Barbara Rather Pixton, 67, a resident of Albuquerque since 1977, died Sunday, April 27, 2003. She was greatly loved by her family and friends, and will be missed sorely. She was born on March 18, 1936 in Las Vegas, NV. She graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1954. She attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, graduating in 1958 with a degree in elementary education. She taught in the public schools of Redwood City, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, and Albuquerque, NM. She was a first grade teacher at Chelwood Elementary for 14 years. In 1996, she was selected as the NM Mother of the Year. She was an active worker in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and particularly enjoyed serving in the Albuquerque LDS Temple. She married Robert M. Pixton on July 19, 1963, in the St. George LDS Temple. She is survived by her husband, Robert; eight children, Matthew Pixton, Jennifer Spinti, Candace Penrod, Laura Wolff, Sarah Slade, Peter Pixton, Allison Christensen, and Rosemarie Pixton; her mother, Theresa P. Rather; two brothers, Douglas B. Rather, Jr. and John D. Rather; and 16 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Douglas B. Rather; and a son, Andrew Seth Pixton. Services will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2003, 11:00 a.m, at the Eubank Chapel, 4109 Eubank NE, with Bishop James Jeppson conducting. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Tuesday, April 29, 2003, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or one hour prior to the service at the Eubank Chapel. Interment will take place at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, UT.
French Mortuary
10500 Lomas Blvd. NE
275-3500
Mrs. Patricia ( Patti ) C. Quintana. A Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1502 Sara Rd., Rio Rancho, N.M. by Father Hoi Tran. Interment of cremains will follow in the Rose Garden at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by:
GABALDON MORTUARY
1000 Old Coors Rd. SW
243-7861
Michelle Renee Rendon, 30, a resident of Albuquerque, died Sunday, April 27, 2003. She is survived by her mother, Irene Gonzales; father, James Michaelangelo Rendon; sisters, Candice Korte and Savannah Rendon; brother, James Paul Rendon; aunts, Julia Gabaldon and husband John, Darlene Nevarez, Carla Rendon and Ann Rendon, all of Albuquerque, Barbara Tomingus of Washington State and Roberta Beam of Chicago; uncle, Paul Rendon of Washington State; great-aunts, Rebecca Sanchez and Edna Mascarenas; cousin and best friend, Eddie Sanchez; two cousins, Anna Marie Garcia and John Gabaldon, Jr.; and special friends, Neomi and Les Pierce. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Toby and Annie Gonzales. Cremation has taken place and a memorial mass will be held Thursday, 10:00 a.m., at St. Therese Little Flower Church, 3828 4th NW. Interment of cremains will be at Sunset Memorial Park.
French Mortuary
1111 University Blvd. NE
843-6333
Juanita Raquel Torres Richardson was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 24, 1948. She went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2003, after a courageous struggle with cancer. Juanita graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1966. She attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a BS in Elementary Education/Special Education in 1970. She started her teaching career in Belen, New Mexico. She later taught in San Jose, California; Pasadena, Texas; and Albuquerque. Her father, Sinesio Alvarez Torres and sister, Thelia Patricia, preceded Juanita in death. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jim, and her loving children, Angela and Tony. Other family members include, her mother, Angelina Calderon Torres; her brothers, Carlos and wife, Patty; Sinesio (Snip) and wife, Mary Helen; Emilio and wife, Midge; sisters, Rose Mary (Redd) Eakin and husband, Randy; and Jo-An Torres and husband, Dean Dye. Many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews were also blessed by being a part of her family. Juanita was a devoted wife and mother. She provided her husband and children with unwavering support and love. She will be remembered for her kindness, loving nature, unselfishness, nurturing spirit and abiding strength through her faith in the Lord. She always had a humorous story; she loved to sing; and delighted in enchanting children with story telling, often with her mom. She was known for enhancing her stories and school announcements with appropriate accents. She never met a cat she didn't love. Those who knew Juanita felt truly blessed to have her in their lives. The family extends deepest gratitude to the American Cancer Society, the New Mexico Cancer Center, and the compassionate caregivers in the Presbyterian Hospital Oncology Ward and to her supportive neighbors in Tinnin Farms. A Rosary Vigil Service will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd., NE (just south of Paseo del Norte). A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community Church. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society ABQ Chapter, 5800 Lomas Blvd. NE, 87110, designated for the Juanita's Joy fund. Your living memorial to this beautiful human being will be used to continue for people affected by cancer, what brought Juanita great joy throughout her life - helping others to have a better life.
