MATTHEW L. CHACON
07/06/1952 - 02/28/2002
Matthew L. Chacon, 49, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on Thursday, February 28, 2002. He was a member of Holy Royal Martyrs Orthodox Church of Albuquerque. He was also a long-standing member of the N.M. Bar Association. Matthew was a practicing attorney for 23 years in and around the Albuquerque area. Matthew was a true humanitarian. He had a deep passion for the impoverished Mexican people and the Tarahumar Indians from the state of Chihuahua. He led doctors on many excursions into the poorest parts of Mexico and persuaded them to donate their time and medical expertise to help the poverty-stricken people. Matthew is survived by his beloved wife of eleven years, Aurora of the family home in Albuquerque; one loving son, Israel; his grandmother, Bernardita Chacon of Espanola, NM; his mother, Tessie Chacon of Espanola; three brothers, Mike, Donald, and Ron; and one sister, Bernadette Chacon. A viewing was held on Saturday, 1:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Albuquerque with a Funeral Service at 1:30 p.m. Romero Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Alfred G. Duran entered the gates of heaven on February 27, 2002 after suffering from cancer. Born in Bernalillo to Alfredo Duran and Mary (Merenciana) Garcia-Duran-Kloeppel, he was preceded in death by his parents; and step-father, John Kloeppel; his grandparents, Longino and Aurelia Garcia, Pitacio and Condradita Nieto Duran. Alfred retired as Meat Market Manager from John Brooks. He is survived by his wife, Annie; and his children, Jocelyn, Carolyn Duran, Marilyn Montoya-Candelaria, Alfred Jr. and wife, Evelyn; his grandchildren, Ernest Montoya III, Gilbert Candelaria III, Desiree and Felicia Duran; great-grandchild, Desmond Gallegos; brother-in-law, Joe Trujillo; sisters-in-law, Mary Agnes Griego, Loyola Rankin-Rascon, and Adela; his aunts, Lola Sena and Veva Gurule. Viewing and Services will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bernalillo on Monday, March 4, 2002. A viewing will begin on Monday, March 4, 2002 9:00 a.m. followed by a Rosary that will be recited at 9.30 a.m., concluded by the Funeral Mass being celebrated at 11.00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM., with military honors, at 2:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be Jerry Sena. Joe Nieto Sr., Epi Ulibarri, David Griego, Eddie Rankin and Toby Valencia. Honorary Pallbearers are his nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and amongst them include Robert Rodriguez, Max Mondragon. Restie Sandoval, Paul Vigil, Sam Garcia, Tito Montoya, Johnny Garcia and so many, many more. Our sincere appreciation to Dr. Richard Guidice and staff, Fr. Virgil Furfaro, Catholic Daughters, Bernalillo Women's Club, Altar Society, Dr. Sames and Presbyterian Emergency Room Staff, Coro de Oro, American Legion Post 69 (named after his father Alfredo Duran), and thank you to all of the friends and relatives for their kindness. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuq. 505-343-8008.
George W. Efner,III, age 97, former longtime resident of Rio Rancho, died February 22, 2002 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE. He was the son of George W. Efner, Jr and Grace Crane. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beryl Stark. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan and was a Civil Engineer with several Michigan firms before retiring to Rio Rancho in 1974. He was a Treasurer for many years for Northwest Kiwanis and very active in his church. George will be missed and remembered by all who knew this kind and loving man. He is survived by daughter, Beverly Iannacone of Westland, MI; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Mill Dunnick of West Milton, OH and Sandra and Bernard Solomon of Omaha, NE; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held April 6, 2002 at Paradise Hills UMC in Albuquerque, NM. Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Ann Arbor, MI.
