Vernon G. Schell, a resident of Albuquerque since 1965, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at Anna Kaseman Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanne D. Schell; three children, John, who resides with his wife, Peg in Ewing, NJ, David Schell and Julie Lyon of Albuquerque; and five grandchildren, Paul and Jane of ID, Jeremy and Matthew of Albuquerque and Bryan of NJ; three great-grandchildren, Jordan, Mathew and Emily; stepmother, Pearl Schell; and sister, Phillis Burtner of PA; sister-in-law, Gladys Kovaluk of Albuquerque; and brother-in-law, Jack DesRochers of CA. Mr. Schell was an aircraft electrician and spent 43 years in military plus federal service. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2003, 1:30 p.m. at Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum, 924 Menaul NE with Chaplain Lemuel Boyles, Col. USAF (Ret.), officiating. Ennichement of cremated remains will follow. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to American Stroke Association, 6100 Pan American Freeway NE, 87113.
French Mortuary
10500 Lomas Blvd. NE
275-3500
Patricia Swingle, 72, passed away at home on Sunday, March 9, 2003. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Pat was an active volunteer for the Democratic Party and a constant recruiter. Her family and friends knew her as a "free spirit ", a great cook and a champion of the underdog. Her selfless nature was so genuine and was cherished by all who knew her. Pat was born in Zanesville, Ohio on November 2, 1930. She met and married Bill Swingle in Zanesville in 1948 and they moved to Albuquerque in 1952. Pat is preceded in death by her father, Palice Pendley and is survived by her mother, Dorothy Pendley; her husband, Bill Swingle; her brother, Jerry Pendley and Karen, her children, Cindy Sterns, Debbie Rose and husband, Allan, Steve Swingle and wife, Kathy, Becki Lorimer and husband, Tom, Bruce Swingle and wife, Rene, Melinda Wieser; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be held Thursday, March 13, 10:00 a.m., at the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel, at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE, with Pastor Fred Gurule officiating, Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Tommy Lorimer, Josh Lorimer, Adam Swingle, Jonathan Wieser, Brandon Wieser and Matthew Pendley. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tom Lorimer, Allan Rose and Samuel Simpson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Albuquerque Rescue Mission, 924-1311, 509 SW 2nd Street, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
French Mortuary
1111 University Blvd. NE
843-6333
Abigail Christine Kealoha Wilson, one of God's little lambs, born July 6, 2001, was lifted to Heaven by her Shepherd on Tuesday, March 11, 2003. She is survived by her parents, Ian and Rachel Wilson; brother, Andrew Wilson; grandparents, Bob and Carol Flint, and Francie Rawlins of Albuquerque, and Walt Wilson of Pittsburgh, PA; uncle, Jim Flint and wife, Amy of Fort Morgan, CO; and aunts, Jessica Anderson and husband, Randy and Jaime Wilson, all of Albuquerque. Services will be held Friday, March 14, 2003, 2:00 p.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, 6200 Gibson, Blvd. SE, with Rev. Larry Castillo-Wilson officiating.
French Mortuary
10500 Lomas Blvd. NE
275-3500
MARY L. MARTINEZ, 81, died Monday in Pueblo. She was born on Feb. 3, 1922, in Wagon Mound to the late Rosenaldo and Benita (Encinias) Sisneros. A devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Jospeh's Catholic Church in Springer. She made her home in both Ocate and Springer, where she worked at various businesses. Her last 20 years were spent helping people through the Sierra Y Llanos Community Action Program and the HELP Agency. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leopoldo; daughter, Dynna; granddaughter, Katie; brothers, Inocencio and Juan De Dios Sisneros; and sisters, Pilar Martinez, Eufemia 'Eufie' Martinez, and Angie Hernandez. She is survived by her son, Patrick Martinez of Springer; her daughter, Agnes Martinez of Pueblo; son, Mario Martinez and wife MaryAnn of Fort Sumner; brothers, Margarito Sisneros, Pueblo and Lawrence Sisneros of Walsenburg; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many other relatives. Rosary devotional services will be held at 7 p.m. today at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Springer. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at the same church with burial to follow at the Springer Cemetery. Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
William "Bill" Arthur passed away Monday, March 16, 1998. Services will be held at St. Bernadette Church at 11401 Indian School Road NE, on Saturday, March 21, 1998 at 9:00 a.m.
