Arthur G. Blueher was born May 31, 1949 in Albuquerque. He died on Sunday, August 2, 1998. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Oscar G. and Hope S. Blueher. He attended Valley High School and the University of Albuquerque. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church. Gary's absolute faith in his God and his love of his family will comfort and strengthen his brother, Joe Blueher; his sister, Betsy Blueher Truby and husband, Scott Truby; his uncle, Daniel A. Sisk and wife, Katherine; and his cousins. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust NE, on Thursday, August 6, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, or a charity of choice.
Robert J. (Buff) Buffington, 71, a resident of Albuquerque, died Saturday, August 1, 1998. He is survived by his daughters, Ellen Buffington of Albuquerque and Barbara Buffington of Denver, CO; sons, Mark Buffington of Amherst, NY and John Buffington of Riverside, CA; grandchildren, Kelly and Catie Buffington of Crofton, MD and Teddy Buffington of Amherst, NY; and sisters, Patricia McGrath of Allegany, NY and Joanne Buffington of Sudbury, MA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Buffington in July of 1998. He graduated from Olean High School in 1945 and received a degree in Engineering from the University of Buffalo in 1951. He served in the US Navy during WWII. Mr. Buffington moved to Albuquerque in 1978 to work in the Aerodynamics Department of Sandia Laboratories. For Sandia, he traveled throughout the country conducting wind-tunnel tests on Sandia designed rockets and weapons. Prior to that he had worked for Calspan Corporation, formerly known as Cornell Aeronautical Laboratories in Buffalo, NY. Buff was one of the top practical aerodynamicists in the country. Mr. Buffington retired from Sandia in 1992 and had since devoted himself to his family and gardening. Services will be held Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, with Deacon Bob Lewis officiating. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Lona Mae Cassady, born March 5, 1914 in Clairett, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 1, 1998. Lona will be remembered for her independent spirit and her fondness for people. While traveling by train, plane or bus, Lona would usually complete her journey by introducing her family to a new acquaintance. She knew no strangers. Lona lived in Clovis, NM as a young woman, but her desire to be surrounded by mild weather and exciting people drew her to Southern California, where she spent most of her life. Lona moved to Albuquerque recently to be near her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as she endured a lengthy illness. She is survived by her only child, Patricia Cosper and husband, Tooter Cosper of Corrales; and five grandchildren, Monty Mathis of Corrales, Cheryl Mitchell and husband, Mark Mitchell of Albuquerque, Sherri Skinner and husband, John Skinner of Rio Rancho, Mark Mathis and wife, Dianne Mathis of Corrales, Christine Carrasco and husband, Milton Carrasco of Albuquerque; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Krystal, Steven, Weston and Waverly; and by brothers, Y.C. McDerman and Ondee McDerman of Roswell and Melvin McDerman of Eugene, OR. Ms. Cassady will be remembered in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Quality Continuum Hospice of New Mexico.
Charles W. 'Poppy' Colliver, 61, a resident of Albuquerque since 1972, died Sunday, August 2, 1998. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia A. Colliver; daughters, Susan Beel and husband, Brian and Cindy Freidank and husband, Roger, all of Albuquerque; son, Chip Colliver Jr. and wife, Christi of Lindale, TX; Dad, Benny Colliver of Coffeyville, KS; grandchildren, Stephanie Enrietti, Christy Beel, Megan Freidank, Rory Freidank, Katie Beel, and Caitlin Colliver; sisters, Joann Falk and husband, Jerry and Linda Colliver; brother, Dick Colliver; and many other relatives and friends. In 1960, Mr. Colliver became an agent in the Life Insurance industry. He served as Vice President for Paul Revere Insurance Co. in Dallas, TX, and in 1972, he became General Agent for Paul Revere in Albuquerque. Mr. Colliver was a member of Calvary Chapel. Memorial services will be held Thursday, 3:00 p.m., at Calvary Chapel, 4001 Osuna Rd. NE, with Pastor Skip Heitzig officiating. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Noonday Ministry, P.O. Box 25451, 87125, Calvary Chapel, 4001 Osuna Rd. NE, 87109, or St. Pius X High School Endowment, 5301 St. Josephs Dr. NW, 87120. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Ernest M. 'Bud' Fichtner, born March 10, 1924 to Julius and Nadine Fichtner in Zuni, NM, died on Thursday, July 23, 1998. He was employed by the Albuquerque Bus Company for 11 years. Changing careers, Mr. Fichtner was employed as a welder for various local machine shops. He was last employed with Burns Security. He was preceded in death by parents; and sister, Frances Syverson. Surviving are three sisters, Marquerette Rowe and Marion Noel of New Mexico, and Virginia Lee of Utah. Also surviving are children, Judy Martin, Gary Fichtner, Don Fichtner and Carol Klinger, all of Albuquerque, and Gail Bryan of San Antonio, TX. Also nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Cremation arrangements by Metropolitan Burial and Cremation, 766-9400.
