John “Johnny Angel” Ara
John “Johnny Angel” Ara, born in Vaughn, NM and a former resident of Taos, passed away peacefully on July 8 in Loma Linda, CA, surrounded by his loved ones. Johnny will be deeply missed by his wife, Lisa Ara and daughter, Lucía Carmen Ara, Mother, Carmen Ara, sisters, Dolores Heaton and Yolanda Ara, aunts, Regina Ara de Alba and Martha Córdova, uncles, A.P. Anaya and Isidro Rael and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Johnny will be remembered for his devotion to his family, strong work ethic, artistic ability and a most generous heart. We Salute Johnny for his honorable service as a military police in the US Army serving in Vietnam from 1965 - 1967. Services will be held on Friday, July13, 2007 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vaughn, NM with interment to follow at Evergreen cemetery.
Christina Meyers
Nina Christine Meyers, born January 6, 1936 in Taos died peacefully on July 6, 2007 in her home with her family at her side. Nina was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Meyers, her mother, Rowena Matteson Meyers Martínez and her brother, Michael “Cinco” Martínez. She is survived by her brother, Ouray Meyers of Taos, her children, Miguel Castillo of Santa Fe, Paul Castillo, Steve Castillo and Jenina Castillo, all of Taos, grandchildren, Lara Via of Albuquerque, Jessica Greenfield, Michael Castillo, Amanda Castillo, Christopher Castillo and Jeremy Castillo of Taos, Alina Castillo, Gabriella Castillo and Cruz Castillo of Santa Fe, Gregory Freidholm of Denver, great grandchildren, Jayden and Calvin Via of Albuquerque. A memorial celebrating her life will be held on July 31, 2007, time and location to be announced. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Pearl Vigil
Pearl Vigil, 71, of Cerro passed away on July 04, 2007. She is preceded in death by her parents, Federico & Elvira Gómez, sister, Martha Mascareñas, brothers, Louis, Fred, Joe and Johnny Gomez. She is survived by her husband, Gilbert Vigil, children, Anthony Vigil (Gloria) of Cerro, Veronica Valdez (Andrew) of Velarde, Lawrence Vigil (Marlene) of Salt Lake City, Utah and Lee Vigil (Bernice) of Las Vegas. She is also survived by grandchildren, Melanie, Jenny, Andrea, Dale, Sierra, Lorenzo, Fred and Lee Jr., great grandchildren, Antonio, Enrique, Angelika, Isaiah, Myriah and Lyla, brothers, Sam Gómez (Della) and Roy Gómez and many other relatives. Rosary was recited on July08, 2007. Funeral mass was held on July 09, 2007. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Cerro. Interment was held at Cerro cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Raymundo Romero
Raymundo Romero, 99 years 7 months and 5 days was a resident of Vadito, New Mexico all his life. He peacefully passed away at his home on July 2, 2007 at 7:13 a.m. Mr. Romero is survived by his wife Orcibiana (Anne) of 67years, and beloved father to Louis Romero and wife Patricia, Benito A. Romero and wife Linda, Eleanora M. Montoya (deceased) and husband Michael, Isaac Romero and wife Marie and Annabelle Romero his youngest daughter. Mr.Romero is also survived by one sister: Candelaria Perea, six granddaughters: Bonnie, Raquel, Michelle, Danielle, Drucille and Rebecca, two grandsons: Cameron and Brock, three great granddaughters: Aspen, Pilar and Esperanza, two great-grandsons: Chase and Carson, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Romero was a member of the Catholic Church, served for many years as an altar boy and received his early education at St. Anthony's Home for Boys in Albuquerque. Mr. Romero graduated as valedictorian of his class from Northern New Mexico Normal School at El Rito. A few high lights in his career were: Elementary School teacher at Vadito, 8 summers as Picuris Fire Lookout with the US Forest Service, 20+ years with the Zia Company as a Property Accountant in Los Alamos, 20+ years as Secretary Treasurer of the Vadito Northside Acequia, Served as Chairman of St. Anthony's Parochial School Board for many years, Served 20+ years as Steward of the Vadito cemetery and featured in the February 2000 issue of New Mexico Magazine's “Turning The Page” section that honored some of New Mexico's most notable elders. A Rosary was recited at San Antonio DePadua Parish in Peñasco on July 06, 2007, Mr. Romero's nephew Longino Vigil from Nambe delivered the Eulogy. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on July 07, 2007 by Father Mark Schultz. Burial service took place at the Vadito cemetery. Pallbearers were: Mike Montoya, Longino Vigil, Isidor Romero, Richard Vasquez, Emilio Martínez and Alfredo Vigil. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home, 818 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571, 505-758-3841.