Linnie W. Bland, 88, a resident of Albuquerque for 51 years, died Monday, March 16, 1998. Mrs. Bland was born in Texas County, OK. She was one of seven children and is the last to pass away. Mrs. Bland was an active member of Heights Baptist Church. She was at one time a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Bland loved to help people. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed. Mrs. Bland is survived by her daughter, Virginia Payne; grandson, Gary Payne, both of Albuquerque; nieces, Morine Rayburn of Guymon, OK, Lavern Rayburn and husband, Lewis of Huntington Beach, CA, and Deverriel Walker of Woodward, OK; nephew, Richard Wilson and wife, Charlyn of Cypress, CA; numerous great-nieces, and great-nephews; and granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Y. Payne of Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton; son-in-law, Allan Payne; grandson, Randy Payne; sister, Velma; and brother-in-law, Carmen Nall. Services will be held Saturday, 3:30 p.m., at Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel, 924 Menaul NE, with Rev. Carmen L. Conner officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Evaristo Garcia, age 100 years and five months, passed away at the home of his daughter in Rio Rancho on March 13, 1998. He was born in Cerro, New Mexico and was retired from the New Mexico State Game and Fish Dept. He was also a member of the SPMDTU. He was preceded in death by his wife, Luisita Garcia; and also his daughter, Orlinda Cardenas. He is survived by three daughters and one son, Mary Arellano of Questa, Lila Cerna and husband, Ben of Hesperia, CA, Eddie Garcia and wife, Dolores of Las Vegas, NV, and Bonnie Kegley and husband, Joe of Rio Rancho, NM; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; also numerous nieces and nephews. Rosary was recited on Saturday, March 14, 1998, and on Sunday, March 15, 1998 in Cerro, NM. Funeral mass was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cerro on March 16, 1998, followed by burial next to his wife at the Cerro Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tom Cardenas, Brent Kennedy, Robert Cerna, Edmund Garcia, Beto Herrera, Roman Cardenas, Ronnie Cardenas, Lonnie Cardenas, Danny Cerna. Eulogist was Jerry Ben Sanchez. Arrangements were entrusted to French's Funeral Home in Albuquerque and Rivera Funeral Home in Taos.
Mary Elizabeth Downey Gomez, born January 11, 1954, mother of Katherine Alicia Gomez, Alanna Marie Gomez and Jaime Arturo Gomez, died March 17, 1998. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Downey of Orlando, FL; and 11 brothers and sisters. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Saturday, March 21, 1998, 10:30 a.m., at Church of the Risen Savior, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE, with Father Paul Baca, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Hillcrest Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE, 265-5959.
Helen Elizabeth Heckes, 92, born October 14, 1905 in Oklahoma City, OK, died Friday, March 20, 1998. She arrived in Albuquerque in 1930 and made her home here. Mrs. Heckes was married to "Heck" Heckes for 64 years, who preceded her in death in 1988. This lovely and gracious lady with sweet and gentle ways, unselfishly and tirelessly devoted herself to her husband and family. She graced us with her beautiful presence and her casseroles; and made each and everyday one full of positive thoughts. As a mom, she was very special, always there, always supportive, and always smiling. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Honored Ladies of the Shrine. During the war years, she served her country as a nurse's aide. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joby and Jim Wilson; grandson, Bryan Charlton and wife, Linda; granddaughters, Debbie Harley and husband, Wayne, Cheryl Bagley and husband, Dan, and Adrienne Ritzen; three great-grandsons, Jason and Craig Charlton, and Jacob Bagley; and three great-granddaughters, Lesla Harley, Joelle Harley, and Katelyn Bagley. This gentle loving lady has left a hole in our hearts that will never heal. We consider ourselves blessed to have been such a loving part of her long and happy life.