Susan Jane (Scarborough) Saylor
July 7, 1952 - April 26, 2003
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Susan grew into a thoughtful and caring young woman in Miami Shores, FL but spent glorious summers on the N.J. shore with her wonderful grandparents and family. She attended Franklin Pearce Law Center in New Hampshire and UNM Law and was admitted to the N.M. State Bar on May 18, 1981 and the Colorado Bar on September 13, 1995. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 22 years, Rick; and her cherished and treasured children, (her Bears), Brandon 18, Jonathan 15, Christopher 13, and Grant 11, of whom she was so very, very proud and who brought her so much joy; sister, Diane MacInness and husband, Brett; brothers, Frank and Ricky; and mother, Loella; and stepfather, Dick. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank S. Scarborough Jr. Susan loved hiking with her dogs, angels and always put her family first as soccer mom, friend or school volunteer. She loved walks in the country with family, the ocean, waterfalls, snowy days, animals, travel, yellow roses, the Crystal Cathedral, family holidays and gatherings, and her treasured summers with the children on the California shore at the beach house. Susan has always been enamored with angels about whom she spoke of and to quite often. She was an ardent supporter of abused and abandoned women and children, the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence and the Humane Society in which she spent considerable time representing those of limited resources at no charge and with inordinate compassion. Susan was the kindest, sweetest and most generous person we have known. A celebration of Susan's life will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 1615 Copper Ave. NE at 10:00 a.m., April 30, 2003, with Dr. Charles Crutchfield and a reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. She will be interred at the Crystal Cathedral Memorial Garden in Garden Grove, California. In lieu of flowers if you prefer, please send a donation in remembrance to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265.
Marie Stone Williams, passed away on April 28, 2003. She moved to Albuquerque from Detroit in 1948 and was employed as a secretary at Sandia National Laboratories for approximately ten years. She was married to Lawrence E. Stone of Albuquerque until his death in 1975. Later she was married to Guy Williams from 1985 until his death in 1990. She is survived by her brother, Dayton Ballinger and wife, Sunny of Oregon; sister, Irene Emmert Maygel of Virginia; stepdaughter, Dottie Ridling of Albuquerque; nieces, Belinda Beth Ballinger of California, Sue Ward of Oklahoma, Peggy Neal and husband, John of Virginia; nephew, Donald Funk and wife of Virginia; goddaughters, Stephanie Bedard and husband, David of Placitas and Tamara Hayes of Albuquerque; great-goddaughter, Samantha Ade of Albuquerque; and longtime family friend, James F. Hayes of Albuquerque. Services will be held Friday, May 2, 2003, 10:30 a.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Thursday, May 1, 2003, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
French Mortuary
10500 Lomas Blvd.
275-3500
Elsie M. Taylor passed away on April 26, 2003 at the age of 90 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on March 20, 1913 in Maxwell, NM. She had been a resident of Albuquerque since 1945 and was a member of the Valley Gardener's Club. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Taylor, in December of 1999, one month short of their 62nd wedding anniversary. Elsie is survived by her three daughters, Nanci Easley and husband, Bill, Pat Morgan and husband, Jim, all of Albuquerque and Carole Blazick and husband, Richard of Green Valley, AZ. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 2, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at Chapel of Sunrise, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or to Odyssey Healthcare Hospice, 3500 Comanche NE, Bldg, F, Albuquerque, NM 87107.