Lee Roy Paul Duran
Lee Roy Paul Duran, 60, of Albuquerque, died on Monday July 2. He was preceded in death by his parents: Felipe and Magdalena Duran and brother: Bobby Duran. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jennie; sons: Carlos Duran (Zariah); Philip Duran (Elisha); daughter: Naomi Duran; 3 grandchildren; brothers: Jacob Duran (Tina); Daniel Duran (Gloria); aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Air Force. He was also a UNM graduate. Lee Roy danced to his own rhythm. A Rosary will be held Thursday night in the Reflection of Life Chapel (Washington & Cutler NE). Life Celebration Mass will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Santuario de San Martin in Albuquerque. Burial will be at the Santa Fe National cemetery at 1:00 p.m.REFLECTIONS Funerals & Life Celebrations2400 Washington St. NE Albuquerque, NM 87110
Rebecca Racheco
Rebecca Pacheco, 79, of Peñasco, NM, passed away on June 29, 2007. She was born on October 2, 1927 to Emilio and Pilar Martínez in OjoSarco, NM. She was a devoted Catholic and a foster grandmother for the Peñasco Elementary Schools. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, reading, and her dedication to sports for the Peñasco Schools. She was preceded in death her parents and 9brothers and sisters. Rebecca is survived by her husband John Pacheco who were married
for 63 years. Three sons; Tommy (Clarabelle) Pacheco of Alcalde, NM, Leroy (Angie) Pacheco of Río Lucío, NM, Marvin (Jeannie) Pacheco of Ft. Worth, TX, four daughters; Merlinda (Samuel) Lopez of Chamisal, NM, Dorothy (Chris) Lyles of Singapore, Singapore, Lenora (Dale) Cisneros of Peñasco, NM, Vivian Pacheco (Marcos) of Taos, one sister Juanita A. Domínguez of Bayard, NM, 20 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1great great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Rosary was held at 7:00 PM on Monday, July 2, 2007 at the San Antonio De Padua Church in Peñasco.The Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 A M on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at the San Antonio De Padua Church in Peñasco and burial was held at the Santo Thomas cemetery in Ojo Sarco. Arrangements were made with Weylens Funeral Home of Questa, NM.