Our special thanks to three very special ladies who took such good care of Helen and loved her like family. Tina, Libby and Viola! Thank You! The family requests memorial contributions be made in memory of Helen Heckes to the Wildlife Rescue Inc. of New Mexico, P.O. Box 13222, Albuquerque, NM 87192-3222. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Elizabeth Jarosz, a resident of Albuquerque for 12 years, died Thursday, March 19, 1998. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Albert Jarosz of the family home and daughter, M. Theresa Jarosz and husband, Joseph Campbell of Albuquerque. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd., Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held Monday, 10:30 a.m., at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army, 501 Broadway SE 87102. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Mass of Christian burial for Mrs. Cora Luna will be celebrated this morning, 9:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5415 Fortuna NW, with visitation after 8:30 a.m. Deacon Frank Perrez for officiating the Communion service. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith NE. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Rd. SW, in charge of the arrangements.
Thomas Joseph Messier Sr., 69, passed away Sunday, March 15, 1998, on a weekend excursion in Chandler, AZ with his family Lorraine and Rudy Ortega by his side. He was born on October 10, 1928 in McKeesport, PA, residing in Albuquerque for over 35 years. He was a retired USAF Veteran and also from the United States Postal Service. Tom is survived by his sister, Dorothy Manning of McKeesport, PA; daughter, Debbie Woosley of Branford, FL; Thomas J. Messier II of Talent, OR; Kathy Price and Helen Messier of California; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren who he loved taking care of. He was married to Elizabeth Messier for 35 years. Memorial services will be held on April 2, 1998, 11:30 a.m., at the Church of the Risen Savior, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE, 87109. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the church can be made to Risen Savior at the address above.
Harry L. Jones, 87, longtime resident of Belen, died peacefully on March 18, in Pflugerville, Texas. Born in Mountain Park, OK, Harry loved to garden, loved the railroad, and loved his family, especially his wife of 67 years, Mary L. Jones. Harry retired from the Santa Fe Railroad in 1975 after 33 years of service and was recently honored as a continuous 55-year member of the United Transportation Union, Local 1687. Harry was a member of the First Baptist Church in Belen. His family and friends have many wonderful memories of his kindness, knowledge and gentle humor. Graveside services in Belen will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 23, at the Terrace Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Romero Funeral Home in Belen on Sunday, March 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to his wife, Mary, Harry is survived by his three children and their spouses, Rosemary and Kenneth Trinkle of Newport News, VA, Larry and Dori Jones of Pflugerville, TX, and Dr. Jerry and Geri Jones of Albuquerque; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Richard Ronan, 78, passed away March 20, 1998. Hillcrest Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE.
Johnny Sanchez, 80, a resident of Albuquerque died Friday, March 20, 1998. He is survived by his wife, Sara of the family home; sons, Frank Sanchez and wife, Cruzita of Albuquerque, Levi Sanchez and wife, Cathy, Steven Sanchez and wife, Dorothy, and Albert Sanchez and wife, Blanca, all of Albuquerque; Ernest Sanchez and wife, Josephine of Las Cruces, NM, Fred Sanchez and wife, Leonore of Bernalillo, and Edward Sanchez and wife, Catalina of San Diego, CA; 19 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Fabriciana Atencio and husband, Fred of Albuquerque, Susie C. Sanchez of Magdalena, NM, and Sofie Jojola of Belen, NM; brothers-in-law, Emilio Medina and wife, Angie, Carlos Medina and wife, Aurora, Edward Medina and wife, Carlota, Johnny Medina and wife, Jodi, and Robert Medina and wife, Bertha; and sisters-in-law, Frances M. Gonzales and husband, Fernando, Julie Gallegos and husband, Jerry, Margaret Sanchez and Josephine Sanchez; a step-son, Daniel E. Allen and his former wife, Epifania Torres. Mr. Sanchez was preceded in death by his parents, B.E. and Rosa Sanchez; a sister, Leona Sanchez; and his brothers, Herman Sanchez, Eduardo Sanchez and Medardo Sanchez. He was born in Datil, NM. Mr. Sanchez was a veteran of WWII, having served in the US Army. He worked for the Albuquerque Public Schools, retiring as a supervisor after 35 years of service. Mr. Sanchez was a member of the Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited Sunday, 4:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Mass will be celebrated Monday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Rd. NE, with Fr. James Moore, Celebrant. Interment will take place at 1:30 p.m. in Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. until after the Rosary.
