow (deceased 2006) an art professor. They were married
for 35 years. During this period in her life Ann was an elementary school teacher in East Los Angeles. The moved to Taos full time after retirement in 1982 and were very active with the land and the community. Ann leaves behind may dear friends in Taos and California. There will be a graveside memorial service on December 10 at 1 p.m. at Sierra Vista cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Jóse Teodoro “Ted” Valerio, 84, of Ranchos de Taos passed away on November 19, 2006. He was an Army veteran of WWII and retired from the US Forest Service. He is preceded in death by his son, Flavio Valerio. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Emelina Mondragon Valerio, children, Teddie Gonzales (John) and Armando Valerio (Maggie), sisters and brothers, Eliria Romero, Clodoveo Valerio (Maggie), Eloy Valerio (Joanne), Emma Gómez (Tony), Jessie Sánchez, brother in law, Gilbert Mondragón, sister in law, Cecilia Archuleta, four grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and many other relatives. Evening service was held November 21, 2006 at Rivera Chapel. Funeral service was held on November 22, 2006 at Ranchos Presbyterian Church. Interment was held at Descanso cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Rose Concha, 76, of Taos passed away on November 21, 2006. Funeral mass was held on November 22, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Sierra Vista cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Zora Kohler-Rausch, 81, of Red River passed away on November 18, 2006. She owned K-R Business Services in Red River. She is survived by her son, Mario Kohler-Rausch (Diane), grandsons, Paul and Michael. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Joan Tanner Reddish 1936 ~ 2006, died of respiratory failure in Taos on November 19, 2006, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born the second child of Grace and Obert Tanner in Palo Alto, CA, Joan lived in Salt Lake City in her youth and attended the University of Utah. She moved to Washington in 1976 and then to New Mexico in 1998. Joan loved her life in the spacious beauty of the Taos area, where her brilliant spirit lived near the earth, enjoying the gifts of all its seasons. A spiritual teacher to many, she was also a gifted artist, working in a variety of art forms. Giving generously of herself and means, Joan worked with women and children in need. Her home was an open place for many who sought her wisdom. She is survived by her sons Patrick, his wife Gwen and son Finn, of Park City, UT; Jonathan of Salt Lake City, UT; and Christopher of Los Angeles, CA; her sister Carolyn Tanner Irish of Salt Lake City, UT; and her brother David Obert Tanner of San Diego, CA, as well as four nephews and nieces. Gathering of family and friends was held on November 25, 2006 at her residence. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to local food banks. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Ben Martínez, 67, of Las Colonias, passed away on November 22, 2006. He retired from Moly Corp and was a veteran of the Air Force. He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan B. and Carolina Martinez, parents-in-law, Honorio and Juanita Rael, infant sister, Juanita, niece, Cindy Martínez, nephew, Jerome Quintana, aunts Elena Medina and Dolores Mascareñas. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Bernice Martínez, his children Johnny Martinez (Lisa) of El Prado, Liza Sanders of Panama City, FL, Francina Beck of Houston, TX, Patricia Gallegos (Donald) of Questa, Amy Pacheco (Eduardo) of Santa Fe, Benny Martínez of Taos, Rozella Bransford (Joseph) of Santa Fe, Renee Lynda Martinez of Taos, Mary Ann Cardenas of Taos, Don J. Martínez of Taos, Antonio Martínez of Taos, brothers and sisters, Oclides Gonzales (Frank), Clorinda Gonzales (Fred), Mario Martínez (Mabel), Florence Quintana (Deacon Jerry), Rose Martínez (Elias), Loretta Suazo (Joe), Tillie Valdez (Peter) and Yolanda Martínez. Rosary was recited on November 26, 2006. Funeral mass was held on November 27, 2006. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held on November 28, 2006 at Santa Fe National cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home. www.riverafuneralhome. com
Robert J. Ellison, Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1939 in St. Louis, Mo. He grew up in St. Paul, MN where he attended the University of Minnesota. He served in the United States Army, and was a commercial pilot and flight instructor. Bob lived in Taos from 1979 to 1992 during which time he was a building contractor, wood carver, furniture maker and hunting guide. He was a volunteer for the Taos County Search and Rescue for many years; known for his love of his horses, dogs, cats and many friends. After being clean and sober for many years, Bob passed away at his home in Palisade, CO on Nov. 19, 2006 surrounded by his family. He died from complications of pneumonia. He is survived by brother William Ellison of Duxbury, MA; sister Barbara McCabe of Minnetonka, MN; sons John of Milaca, MN, William of Telluride, CO, Eric of Robbinsdale, MN along with their wives and 5 grandchildren. He is also survived by his former spouse Anita Ellison and stepdaughter Liza Jeantete, both of Taos. Memorials preferred to: Grand Junction Post Polio Support Group, PO Box 845, Montrose, CO 81401. Condolences may be sent to the family via: PO Box 2081, Telluride, CO 81435.