Jude Jaramillo
Jude Jaramillo, 15, of Arroyo Hondo passed away unexpectedly on June 27, 2007. He loved sports including football and baseball. Jude was the snowball king for the freshmen class of Taos High School in 2006. He will be remembered as a kind outgoing person who made everyone laugh. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mike & Ortancia Jaramillo, uncles, John Jaramillo and Elmer Martínez. He is survived by his father, Larry Jaramillo (Cynthia Marla Gonzales) of Arroyo Hondo, mother, Nadine Saavedra of Albuquerque, brother, Nathan Barela of Albuquerque, sisters, Desiree Gonzales of Arroyo Hondo and Candace Saavedra of Albuquerque. He is also survived by his grandparents, Lillian & Vivian Saavedra of Albuquerque, Joseph & Loretta Gonzales of Arroyo Hondo, uncles and aunts, Joe & Alexandria López, Erica López, Robert & Maxine Gurule, Diana Cantú, Richard and Gabriel Saavedra, Joseph & Katina Gonzales, Kevin & Ashley Gonzales, many other relatives and friends. Rosary was recited on July 02, 2007. Funeral mass was held on July 03, 2007. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Rael cemetery in Arroyo Hondo. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Peter Joaquín “PJ” Valdez
Peter Joaquín “PJ” Valdez, 14, of Las Colonias (Taos) passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend whose warm smile with ever present dimples and bubbly personality could brighten up any room. PJ was a multi talented young man who had goals and aspirations for the future. He was entering his ninth grade year at Taos High School, where he was set to play three sports, football, basketball and baseball. Along with him being an athlete he was academically focused above all else with a grade point average of 4.0 and above. After graduation from High School his goal was to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Juan Bautista & Carolina Martínez, uncles, Ben Martínez & Ronald Valdez, cousins, Cindy Martínez and Jerome Quintana. He is survived by his parents, Peter and Tillie Valdez, brother, Juan Amado Valdez, grandparents, Amado & Dora Valdez of Española, uncles and aunts, Oclides Gonzales (Frank), Bernice Martínez, Clorinda Gonzales (Fred), Mario Martínez (Mabel), Florence Quintana (Deacon Jerry), Rose Martínez (Elias), Loretta Suazo (Joe) and Yolanda Martínez all of Taos, David Valdez (Ana Marie) of Espanola, Steve Valdez (Viola) of Albuquerque, Leo Valdez (Paula) of Oklahoma, Franklin Valdez of San Luis, CO, Bernadette Valdez ofTesuque, Annette Baker (Patrick) of Velarde, Gloria Valdez of Glorietta and many other relatives. Rosary was recited on July 01, 2007. Funeral mass was held on July 02, 2007. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Arroyo Seco cemetery. Contributions to PJ Valdez scholarship fund may be mailed to P.O. Box 1286, Taos, NM 87571. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Otis Franklin Wilson
Otis Franklin Wilson passed away at his home in Taos on Tuesday June 26th, 2007. He was born to Lee and Lula Wilson on May 16th, 1932 in Santa Fé, New Mexico, and was part of a large and colorful family of 14 children. Otis grew up in Santa Fé, and graduated from Santa Fé High School. He married
Neva Payne in Jal, New Mexico in March of 1956. The two traveled together while Otis worked in the pipeline industry, and eventually settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he became a custom home builder for many years. Otis found his calling in 1977 when he and Neva opened their first Southwest and Indian art gallery in Tulsa. In 1984 Otis returned to New Mexico and settled in Taos where he has lived ever since. Together he and Neva owned Rainy Mountain Trading Post, Western Heritage Art Gallery, and Six Directions Gallery on the Plaza. Through the years many people passed through his gallery and received the benefit of an “Oteyism”, which was valuable wisdom delivered with a smile and a handshake. Otis never met a stranger, helped anyone who asked, and kept his upbeat optimism till the end. He made life his hobby, and loved to play dice and cards with his son Jim in Las Vegas, and spend hours discussing cinematic art with his daughter Laura. He is survived by his wifé Neva of 51 years, his son Jim and wife Gabriella Wilson, and grandchildren Alex, Rachel, and Eric Wilson of Enid, Ok, daughter Laura Haskins, and grandson Mathew Trevathan of Cleveland, Ohio, brother Leon and wife Ramona Wilson of Albuquerque, sister Opal Doane of Denver, Colorado, brother Charles and wife Joaquina Wilson of Santa Fé, sister Mary Karnes of Albuquerque, brother Phillip and wife Direen Wilson of Tucumcari, sister Janet and husband Joe Hornbeck of Edmond, Ok., brother Don and wife Jean Wilson of Santa Fé, and countless numbers of cherished nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Lee and Lula Wilson, infant sisters Mary, Ruth, Della and Stella Wilson, and brothers James and John Wilson. A memorial service was held on June 30th at Santa Fé Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations canbe made to the American Cancer Society, and condolences may be mailed to P.O. Box 1042, Taos, New Mexico, 87571. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Christine Trujillo
Christine María Trujillo, Born on 12-29-46 Died to Live on 6-20-07. Christine, born and raised in Taos, is preceded in death by her father, Samuel José Santistevan and her sisters, Victoriana Cisneros and Susan Santistevan. She is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years Clarence F. Trujillo, their son Randy (Irene) Trujillo with their two children, Brittany and Aaron, Río Rancho, their daughter, Eva Trujillo and her three children Philip and Marcos Romero and Melody Hill, Río Rancho, her mother, Eva Cortés, Taos, two brothers Zeke (Tita) Santistevan, Albuquerque, and Tom (Patricia) Santistevan and their family, Santa Fe, and her father in-law Faustine and mother in law Candida Trujillo and their children and family, Taos.