Luis G. Espinosa, "Uncle Al ", died March 1, 2002 at the age of 95. He was born January 2, 1907 in Albuquerque, to Celso and Rafelita Espinosa. He was the youngest of fourteen children born to a prominent New Mexico family. He attended St. Mary's Grade School, Albuquerque High School, and the University of New Mexico. Luis had an interesting and varied business career that took him from New Mexico to Washington, D.C. to Hawaii and Mexico. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service at the age of 90. He is survived by his nieces, Catherine E. Rugen and Margaret E. McDonald as well as 29 other nieces and nephews and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. A memorial mass will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2002 at Immaculate Conception Church at 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Rest Home, 205 7th St. N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87102. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuq. 505-343-8008
John Woodrow Foster. John passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of February 19, 2002. John was born August 3, 1915 in Kimbolten, Ohio. wife, Josephine P. Foster; parents, Thomas Vinton and Alta Dale Foster; brothers, Thomas and Taylor Foster; and sisters, Mary Buckles, Elizabeth Foster and Virginia Ambler preceded him in death. John was valedictorian of Newcomerstown High School at age 16. Among his classmates was future Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes, whom John apparently assisted in solid geometry class. John also played in softball games umpired by legendary baseball pitcher Cy Young. A very fond memory is when John, younger brother Taylor and older brother Tom were 'gear jammers' in Glacier National Park, driving tour buses for summer employment during college. John graduated from Ohio University with a history major and physical education minor. John's first employment was at Freeport (Ohio) High School. He served as principal, taught social studies, math and physical education, and coached basketball, baseball, soccer and track and field. One of his basketball teams lost in the district final. His team also had a spirited rivalry with a team coached by his "kid brother" Taylor. John and his two brothers were Naval Officers during WW2. John served in the Pacific on the repair ship USS Luzon. His duties included Flag Secretary and SOPA Administration, for which he received a special commendation. John was a recruiter at Princeton University and then Officer in Charge of Recruiting at the University of New Mexico at the end of his Navy service. John loved Albuquerque and stayed to forge a career as insurance auditor and inspector for Fireman's Fund Insurance, Clinton P. Anderson Agency, and finally at his own Foster-Steinberg and Foster-Harstine Audit and Inspection services. John was an avid participant in team sporting events and golf, and greatly enjoyed Dukes and Lobo teams over the years. John had a very personal faith in Christ. He recently had a new appreciation of Galatians 2:20, which he frequently recited. Survivors include daughters, Margaret Herter of Corrales, Mary Jo Homestead and husband, Magnus John Homestead of Washougal, WA; grandsons, Magnus Keir Homestead and wife, Lisa Homestead and their son, Aiden Homestead (John's great-grandson) of Vancouver, WA, and Sean Homestead of Washougal; son, Tom Foster and his wife, Leslie Foster of Everett, WA; grandsons, Mark Foster and his wife, Kelli of Seattle and Steve Foster of Everett. John requested that no formal service be held. Interment was at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Donations suggested toward cancer or preferred charities.
Pete Gallegos, 68, passed away in Socorro at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, March 1, 2002, after a lengthy illness. He was a life long resident and a long time, well known rancher of Bingham. NM. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Adela Gallegos, and is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary Gallegos; three children, Ana Cain and husband, Shawn, Ina Fryar and husband, Brandon, Michael Gallegos and wife, Aleta; four grandchildren, Enrique and Contessa Cain, Britanie and Bradie Fryar; three sisters, Mary Alba of Lordsburg, Cecilia Romero and husband, Isidro of Socorro, and Mela Armijo of Socorro; four brothers, Augustine Gallegos and wife, Layla of Socorro, Amado Gallegos and wife, Claudette of Luis Lopez, Pat Gallegos of Texas, Johnny Gallegos and Lawrence of Florida, and many nieces, nephews other family and friends who loved and will miss him. Services will be held at the Garcia Opera House in Socorro. A memorial rosary was recited at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2002. A viewing will begin on Sunday, March 3, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Max Perkins officiating. Burial will follow at the home ranch in Bingham. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuquerque. 505-343-8008.
Merlin Crawford Gantz, 81, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2002, from complications of a fall and resulting brain injury. He was born on April 16, 1920, in Pikeville, Kentucky to S. A. and Mary Gantz. His home through his college years was Indianapolis, IN. Merlin attended Purdue University under an athletic scholarship for baseball and football and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1947 and later his Masters at the University of New Mexico. His education at Purdue was interrupted by WWII, during which he was a Marine Corps Pilot. He worked for New York Life Insurance Co. in the 1950's. At the old Albuquerque Sunport he worked for the FAA in the control tower and later in Phoenix, AZ at Sky Harbour. From 1974 to 1996, Merlin worked as a Real Estate Appraiser in Albuquerque and the Scottsdale/ Phoenix area. In 1996, he built himself a home and retired in Belen, NM. In the early 70's he moved from the North Valley in Albuquerque to Scottsdale, AZ. Merlin and his wife, Jane were very active in the Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, AZ and Merlin sang in the choir and participated in the musical productions put on by the church. Last year, Merlin joined the First Presbyterian Church in Belen. Merlin was a member of the El Zaribah Shrine in Phoenix, AZ and recently became a member of Bethlehem Lodge No. 56, AF & AM in Belen. His many interests included golf, flying, music, and building model airplanes. Along with his wife Jane, he was very active in the Rio Grande Horse Association. For many years, he announced the State Fair Horse Show here in Albuquerque and at various national shows. He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jane Bobbitt Maddox Gantz and daughter, Diane Lucille Hartman. He is survived by his children, Blake Maddox of Scottsdale, AZ, Jim Maddox of Belen, Susie Hartman of Scottsdale, AZ; his grandchildren, David Hartman and Bobbie Hartman Deamon of Albuquerque, Debbie Donk of Scottsdale, AZ, Glenn Monserrat of Phoenix, AZ, Amy Maddox Dawson of Arlington, TX, Todd and Brian Maddox; his great-grandchildren, Abby Mae Dawson, Jack Cooper Dawson, Colin Maddox, Sidney Donk, Taylor Daemon, Alexandra and Ryan Monserrat; and his faithful sweet dog, Wishbone whom he loved dearly. His many friends will miss Merlin on 16 tee box of Tierra del Sol Country Club in Belen. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 85 Manzano Expressway in Belen. Interment will be at a later date at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Romero Funeral Home, Belen is in charge of arrangements.