Salomón Valerio, 74, of Llano Quemado passed away on November 25, 2006. He is preceded in death by his parents Juan Pablo and María Rosabel Valerio, sister, Teodora V. García, grandson, Noah Washburn, sister in law, Jacqueline Valerio. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Domitila Valerio, children, Ruby Martínez (Pete) of Llano Quemado, Veronica Hernández (Ben) of Palm Springs, CA, Michael Valerio (Yolanda) of Ranchos de Taos, Cynthia Hammer, Dolores Valerio, Ernest Valerio all of Llano Quemado, Matthew Valerio (Yvette) of Garfield, Arkansas, Laura Withers (Eric) of Dallas, TX and Angela Valerio of Llano Quemado. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, brothers, Refugio Valerio (Anita) and Rubén Valerio, sisters, Gloria Sánchez (William) and Quirina DesGeorges (Lewis) and brother in law, Telesfor García. Rosary was recited on November 27, 2006. Funeral mass was held on November 28, 2006. Both services were held at San Francisco de Asís Catholic Church. Interment was held at the new Llano Quemado cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
William Lee Norsworthy 70, also known as “Billy Graham”, died in his home November 14, 2006. He was born February 2, 1936 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to the late Mary Margaret Graham of Costilla, NM and George Washington Norsworthy of Albuquerque, NM. Bill was raised in Amalia, NM since the age of 3 by his late grandparents, Francis L. and Torrance Graham. He was a skilled equipment operator, construction worker, rancher, hunter, fisher, rock hunter, craftsman and prankster. He enjoyed recreation in hunting, fishing, crafts and fun. He was an Honorary Member of the Río Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a loyal husband, caring father and grandfather, devoted friend and unique spirit. He endured life's perils and made lasting memories throughout his life. He suffered a twenty two year battle with severe illness. He will be remembered for his humor, his diligence, love and support. He is preceded in death by his grandparents (Francis L. and Torrance Graham), his stepfather (Joe A. Martínez), his Aunt (Francis P Graham), his father (George W. Norsworthy), his mother (Margaret Martinez), wife (Marsha Norsworthy), grandson (Randy Crabb) and beloved family members and friends. He is survived by his children: Jerry (Victoria) Crabb of Albuquerque, NM, Torrance (Patti) Norsworthy of Hillsboro, OR, Bill Jr. (Kelly) Norsworthy of Albuquerque, NM, Newt of Edgewood, NM, and Billie Jo of San Luis, CO; his siblings: Linn (Nita) Norsworthy of Seminole, TX Denise Norsworthy of Albuquerque, NM, and Genevieve (Dennis) Marquez of Las Vegas, NM; his grandchildren: Mike, Daniel, Beth, Andrew, Jessica, Ian, William and Jeremiah; four great-grandchildren; those he helped raise: Jerry (Bonnie) Valerio of Taos, NM, Jo Ann Fernandez of Tucson, AZ and Glenda Tafoya of Costilla, NM; extended family and friends. Family and Weylen's Funeral Home provided Memorial services November 17, 2006 at 7:00PM at Weylen's Funeral Home in Questa, NM, The Funeral Service was at 10:00AM at Mesita Community Building in Mesita, CO followed by burial at Norsworthy Family cemetery in Amalia, NM. Heartfelt thanks from the family to New Mexico State patrol, Amalia-Ventero Volunteer Fire Department and Weylen's Funeral Home. www.weylens-funeral-home.com
Donald D. Masters, 71 was born on June 22, 1935, to Trula LindleyMasters and Chester Masters in Greenfield, Missouri. He passed away November 13, 2006. After graduating from High School, He started his career operating heavy equipment. Donald was drafted into the US Army in 1958. He did his basic training in Fort Carson, Colorado. He was then recruited into the Honor Guard where he served the rest of his service duty walking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at Arlington, Virginia. When he got out of the service, he continued to perfect his skills operating heavy equipment, working out of the Operating Engineers Local # 9 all over Colorado. Don and Jeannie Sanchez were married
in March of 1973., The energy boom in Wyoming in 1976 inspired him to move there. He and Jeannie then invited newlyweds Andamo and Linda along with baby little Andamo to come and join them there. They also invited Lewis and Sedonia along with little Lewis to come and join them in Casper, Wyoming. In the mid 80's they left Wyoming to go back to Colorado to work. Jeannie came home to New Mexico and Don continued to pursue his craft in California, and Colorado. He retired in 2000, and came home to the CerroQuesta Area, to live permanently, a place, which he dearly loved. He was very fond of saying "This place was just as beautiful as Colorado, but more affordable". When his sister-in-law Yolanda and her family moved to Cerro, he became very involved in the lives of her boys which he came to love and claim as his own. Juaquin, Richard and Miguel were the pride of his life. Don came to be loved, and respected for his gregarious attitudes, the love of his extended family and community, his loyalty to the Denver Broncos. He used to tell Jeannie that he sure enjoyed riding on her coat tails, never fully realizing how many lives he touched on his own. Don is survived by his wife Jeannie, His boys Juaquin Martinez, Richard and Miguel Sanchez, His sister Kay McCrea (Bob), brother-in-law Jerry Sanchez, sisterinlaw Yolanda Acosta (Ross), Nieces, Sedonia Herrera, (Lewis), Bowina Burback, (Pete), Moriah Sanchez, and Pamela McCrea, Nephews, Andamo Sanchez (Linda), Marcos Mascarenas (Angelique) and Patrick Mc- Crea, and their families, His Holy Cross Hospital Family, and his large extended family otherwise called community. Viewing was held from 1:005:30 PM on Wednesday November 15, 2006 at Weylen’s Funeral Home Chapel in Questa, NM. A Rosary was held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday November 15, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church In Cerro, NM. The Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 AM on Thursday November 16, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Cerro, NM With Burial to follow at the Cerro cemetery. Arrangements were made by Weylen’s Funeral Home in Questa NM. www.weylens-funeral-home.com