Isaiah 61:3 PROVIDE FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE TO BESTOW ON THEM A CROWN OF BEAUTY INSTEAD OF ASHES THE OIL OF GLADNESS INSTEAD OF MOURNING AND A GARMENT OF PRAISE INSTEAD OF A SPIRIT OF DESPAIR. THEY WILL BE CALLED OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, A PLANTING OF THE LORD FOR THE DISPLAY OF HIS SPLENDOR.
We celebrate Christine's life until we meet again in Heaven. We thank everyone for their support and help. A special thanks to Dr.Houman Fekrazad at the UNM Cancer Center who took good care of our loved one. Anthony Steven Trujillo, 43, of Eagle Nest passed away on June 19, 2007. Graveside service was held on June 23, 2007 at E-Town cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Anthony Trujillo
Anthony Steven Trujillo, 43, of Eagle Nest, passed away on June 19, 2007. Graveside service was held on June 23, 2007 at E-Town cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera -Hanlon Funeral Home.
Precides R. Vigil
Precides R. Vigil, 91, of Questa passed away on June 14, 2007. She is survived by her children, Angie Martínez of Questa, Marie McCain, (Michael) of Costa Rica, Dorothy Martínez (Luis) of Colorado Springs, Barbara Torres (John) of Denver, Steve Vigil of Questa, Johnny Vigil of Questa, Danny Vigil (Brenda) of Colorado Springs and brother, Gilbert Martínez (Sally) of Denver. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 11 AM at Rivera Chapel in Taos. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Lawrence M. “Chopo” Velásquez
Lawrence M. “Chopo” Velásquez, 46 of Questa, passed away on June 14, 2007. He was owner of L & M Construction Company. He was a 1978 graduate of Questa High School and attended TVI in Albuquerque. He is preceded in death by his father, Tito M. Velásquez. He is survived by his son, Jon Michael Velásquez of Taos, mother, Oclides Velásquez of Questa, brother, Kenneth Velásquez of Albuquerque, grandmother, Ruperta Trujillo of Taos, companion, Barbara García, many aunts, uncles cousins and other relatives. Memorial service was held on June 16, 2007 at Rivera Chapel in Taos. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home. Olivama Gutiérrez, 66, of Valdez passed away of June 16, 2007. She is preceded in death by her parents, Rodolfo and Maria Sánchez. She is survived by her children, Lorenzo Gutiérrez (Christine), Robert Gutiérrez (Tomasita), Tomas Gutiérrez, Gloriana Gutiérrez, Barbara Reedy (Layne) and Michael Gutiérrez (Lisa). She is also survived by her grandchildren and sister, Sylvia Mondragón (Alipio) and god-mother, Lola González. Rosary was recited on June 19, 2007. Funeral mass was held on June 20, 2007. Both services were held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment was held at Valdez cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Casimiro “Casey” Gallegos
Casimiro “Casey” Gallegos, 70, of Ranchos de Taos, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on June 14, 2007 surrounded by all his loved ones. He was born on October 31, 1936 in Ranchos de Taos to Ramón and Refugio Gallegos. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ramón Gallegos, sisters, Lucia Martínez, Carmen Romo, Perfecta Chiotis, Evangeline “Vangie” Sandoval. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Gallegos, children, Casey, Debbie (Bobby), Connie (Lloyd), Carmella (Joshua), Cindy (Darrell), grandchildren, Joseph (Krisann) and Joshua (Christal) Garcîa, Christopher Vigil, Michael and Jude Suazo, great grandson, Joshua Paul García, sister, Bennie Tafoya, numerous nephews and nieces. Rosary was recited on June 18, 2007. Funeral mass was held on June 19, 2007. Both services were held at San Francisco de Asís Catholic Church. Interment was held at Jesus Nazareno cemetery. A special thanks to Dr. Robert White, Taos Living Center Staff and Holy Cross Hospital Staff for taking care of our dad. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Tammy Medina Sánchez