Henry R. (Hank) Garley, age 58 and a lifelong resident of New Mexico died suddenly Friday March 1, 2002. Mr. Garley is survived by his wife, Sherry Garley; one daughter, Ida Kay Garley; one son, Henry Albert Garley all of Albuquerque; three grandchildren R. J. Sanchez, Danny R. Hamilton, and Jonathon V. Garley. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Gladys Lovato and husband, Fermin, David Garley, Liz Carmona and husband, Joe, Willie Garley and wife, Josie, Gilbert Garley and wife, Esther, Sammy Garley and wife, Gloria, Michael Garley and wife, Betty, and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. A rosary for Mr. Garley will be recited Monday March 4, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. in the Palm Chapel of Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave. SE. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for any donations to help cover expenses. Strong-Thorne Mortuary 1100 Coal Ave. SE is in charge of arrangements.
Louis J. Gonzales, born November 23, 1924 and died at the age of 77 years. Born and raised in Springer, NM and attended Highlands University. Resident of Albuquerque for 48 years, and a servant of the people of Albuquerque along with his brother, Frank for 45 years as barbers, cutting the hair of many. Julia Gonzales, his wife of 55 years and her nine children would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the people that attended services, sent flowers, brought food, money and made donations to the brothers of the Good Shephard in his name last week and to all those that couldn't but still prayed for him and thought of Louie.
Anne M. Grosek, 87, a resident of Albuquerque, died Thursday, February 28, 2002. She is survived by her sister, Mae Campagna; niece, Jean Byrne, both of Albuquerque; nephew, James Campagna and wife, Kay of Atlanta, GA; and many other nieces and nephews. Anne was a member of Our Lady of Annunciation Parish. She was a lovely lady and will be dearly missed. Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 4, 2002, at 1:00 p.m., at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum Chapel, 7500 Paseo Del Norte NE, with Father Leo Padget, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Friends may visit Gate of Heaven Mausoleum Chapel, one hour prior to the Mass. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
James Carroll Higie, an Albuquerque resident, passed away on Thursday, February 28, 2002 and went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born December 10, 1925 and raised in Toledo, OH. He worked as a young man at the YMCA Camp Store in Napolean, MI, which was a fond memory throughout his life. He worked in sales and also retired from a US Navy career as a Chief Petty Officer. While in the Navy, he was involved with storekeeping, journalism, and recruiting which was a joy. He was proud of being able to serve in the Navy, and spent a majority of his career in the Dalls-Ft. Worth area. He completed a college bachelors degree after retiring from the Navy. he and his wife, Jeanne moved to Albuquerque in 1989. He was an active member of the Four Hills MHP Lions Club. He loved family and friends, meeting people, keeping up with current events, and attending and watching football games. He was friendly, cheerful, had a refreshing sense of humor, and enjoyed talking with strangers as well as friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne; his brother, Bob and wife, Evin of Mt. Airy, MD; his son, Jim and wife, Mary Alice of Albuquerque; his daughter, Dena Dollar and husband, Benny of Grand Prairie, TX; grandchildren, Tessa, Daniel, Josh, Cinnamon; and great-grandchildren, Sophia and Isaac. There will be a Memorial Service at the Sandia Funeral Chapel, 7601 Wyoming NE 821-0010, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2002. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albuquerque Lions United Sight Conservation Committe in care of Lee Roy Milton, Treasurer, 2818 Pennsylvania Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Sunrise Society is serving the family of Mr. Higbie.
Curtis Hughes, 43, a resident of Albuquerque died on Thursday, February 28, 2002. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; daughter, Holly; stepchildren, Taylor and Dalton; brothers, Cory Hughes and Steven Hughes and wife, Stacy; sister, Stacie Smith and husband, Bret; parents, Skip and Deanna Pugh. Services will be held Tuesday, March 5, 2002, 4:00 p.m. at French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (3 blocks North of Paseo del Norte) with Pastor Todd Cook officiating. Friends may visit French Mortuary-Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW, Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ralph Waldo Kiehl, age 71, passed away in Albuquerque on Friday, February 22, 2002. A resident of Albuquerque for 20 years, he worked in the real estate business before retirement. He was an Army Veteran, having served in the Infantry. Preceding him in death were his parents, Ralph W. and Irma Kiehl. Mr. Kiehl is survived by many friends who will miss him greatly. No services are planned. For those who wish, memorial gifts may be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association, or to the Animal Humane Association. Cremation arrangements are by Sunrise Society. 891-8200.
