Richard Gallegos
, - January 6, 2006
Richard "Chico Bear" Gallegos, 75, passed away on January 06, 2006 at Taos Living Center where he was recovering from complications of surgery. He was preceded in death by his wife, Magdelena, brother, Manuel and sisters, Delfinia and Mary. Richard and wife, Magdelena were blessed with three children, son, George Gallegos of Albuquerque, daughters, Antonio Gallegos of Denver, CO and Roberta "Bobby" Smith and husband, Dale of Las Vegas, five grandchildren, Alicia Parker and husband, Jermaine of Carson City, NV, Carlos Gallegos and wife, Monica, Jacob Gallegos and Wife, Shantelle, both of Raton, NM, Christopher Gallegos and wife Jolyn and Joseph Smith all of Las Vegas, NM, five great grandchildren, Jordan of Springer, Shania, Devena and Destiny Gallegos all of Raton, NM and Erich Parker of Carson City, NV. He is also survived by his brother, Meltion and sisters, Frutosa Rascon, Seferina Baldanado, Mitilda Raelas as well as numerous nieces and nephews, special friends of the family, Annie Nordman and Velma Crawford.
Service was held on January 11, 2006 at Jubille Church in Springer. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren, Carlos, Jacob, Christopher, Joseph, Jordan and baby Erich.
Samuel Levi Valdez
Samuel Levi Valdez, 64, of Taos passed away on January 06, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Rose Tollardo Valdez, children, Carol Snyder of Colorado, Sam Valdez (Cindy) of Arizona, Kirk Valdez (Diane) of Colorado, stepchildren, Frank, John and Steve Tollardo, Tony and Henry Rivera and brother, Billy Valdez (Diane) of Taos.
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at Taos Foursquare Church. Interment was held at Sierra Vista cemetery.
Arthur Irwin Yellen
Arthur Irwin Yellen passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of pneumonia on January 7, 2006. But those who knew him well know that he lived a good and full life, and was glad for every moment. He is survived by his loving children Wendy Yellen (Michael Rogers) of Ribera, NM, Pamela Yellen (Larry Hayward) of Lamy, NM, Kenneth (Linda) Yellen of Montpelier, ID, and 6 grandchildren – Heather, Kenny, Cameron and Kristie Yellen and Darren and Bryce Dayton. Arthur was born in Buffalo, NY, and married
to the late Carole S. Yellen. Before his death, he asked his children to use this story as his obituary. Several years ago, it was a contest entry for the topic "Outrageous Grandparent". There will be a public memorial service in Taos, NM later this year. Should you feel moved to honor him in some way, Habitat for Humanity was very close to his heart. We miss him already. Here's how he wanted to be remembered…
Outrageous Grandparent – Outrageous: "extravagant, immoderate"
What defines "extravagant, immoderate" in a grandparent? A grandparent is, by definition, "old". They are expected to be slowing down, saying no to the excesses of youth, to have learned to be moderate, not to take extreme chances, to leave the excitement to the younger folks. Risk is a big part of what grandparents need to let go of - grandparents are supposed to be so close to the end of life that risk is no longer wise. "Play it safe, relax, you've earned it."
This grandfather has never heard of these ideas. He doesn't act his age. It wouldn't occur to him.
That's why, when he retired at 65 and moved to a new state, a new part of the country, he looked around and thought, "What we need here is affordable housing." He personally met with most of the movers and shakers in town, took them all to lunch, individually, on his own dime. He convinced them of the need to bring Habitat for Humanity to Taos. After a year of lunches and persuasion, Habitat was brought to Taos, a prominent lawyer helped to organize it and volunteer a huge percentage of his services and houses were begun. Now, years later, it is a thriving, integral part of the Taos landscape – beautiful adobe houses that families have built with their own hands and hours of help from the community – with a monthly bill that anyone can afford.
But no, that wasn't enough. This grandfather looked around and saw the poor quality of education in the schools, understaffed and overworked, and so he volunteered in the elementary school every day, reading stories and tutoring kids and being a good listener to the kids who cried when he walked in the door, "Here's grandpa!"
But no, that wasn't enough. This grandfather looked around and thought, "This county needs a watchdog, someone to keep it honest. There is corruption, nepotism, and funds are disappearing without accountability while roads are desperately in need of repair and the people need services." So, he took it upon himself to attend biweekly county commissioner meetings, often being the only citizen who would attend the entire session. He spoke countless times during the meetings, trying to get the community to wake up to the graft and misappropriation of funds.