Mrs. Leona Garcia, 74, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on August 1, 1998 from complications due to diabetes. Mrs. Garcia is survived by two daughters, Loretta Garcia-Williams and husband, Ray of Plano, TX, and Donna Garcia of Plano, TX; three sons, Lanny Garcia, Ron Q. Garcia and wife, Aida, and Anthony J. Garcia; two sisters, Clorinda Martinez, and Alice Gutierrez, who was a special sister and caregiver; one brother, Joe Pino; her special nephew, Reggie Gutierrez of Plano, TX; eight grandchildren, Lanny Jr., Randy, Marty, Mark, Orlando, Ronny, Ann and Toni; several great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Mrs. Garcia was a member of the Catholic Church, one of the original founders of San Ignacio Elementary School, graduate of Albuquerque High School 1943, and Mayordomo of the Church for many years. Visitation will be Tuesday evening in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. by Mr. Jimmy Rael. Final visitation will be Wednesday morning, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., in the San Ignacio Church, 1300 Walter NE, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark Williams, Ray Williams, Orlando Garcia, Anthony Garcia, Reggie Gutierrez and Don Kozlowski. Gabaldon Mortuary in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Dora D. Giron died Sunday at the age of 97. She is survived by two daughters, Laura Gutierrez and husband, Nick of Ontario, CA and Anita Gonzales and husband, Tony of Albuquerque; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be celebrated at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A Rosary will be recited tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Salazar and Sons Mortuary, 400 3rd St. SW.
Edward H. Harris, 73, a longtime resident of Rio Rancho, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 1998. Edward was born August 16, 1924, the son of Richard V. and Anna Marie Taugher Harris in Springfield, Ohio. He had been an Electrician/Field Engineer for the Reynolds Electric Co. before retiring. He and his bride of 52 years, Dorothy Gates Harris, were married on September 21, 1946 in Saginaw, Michigan. Edward and Dorothy came back to New Mexico from Henderson, Nevada. Edward was a very accomplished artist, loved to draw, did colored pencil drawings that looked like watercolors. He also was very creative, loved to invent things, many of his inventions were patented. Edward is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, Gary A. Harris and wife, Janice of Rio Rancho, Sandra K. Dewbre and husband, Kenneth of Rio Rancho; brother, John J. Harris and wife, Mary of Saginaw, MI; two sisters, Patricia Remenecz of Burt, MI, Margaret O'Dell and husband, Robert of Pawcatuck, CT; five grandchildren, Daren, Keli, Heather, Christopher, and Garrett; two great-grandchildren, Kristina and Maria; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 4, 1998, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the Rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary, Sara Rd., at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 1998 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with the Rev. Guy Roberts as the Celebrant. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. Military Honors will be provided by the Auxiliary Honor Guard of New Mexico. Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or to St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation on behalf of Quality Continuum Hospice, P.O. Box 25555, Albuquerque, NM 87125-0555. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary.