Catherine Juanita, age 96, born in Alexandria, VA, passed away on February 28, 2002. She is survived by her only child, Helyn King Calvert-Trembly; three grandchildren, Lambert W. and wife, Jamie T., Richard W. and wife, Wende R. and Catherine C. Calvert; eight great-grandchildren, Walter Beau, Richard Lyles, Brittany Leigh, Dakota James Calvert of San Jose, CA, Austin Lee Poper, Connor Jett Calvert and twins, Kate Alexandra and Karsen Nicole Calvert of Albuquerque. She is survived by one niece, Virginia Marlow and many loved great-nieces and nephews of Virginia and Maryland. Entombment will be in Sunset Mausoleum next to her beloved husband, Lambert Lyles King. The service will be private for immediate family members. Strong-Thorne Mortuary 1100 Coal Ave SE will be handling arrangements.
Warren S. Lavezo, 79, a resident of Albuquerque for 8 years, died Thursday, February 28, 2002. Dr. Lavezo was born in San Francisco, CA and served in the U.S. Naval Dental Corps. He was retired from dentistry, having been in private practice for 47 years in El Centro, CA. Dr. Lavezo is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ann Lavezo of Albuquerque; son, Stephen Lavezo and wife, Lynn of Denton, TX and grandsons, Christopher and Jonathan; daughter, Christiane LoCascio of Carlsbad, CA and grandson, Joey; son, Laurence Lavezo and wife, Luz of Albuquerque and granddaughters, Laura Ann and Leah; sister, Lucille Asaro and husband, Frank of El Cerrito, CA; three nieces, a nephew, and numerous cousins. Memorial rosary will be held Sunday, March 3, 2002, at 7:30 p.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 4, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel Avenue NE, with Father Antonio Mondragon, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Imperial Valley Pioneer Museum 373 East Aten Road, Imperial, CA, 92251 or to the Los Angeles Orthopaedic Foundation 2400 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90007. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
Norma Najjar-Leach, 44, a resident of Albuquerque passed away on February 26, 2002 at St. Joseph's Hospital after a long illness. She was born on February 2, 1958 in Santa Fe, NM. She is survived by her husband, Terry, her parents, Albert and Correen of Santa Fe; her brother, Dan and his wife, Gina and children of Santa Fe; and her brother, Victor and his wife, Karen and children of Seattle, WA. Norma was a graduate of Santa Fe High and the University of New Mexico where she earned her degree in Pharmacology. She worked in the St. Joseph's Hospital pharmacy for over 20 years. She enjoyed patient education and oncology teaching for nurses. She had been active in the big sisters program. She travelled throughout Europe and never let any illness stop her from doing what she wanted. All of her family and her many friends will miss her. A Memorial Mass will be held on March 4, 2002 at the St. Joseph's Hospital Main Campus, Queen of Peace Chapel at 11:00 a.m. in Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the Make-a-Wish Foundation or the NM Animal Humane Association. Sunrise Society is serving the family of Mrs. Leach. 891-8200.
Violet "Vi" Irene Legere, 82, a resident of Albuquerque since 1984, passed away February 28, 2002. The daughter of Paul Nadeau and Hanna Dube Nadeau, she was born March 23, 1919, in Jay, Maine. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar A. Legere, in 1990. She is survived by her son, Craig Clark and wife, Cecilia of Albuquerque; sister, Annette Fournier of Kentshill, Maine; and grandchildren, Cassandra Clark and Cameron Clark, both of Albuquerque. A memorial service will be Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m., at Vista Verde Mortuary Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Lane in Rio Rancho. Arrangements by Vista Verde Memorial Park and Mortuary, 892-9920.
Bernie O. Lovato passed away February 27, 2002. He was preceded in death by his father, Octaviano Lovato and daughter, Rhonda Montoya. Bernie is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lisa Lovato; one son, John Thomas Lovato; mother, Wilma T. Lovato; one brother, Sam Joe Lovato; five sisters, Sally Harger and husband, Bob, Lucille Ansette and husband, Joe, Jessie Zamora and husband, Marty, Rosemary Charles, Jeanette Armijo and husband, Robert; three grandchildren Stephen, Stephanie, and Mariah, numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends who loved and will miss him. Services will be held at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, San Mateo and Phoenix NE. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2002. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2002 with burial following at Fairview Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Robert Armijo, Frank Charles, Steve Montoya, Sam Lovato, William Graham, and Rob Sanchez. Heaven's Gate has opened God patiently waits for you. Your love is what God gave to us and all the memories too. We know we'll always miss you and we're glad there's no more pain. So with one last kiss we say good bye for in our hearts you'll always remain. Your loving sister, Jeanette and family. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuquerque, 505-343-8008.