Tammy Medina Sánchez, 40, of Taos passed away on June 13, 2007. She is survived by her husband, Michael Sánchez, children, Natasha and Ezra Medina, parents, Del and George Medina all of Eagle Nest, brothers and sister, George Medina (Mary Ann) of Albuquerque, Gary Medina (Teri) of Alcalde, Anthony Medina of Eagle Nest, Dean Medina of Montana, Wanda Medina of Eagle Nest, stepdaughter, Roxanne Sánchez and many other relatives. Memorial service was held on June 16, 2007 at Rivera Chapel. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Alicia Martínez
Alicia Martínez, 84, of Arroyo Seco passed away on June 13, 2007. She is preceded in death by her husband, Escolastico Martínez, son, Andrew Martínez, parents, Benito & Guillerma Durán and brother, Grabiel Durán. She is survived by her children, Lucille Apodaca (Mike) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Gabino Martínez (Bernice) of Arroyo Seco, Arturo Martínez (Bella) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Lorencita Romo (Carlos) of Arroyo Seco, Escolastico Martínez Jr. (Diana) of Oklahoma, Paul Martínez (Sylvia) of Tucson, AZ, Romelia Gonzales (Albert) of Talpa, Cecilia Maestas (Manuel) of Talpa, Tina Martínez (Roger) of Arroyo Seco, Anna Marie Martínez (Cordy) of Arroyo Seco and Margarita Johnson (Mark) of Talpa. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters, Tillie and Piedad Martínez and Teresa Romero and many other relatives. Rosaries were recited on June 16, 2007 and June 17, 2007. Funeral mass was held on June 18, 2007. All services were held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment was held at La Lama cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Jonathan Taintor
Jonathan Taintor, 50, of Valdez passed away on June 10, 2007. Born in Buffalo, NY, he has lived in the Taos area since 1976. Prior to becoming a professional artist, he worked in the construction industry. He was well known for his carving, and he began his carving relief landscapes in wood at age 13, and became a professional artist in 1980. His work has been exhibited nationally, and site-specific commissions have been completed for corporate and private collections. His images have always focused on form and movement. He was the recipient of many awards, including a “Young Sculptors Award” from the National Sculpture Society, in 1992. He was honored at last years Knickobocker Artists Show in New York where he received the Loran award for his sculpture, “Contemplation of Venus.” Taos. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Jewel Burt
Jewel Burt, 95, of Taos passed away on June10, 2007. She along with her husband, Paul, owned and operated New Mexico Electric Co. She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul J. Burt, daughter, Rosamund Lee Gutiérrez and son, Pauly Burt. She is survived by her children, Gordon Burt(Cynthia) of Taos, Barbara Cozart (Duke) of Tres Piedras and Sylvia Archuleta (Tony) of Taos. She is also survived by grandchildren, Anthony Archuleta (Randi), Leandra McDonald (Dylan), Doug Cozart (Alana), Jeremy Cozart, Karen Cozart, Joe Burt (Ana), Judith Ortiz(Javier), Paul Gutiérrez and Lora Lee Archuleta(Pat), eight grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. Rosary was recited on June 12, 2007 at Rivera Chapel. Funeral mass was held on June 13, 2007 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Sierra Vista cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