Dallas W. Sasser, 69, a resident of Albuquerque since 1957, died Wednesday, March 18, 1998. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Arlys A. Sasser of Albuquerque; son, Carey Sasser and wife, Linda of Itasca, IL; daughters, Danelle Sasser Wolfson and husband, Dan of Austin, TX and Lori A. Salisbury and husband, Bruce of Farmington; grandchildren, Nicole, Scott, Sam and Ben; sister, Geraldine Saunders of Tacoma, WA; and many other family member and friends. Mr. Sasser retired from Sandia National Labs in 1985. He loved classical music and computers. Cremation will take place and private services will be held. Friends may visit the family home, Saturday, March 21, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Gertrude B. Steiner, 104, an Albuquerque resident for eight years, died Thursday, March 19, 1998. Mrs. Steiner was born on August 15, 1893 in Marshall, Virgina. She is survived by her great-niece, Jean L. Ciriacks of Albuquerque and numerous other great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews in Maryland. Funeral services are pending with Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, MD. Interment will take place in Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Marjorie Waldman, 75, a resident of Albuquerque since 1978, died Friday, March 20, 1998. She is survived by her son, Scott Waldman and wife, Deborah; granddaughter, Whitney and grandson, Chase of Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Waldman, M.D. A memorial mass is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 1998, 10:00 a.m., at Annunciation Church, 2621 Vermont NE.
Jimmy Bowen, 80, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, died Friday, April 23, 1999. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Weeta A. Bowen of Albuquerque; sons, Jimmy Leroy Bowen and wife, Shirley of Roswell, NM, Douglas Bowen and wife, Mary and Dan Bowen and wife, Carri, all of Albuquerque, NM; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; sister, Viola Vangundy of Mesa, AZ; and many other family and friends. He was a member of the International Union of Operation Engineers Local #953 and served his country during WWII in the Battle of the Bulge. Services will be held Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. at French Mortuary, Wyoming Chapel, 7121 Wyoming, NE, with Chaplain Sandra S. Bess, officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Wyoming Chapel, Monday, 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Patrick Matthew Garcia, 32, a resident of Belen, passed away on Friday, April 24, 1999. He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. He graduated from the New Mexico Corrections Department Academy on December 16, 1994, and was a correctional officer for the past seven years at the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, where he was a member of the Tactical Response Team and the Designated Armed Response Team. He was very proud of his career in corrections. Patrick was the coach of the Belen Little League Rookies and the Youth Basketball League. He was a member of the men's softball league, and a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He owned Starfire Disc Jockey Service and was a well known area chimney sweep. He loved playing Santa Clause for his children and all his nieces, nephews and family members, as well as the Belen Recreation Center. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Prudencio and Lucinda Hurbina, his paternal grandmother, Patsy Serna, and his uncles, Prudencio and Macario Hurbina. Patrick is survived by his loving wife of nine years, Victoria Maestas Garcia, who is expecting their third child; his two sons, Patrick and Diego; his mother, Valerie and Frank Sanchez; his father, Andrew Garcia and his wife, Nila; his brother, Andrew Garcia and his wife, Louise; two sisters, Julie Garcia and Carla Mora and her husband, Tunney; his step brother, Shawn Garcia; his step sister, Isha Garcia; his grandfather, T.J. Serna; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenny and Nora Maestas; and his sisters-in-law, Eugena and Monica Maestas. He is also survived by his many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers will be Andrew Garcia, Feliciano Garcia, Ken Carrejo, Danny Sedillo, Leonard Jaramillo, Jack Williams, Gilbert Flores, and Andrew Lauer. Honorary Pallbearers will be all correctional officers at the Central N.M. Correctional Facility. The Honor Guard is made up of members of the Critical Emergency Response Team Honor Guard. Visitation will be Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Parish Cemetery. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St, Belen 864-8501.