People began to come to him, to tell him things, privately, because they knew he would try to bring dishonesty to light, to bring justice. Drivers of pickup trucks would stop on the road to talk to him during his daily walks, giving him the details to power his watch-dog efforts. The Taos News would quote him. Men would whisper things to him, things they were afraid to say publicly, knowing he could take the ammunition and use it to protect Taos. The County Commissioners all know him, with a mixture of dread and respect. They wonder, "What's Arthur Yellen going to say today?"
But no, that wasn't enough. He joined neighborhood associations, served as a board member, even joined the associations of his children's neighborhood when they wouldn't find the time. And he also became the watchdog for these neighborhood associations when he attended the county commissioner's meeting. Others were supposed to go with him, but week after week, only Arthur would make it there.
Well, you might be thinking, that's because he had all this time, after all, he's retired. But there is one more piece. When Arthur arrived in New Mexico, he looked around the area, an economically depressed area where schools are some of the worst in the country and one of the few places where it is still almost impossible to get a good job, and said to himself, "This place needs help. I can help the economy here and in nearby states. I know how to do it."
Which is why, at 73, he came out of retirement and began, from scratch, a newspaper about RVing. It started small, in the southwest, and grew to national distribution. And he is meeting his goal. In Colorado, for example, a festival that had never been large drew record numbers when Arthur's paper printed an article. The chamber said "We had more people than we ever had before, and the RV parks were all full – for the very first time."
And while publishing this newspaper, RVing America, though he is now almost 75, he still has time to pet 9 cats, water the neighbors' evergreens and hollyhocks, stop to help strangers, and admire beauty everywhere. When is the last time that someone stopped you and told you that you have a terrific smile? (Without an ulterior motive?) Arthur does it almost every day. Don't you think that's outrageous for a silver-haired grandfather?
Max Mondrgaon
January 11, 2006
Max Mondragon, 84, of Llano Quemado passed away on January 11, 2006. He is preceded in death by his son, Elmer Joe Mondragon, brothers, Frank, Fernando. Levi and sister, Viola. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Mondragon, grandchildren, Dawn RaNae Mondragon of Taos, Amy Veronica Mondragon of Las Vegas, NV, Antonio Max Mondragon of Vail, CO, daughter-in-law, Jeannie Mondragon Emerick (Rob) of Las Vegas, NV, brothers, William Mondragon (Della) of Tooele, Utah and Tito Mondragon (Maria) of Denver, CO and many other relatives.
Rosary was recited on Friday, January 13, 2006 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. Funeral mass was held on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. Interment was held at the old Llano Quemado cemetery.
Celestino Romero
, - January 13, 2006
Celestino Romero was born on February 2, 1926 and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on January 13, 2006. Celestino is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dulcie; his children : Diana McDonald (Bill); JoAnn Ortiz (Bob), Robert Romero and Helen Hernandez (Lorenzo), grandchildren: Vanessa Romero, Robert Romero, Chelsea McDonald, Jordan McDonald, Loren Hernandez and great-grandson, Ryan Romero. He is also survived by two sisters, Cande Aguilar and Cordelia Aguilar (Abe), and adopted brother, Samuel Martinez and numerous nieces and nephews.
Celestino graduated from Menaul High School in Albuquerque and following graduation, was drafted into the U.S. Navy. He attended UNM and NMHU where he graduated with a B.A. in Education and an M.A.in Educational Administration. He was high school principal in Questa and Ojo Caliente and then was hired to work for the Taos Municipal School district. He served the district for 32 years in the capacity of teacher, counselor, Director of Special Services and as a principal until his retirement in 1985.
His public service included: serving as a panelist for the western states study on the Education at Risk at the request of President Reagan: serving on the state Agency for Aging under two governors; serving two terms in the state Legislature; serving two terms as Taos County Commissioner; serving as a boy scout troop leader; sponsor of the Key Club; President of Taos County Schools Credit Union; serving on the Board of Taos Soil and Water Conservation District (for 28 years); serving as Kiwanis member for 50 years and Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis International.
Celestino's deep religious beliefs were lived out in the numerous activities that Celestino was involved in throughout his life. He taught Sunday school, served as deacon and elder for the First Presbyterian Church in Taos, was instrumental in assisting his church adopt a sister church in the country of Cuba; served as President of the Self Development of the People Committee and served as President of the Board of Trustees and Manager of the Loma Verde Presbyterian Camp of the Northern New Mexico churches.