Earl (Mike) Hartman, 51, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, died Monday, August 3, 1998. Mr. Hartman was a loving husband, father and friend. He was the Director of the Albuquerque Juvenile Detention Center, trying to make a difference with youth and their families. After retirement he enjoyed himself as a card dealer at Isleta Gaming Palace. He was an avid pool player, playing in numerous leagues. He enjoyed being with people and having a good time. He will be missed tremendously by his family and friends. Mr. Hartman is survived by his wife, Vickie Ann Hartman of the family home; son, Michael 'Shane' Hartman of Albuquerque; mother, Dorothy Acree of El Reno, OK; brothers, Larry Hartman and wife, Eva of Redding, CA, Terry Hartman and wife, Patty of Modesto, CA, and Jerry Hartman of Texas; and his mother-in-law, Mary E. Wysocki of Bosque Farms. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. Entombment will follow. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Tuesday, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and Wednesday, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Joseph A. Holland, 66, a resident of Albuquerque since 1961, died Wednesday, July 29, 1998. He is survived by his daughters, Patti Romine of Albuquerque, Robin Sandler and husband, Mike of Albuquerque, Jo Helen Cason and husband, Ken of Magdalena, and Betty Holland and David Pohl of Albuquerque; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and former wife, Lela Holland of Mountainair. Mr. Holland was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict, where he served in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge he began his career as a Wild Life Culturalist with New Mexico Game and Fish Department. He served with the NM State Police until starting his own professional private investigation service 36 years ago. Mr. Holland was a member of A.F. & A.M., Lodge 99 in Estancia. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, with Rev. Don Hayhurst officiating. Interment will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Shawn Romine, D'Shannon Romine-Mendez, Holly Silva, Tyrel Cason, Joe Don Autrey, Brandy Silva, Isaac Pohl, Dusti Cason, Catlin Cason, Erica Baca, Stephanie Sandler, and Alexandria Baca. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the N.M. State Police Brotherhood, c/o President Jerry E. Wood, 2106 S. Richardson, Roswell, NM 88201. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd., NE.
Charlotte G. Hood, 50, a resident of Albuquerque for 25 years, died Sunday, August 2, 1998. She is survived by her husband, Albert Hood of the family home; daughter, Allison Moss and husband, Michael of Poolville, TX; sons, Jeff O'Donald of Ft. Worth, TX, Max C. Hood of Albuquerque, and Albert G. Hood and wife, Dana of Las Cruces; and four grandsons. Mrs. Hood was a leader in the Bernalillo County 4-H Clubs. She worked for 19 years for the Albuquerque Publishing Co. (Journal). She was also active in youth soccer and the Boy Scouts. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, 1:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE, with Rev. Jon Foster officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeff O'Donald, Max Hood, Gaylan Hood, Mike Niendorf, Jason Gallegos, and Kenny Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Moss, Norman Schrader, and Brian Ostler. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Bernalillo County 4-H Council, 1510 Menaul NW 87107, or to the American Lung Association of New Mexico, 216 Truman NE 87108. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Tena Johnson, 38, a resident of Albuquerque since 1972, died Sunday, August 2, 1998. She is survived by her grandfather, Arthur L. Moller of Albuquerque; mother, Meadel Gary of Grants; brothers, Tony J. Cothern and wife, Vanessa of Los Lunas and Roy Cothern of Albuquerque; sister, Gloria Cothern of Albuquerque; numerous aunts and uncles; and other relatives. Memorial services will be held Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Albuquerque Baptist Church, 1534 Blake Rd. SW, with Pastor Charles Treadwell officiating. Interment will take place Saturday, 10:30 a.m., at Lewis Cemetery, Lewis, CO. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Helen I. Larson, 84, a resident of Rio Rancho for the past six years, passed away on Friday, July 31, 1998. Helen came from Queens, New York to Rio Rancho. She was born August 20, 1914, the daughter of August and Bridget Grady Klammer in Brooklyn, New York. She had been a secretary in the retail sales business before she retired. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Carl O. Larson; and her son, Carl R. Larson. She is survived by her daughter, Arlene Iglio and husband, Tony of Alameda; five granddaughters, Arlene M. Mayfield and husband, Chet of Florida, Lisa A. Brooks and husband, Allen of Rio Rancho, Tina A. Iglio of London, Suzanne Larson and Kristine Larson of Connecticut; one great-granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth; and two step-great-grandsons, Arron and Trent. The memorial service for Helen will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 1998 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary, Sara Rd., at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho, with Fr. Clarence Galli officiating. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary.