José Daniel Córdova, 74, of Tucumcari formerly of Arroyo Seco, passed away on November 09, 2006 in Lubbock, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, Felimón and Isabel Córdova, his brothers, Alex, Claudio and Cristino Córdova. He is survived by his daughter, Darlene Sandoval, of Albuquerque, sister, Angélica Córdova of Tucumcari and numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held on November 13, 2006 at the Rivera Chapel. Interment was held at the Arroyo Seco cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Mary Baca Olguín, 86, of Taos passed away on November 07, 2006. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ben Olguín, parents, Jose & Adela Baca, brothers, Leopoldo, Alfonso, Ruben and Alex. She is survived by her sisters and brother, Emma Baca Zamora (Estevan) of Albuquerque, Joe Baca of Santa Fe, and Erlinda Armijo of Albuquerque and many other relatives. Rosary was recited on November 9, 2006. Funeral mass was held on November 10, 2006. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Las Cruces cemetery in Taos. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
DWilliam E. Reifsnyder, Ph.D., 82, of Lama passed away on November 03, 2006. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marylou Reifsnyder. He is survived by his son, Gawain Reifsnyder and wife, Stephanie of Tennessee, daughters, Rita M. Hall and Cheryl Lama both of La Lama, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Memorial service will be held on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 5 PM at the La Lama Firehouse. For more information visit https://Bill.Reifsnyder.net. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Rodney "Duke" Duquette Jr., 74, of Taos passed away on November 13, 2006. He was a Air Force veteran. He was a 27 year employee of Shell Oil Company. Duke and Patricia were parents at Casa de Corazón in Taos. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Duquette. He is survived by his children, Bruce Duquette (Gisele), Michelle Peterson (Dan), Bryan Duquette (Kerri) and eight grandchildren. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 10 AM at Rivera Chapel with interment to follow at Las Cruces cemetery in Taos. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Duke's name may be made to Casa de Corazón, P.O. Box KK, Taos, NM 87571. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Cindy Ruth Ross peacefully passed from our lives on Monday, January 22, at 9:30 a.m. She was cared for by her loving family, daughters, Anicca and Claire and son, Nathan, as well as Julie Schochet and many friends. She is survived by a vast circle of those who love her. RuRu was a teacher, student, counselor, artist, activist and writer. She had a brilliant mind and a wonderful laugh. She knew how to listen with an open heart. Ruthie gave her loved ones the gift of her graceful passing and will be remembered and missed by all whose lives she touched. Her memorial service was held at the Lama Foundation on Saturday, January 27th. Donations to cover funeral expenses can be made to Lama Foundation, PO Box 240, San Cristóbal, NM 87571. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Daniel A. Neifert, 104, left for his next journey on January 20, 2007, at his home in Taos, NM with a close friend at his side. Dan was the fifth and final son born December 17, 1902 on the family homestead near Bloomfield, NE. He married
Mildred Turner in 1923. Dan and Mildred served as coordinators with the Southwest Community Center from 1938-1951, which served as a selfhelp project for those living in poor conditions SW of Friends University during the depression and war years. Dan and Mildred left Wichita in 19551977 to begin work with the civil service and American Friends Service Committee, sharing their skills of teaching and community building with the Sioux in South Dakota, the Utes in Colorado, and the Hopi in Arizona & Osage in OK. While in South Dakota, Dan was given the name “Shield Boy” by Chief Red Cloud's great-grandson. At age 95 Dan moved with his granddaughter, Danny Elizabeth, to Grand Junction, CO, and later to a new home in Taos, NM, where he attended Clear Light Quaker Worship Group. Dan lived the fullest life, built on a foundation of Quaker Principals & Justice, gardening, natural foods, positive attitude, and a never ending voice that said, “I'm getting better.” He leaves a living legacy to all who knew him and words of “thank you” to those who cared for him. Dan is survived by his three children, sons, James Turner Neifert, Daniel Turner Neifert; daughter, Ferne Elizabeth Vanek, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were held at 10:00 am, Monday, January 29 at University Friends Church.