Despite the fact that Celestino was so involved in the community and in serving others, his family was his joy. For those of us who were blessed by his presence in our lives, we will fondly remember his steadfast trust and belief in the Lord, his wit and corny jokes, his flaming red hair (in his youth), his integrity and strength of character, his social graces and love of outdoors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Loma Verde Camp, a non-profit camp owned by the Presbyterian church families of northern New Mexico and which serves any and all groups from throughout the country.
Memorial service was held on January 20, 2006 at First Presbyterian Church in Taos. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Donald L. Mayo
January 15, 2006
Donald L. Mayo, 54, Tres Piedras, NM, passed away January 15, 2006. Don was a cowboy, first and foremost. He worked for ranches, feedlots and individuals all of his life in southern Colorado and New Mexico. He was an avid hunter and a licensed guide in New Mexico. He loved animals, the outdoors and most of all his family and friends. He is survived by his mother, Mary Mayo of Tres Piedras, brother, Mike Mayo (Elaine), Farmington, NM, sisters, Kathy Haston (Larry), Hobbs, NM and Becky Mayo, Del Norte, CO, nephews Eddie Mayo, Michael Mayo (Julie) and Shane Haston, a niece Kimberly Haston, great-nephew Riley Mayo and great-niece Ashley Mayo, Aunt Kate Schofield and cousins Ricky, Robert and Randy Schofield, Tres Piedras, Uncle Jack Gilson, CA, Aunt Grace Mayo, CO and numerous others. Don was preceded in death by his father Pete Mayo, grandparents, four uncles and an aunt. A memorial service will be held later in the spring in Tres Piedras, with the date, time and place to be announced at a later date. Good Ride, cowboy! Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Gilbert C. Jaramillo
January 15, 2006
Gilbert Jaramillo, 78, of Pilar passed away on January 15, 2006. He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Jaramillo and his brother Adolph Jaramillo. He was the son of the late Amadeo and Florinda Jaramillo. He is survived by his children, Carol Flores (Gilbert) of Nevada, Ophelia Baca (Ben) of Pilar, Linda Gallegos (Maximino) of Pilar, Deborah Padilla (Richard) of Taos, his brother Lee Jaramillo (Lillie), his sister Lucille Chavez (Larry), his uncle, Benito Suazo, 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Rosary was recited on Wednesday January 18, 2006 at Rivera Chapel. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 1 PM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Pilar with interment to follow at Pilar cemetery.
Dale Cameron
, - January 16, 2006
Dale R. Cameron, 65, of Taos and Santa Fe passed away peacefully at his home in Taos surrounded by his family on January 16, 2006. He was the owner of Pace Metals North in Santa Fe. He volunteered with many youth activities in Santa Fe and Taos Counties. Dale and his son, Dan were involved in building the first Taos hockey rink at Kit Carson Park. He and his daughter, Jessica started the golf program at the Taos Pueblo. He umpired baseball games in Santa Fe and Taos County and refereed hockey games in Taos. He also umpired for many years at the MSBL/MABL World Series Baseball League. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Yvonne Cameron and his brother Barry Cameron. He is survived by his wife Linda Cameron, his four children, Dan Cameron (Laurie) from Minnesota, Deb Gales from Calgary, Canada, Tricia Young (Cinco) from Maui, Jessica Cameron, from San Diego, CA, his grandchildren Nichole and Lisa Bottomley, Levi and Bailey Young, Stephanie Cameron, his brothers and sisters D.J. Cameron (Trudy), Carol Cameron, Sharon Breyer, Pat Legault (Ron), Robin Cameron (Mona), Martin Cameron (Shannon) and Marvin Cameron (Irene).