Betty Montoya, 86, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away Monday, August 3, 1998. She is survived by her nephew, Leo Montoya and wife, Tommie of Albuquerque; three nieces, Linda Lopez, Lupe Duran and husband, Orlando of Los Lunas, and Carmen Chavez of Albuquerque. She will be greatly missed by those who loved and knew her. Friends and relatives may visit from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Garcia Mortuary. A Rosary will be recited this evening at 7:00 p.m. also in the Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 820 Broadway SE. For floral assistance, please call 243-5222. Arrangements under the direction of Garcia Mortuary, 717 Stover Ave. SW.
Walter Milferd Parker, 87, died Sunday, August 2, 1998. He was born at the ranch home near Hassell, NM, where his parents had homesteaded in 1907. He graduated from House High School, and attended Texas Tech University, Modesto Junior College, and Montezuma College, where he met and married Maurene Evans in 1934. Mr. Parker was preceded in death by his parents, Jennie and Lewis Parker; four sisters, Kate Blackburn, Nelle Kinkead, Dimice Roudot and Maggie Lewis Pollard; five brothers, Robert M. Parker, Melvin Earl Parker, Billy Hinkle Parker, and David Eugene Parker. He is survived by his wife, Maurene Evans Parker; six children, Marjorie Larragoite and husband, Gilbert, Betty Jo Lugo and husband, Alfredo, Mary Nell Pate and husband, Leo, all of Albuquerque, Eugene Parker and wife, Mary Lu of Fort Stanton, NM, Ronald Parker and wife, Suzann of Las Cruces, and Phyllis Snow and husband, Robert of Bryan, TX; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Mr. Parker was born and spent his childhood and most of the early years of his adult life on the ranch near Hassell, NM. He and Maurene moved to Clovis for a few years before moving to Albuquerque in 1969. Mr. Parker worked many years as a carpenter and was a construction foreman before his retirement in 1975. He was a member of Carlisle Plaza United Methodist Church. Mr. Parker was also a member of the Bernalillo County Singers and was President of that organization for many years. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., at Carlisle Plaza United Methodist Church, 3023 Montclaire NE, with Rev. Edward Hoffman officiating. Graveside services and burial will take place at 5:00 p.m. at the Hassell Cemetery near House, NM. Mr. Parker's nine grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Carlisle Plaza United Methodist Church, or to a local hospice organization. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Marion E. Quick, 85, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away August 1, 1998. Marion was a resident of Syracuse, New York for 56 years, and a resident of Florida for nine years, before moving to Albuquerque in 1977. Marion was a member of Eastern Star and the Rio Rancho United Methodist Church, and enjoyed ceramics as a hobby. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles D. Quick in 1971; and a son, Charles S. Quick. She is survived by her daughters, Judy Johnson of Albuquerque, Marcia Cutting of Apple Valley, MN and Barbara Hild of Sanford, FL; grandchildren, Janice Hanson, John Hild, Jim Hild, Wendy Cutting, Heidi Cutting, Christine Cutting, Rebecca Rayner and Christopher Rayner; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert McAllaster; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, August 5, 1998, 4:00 p.m., at Rio Rancho United Methodist Church, with Rev. Mark Conkaling officiating. Hillcrest Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE, 265-5959.
William 'Bill' Roberson, born June 26, 1918 in Estancia, died peacefully on Friday, July 24, 1998 in Albuquerque. Bill is survived by his brothers, Ralph and Jack; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie Lee and Ralph G. Roberson; sister, Katherine; brother, Max; brother-in-law, Don Raver; and sisters-in-law, Frankie, Neva, and Irene Roberson. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, 1:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE, with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