Visitation was held on , January 19, 2006 at Block Salazar Mortuary in Espanola. Memorial service was held on January 20, 2006 at the Taos Country Club. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Dale's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
Frances Carabajal
January 17, 2006
Frances "Pancha" Castillo Carabajal, 89, of Taos passed away on January 17, 2006. She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Carabajal in August, 1981. She is survived by her nephews, Manuel Castillo (Kim) and Eloy Castillo (Betty), caregiver, Margaret Cortez Martinez, close friends, Sharon Salazar (Ron), Linda Suazo (Art), Matthew Martinez, Cleo Duran (Bobby), Andrew Salazar, Ronnie Salazar Jr., Arturo Suazo Jr. and Isaac Suazo, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Rosary was recited on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral mass was held on Thursday, January 19, 2006. Interment was hled at Dolores cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Irene Stockton
, - January 19, 2006
Irene Sophia Stockton, 86, passed away on January 19, 2006. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mathias B. Stockton, sisters, Beulah Peryatel, Ethel Wingo, Dorothy and Grace Martin. She is survived by her sons, Lloyd R. Stockton of Milwaukie, OR and Sidney Stockton of Cimarron, grandchildren Adam, Ira, Luke, Tyson Stockton and Darlene Parkinson and six great grandchildren.
Memorial service was held on January 28, 2006 at 1 PM at Cimarron Baptist Church.
Ernesto O. Santistevan
January 21, 2006
Ernesto Orlando Santistevan, 86, of Taos passed away on January 21, 2006 in Albuquerque. He retired as a line superintendent from Kit Carson Electric. He was a Army Veteran of WWII. He is survived by his children, Diana Santistevan of Santa Fe, NM, Peggy Santistevan, of Phoenix, AZ, Michael Paco Santistevan (Janet) of Grants, Carmen Singh (Tommy) of Sacramento, CA, brother and sisters Felix, Concha and Yvonne, stepchildren, John Adams (Carol) of Taos, Robin Adams of California, 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Rosary was recited on January 24, 2006 at Rivera Chapel. Funeral mass was held on January 25, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, interment followed with military honors at Las Cruces cemetery.
Frank Juan Mares
, - January 21, 2006
REV. DEACON FRANK J. MARES, A KIND AND GENTLE MAN passed away ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2006. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE WAS BORN ON JUNE 15, 1918 IN WAGON MOUND, NEW MEXICO TO FRANK VICENTE MARES AND MARGARITA LeDOUX. HE LIVED AND WORKED IN TAOS, NEW MEXICO MOST OF HIS LIFE, AND SETTLED IN EL PASO FOR THE PAST 35 YEARS.
HE WENT TO COLLEGE IN KANSAS AND STUDIED MEAT CUTTING. HE WAS ALSO TRAINED AS AN AIRPLANE MECHANIC IN CALIFORNIA, TO SUPPORT THE WWII EFFORT. LATER, HE ALSO WORKED IN THE SHIPYARDS IN ALAMEDA, CA. AFTER THE WAR, THE FAMILY RETURNED TO TAOS, N.M. WHERE HE WAS ENGAGED IN VARIOUS SALES POSITIONS. HE HELD THE POSITIONS OF DIRECTOR OF CAP FOR OEO/VISTA, A FEDERAL PROGRAM FOR RURAL AMERICA. IT WAS HIS POSITION AS A USDA FEDERAL MEAT INSPECTOR THAT BROUGHT HIM TO EL PASO,TX.
HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST CATHOLIC DEACONS ORDAINED IN EL PASO AND WAS VERY PROUD TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN THAT CAPACITY AT ST. RAPHAEL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. HE FELT BEING A DEACON HAD ENRICHED AND FULFILLED HIS LIFE; THEREFORE, HE ENCOURAGED OTHER MEN IN THE COMMUNITY TO FIND THE SAME HAPPINESS HE HAD FOUND IN SERVICE TO GOD. HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE OF 65 YRS., ORLINDA ANGLADA MARES AND THEIR FIVE CHILDREN: CORINE OTERO REEBER, VINCENT MARES, CARMEN BROCKLEHURST, ANNA MARES & R. FRANK (FRANCO) MARES; FOUR GRANDCHILDREN: LISA OTERO DOMINGUEZ, PHIL OTERO, LEA MARES, & JUAN BOURKE-MARES; TWO GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: SAMM & KYLEIGH DOMINGUEZ; AND TWO SISTERS: EUPHERCINE TUNE & ELEANOR COSTALES.
ROSARY AND MASS WERE HELD AT ST. RAPHAEL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH AT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME, EL PASO, TX.
VISITATION was HELD ON , JANUARY 27, 2006 AT RIVERA-HANLON FUNERAL HOME WITH A ROSARY AT 7 PM AT OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH. FUNERAL MASS was HELD ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2006 AT OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH WITH INTERMENT AT NUESTRA SENORA DE DOLORES cemetery.