Sunrise Funeral Options
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 821-0010
Eleanor P. Varga, 81, passed away April 26, 2003 after a short bout with cancer. Her husband, Joseph preceded her in death in 1982. She is survived by sons, Robert and wife, Karen Varga, Kenneth and wife, Ruth Varga; daughters, JoAnn Ziegler Price and husband, Robert Price, Paula Gonzales and husband, Nicholas; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; her brother, Walter Mleczko and sister, Catherine Sullivan, both of Las Vegas, NV. Eleanor served in the WACs in WWII and continued involvement in the WAC Albuquerque Chapter until her death. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at Asbury Methodist Church, 10000 Candelaria NE with Rev. Todd Salzwedel, Eleanor's grandson-in-law officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lovelace Hospice, 5403 Gibson Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
Sunrise Funeral Options,
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
821-0010.
Charles A. Verbeck, 63, a resident of Albuquerque since 1990, was welcomed into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 27, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Carmen G. Verbeck of Albuquerque; three sons, Mario A. Verbeck and wife, Tryna and their children, Taylor, Mario Jr. and Chloe, all of Albuquerque, Jose C. Verbeck and wife, Kristi and their son, David, all of Elmendorf AFB, AK and Louis Verbeck and wife, Rachelle and their children, Cole, Macy and Kaitlyn, all of Rio Rancho; brother, Louis Jack Verbeck Jr. of Mobile, AL; sister, Faye Arnold of Baton Rouge, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Verbeck was a faithful and loving husband. He was very devoted to his sons and adored his grandchildren. First of all, he loved the Lord, and had been an active member of Del Norte Baptist Church since 1990. Mr. Verbeck retired from General Electric in 1994; since then, he had been employed by Electric Motor Company. Services will be held Thursday, May 1, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., at Del Norte Baptist Church, 5800 Montgomery Blvd. NE, with Dr. Robert E. Myers officiating. Interment will take place Friday, May 2, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., at Memory Gardens in Farmington, NM. Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Armstrong, Juan Mora, Oscar Sanchez, Hector DeLeon, Wendell Hendricks and Jorge Melini. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, Wednesday, April 30, 2003, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Del Norte Baptist Church, 5800 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 87109.
French Mortuary
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
823-9400
Johnny J. Vigil, Jr. Former Democratic Santa Fe County Chairman, Johnny J. Vigil, Jr., beloved father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully with his children at his side on April 26th, 2003 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Vigil is survived by the loving mother of his children, Olivia Richardson Vigil, his children, Linda and husband, Timothy Feeney of St. Charles, Ill, Eileen and husband, Richard Reinders of Littleton, Colorado, John Joseph III and wife, Isabel Vigil of Albuquerque; and extended family, Charles Gaines- Vigil and wife, Ruth of Espanola, Deidre Chavez-Greenly and husband, David of Colorado Springs, Colorado. His grandchildren include, Tim Feeney, Melissa and John J. Vigil IV, Sara J. Sigala, Cassandra Pojar, Julian and Alex Chavez-Greenly, Alicia, Destiny, Angel, Rene and Sheila Gaines-Vigil. Also, three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. His sisters, Tina V. Martinez, Socorro V. and husband, Arthur B. Aragon, Celine V., and husband, George Gonzales, Olivia and husband, John Bacon, Georgia and husband, Johnny Gutierrez; and maternal aunt, Vivian Naranjo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Jose and Teodorita Vigil; step-son, Phillip Carroll; and brother-in-law, Polito E. Martinez of Talpa, N.M. Johnny was born on March 21, 1929, in Santa Fe, N.M. He was raised with his five sisters on Canyon Road and graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1948. He attended the College of Santa Fe and served in the US Navy during the Korean War. Returning from the Navy, Johnny became active in the Democratic Party and served as Santa Fe County Chairman. He will be remembered for his work and his compassion for the people he came into contact with during his public service. Johnny had a tremendous passion for music. As an accomplished local musician, he had one of the first mariachi groups in New Mexico and a dance band known as the Tune Toppers. He shared his passion for music as a concert promoter bringing numerous well-known American and Mexican artists toSanta Fe, including Chubby Checker, Javier Solis and Vicente Fernandez. Johnny's work in radio, and his original "Jardin de Melodias" introduced a variety of Latin music to the local airwaves. Johnny's life was a gift to many and he will be missed by those who came to know and love him. Services are as follows: A rosary at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Santa Fe on Thursday, May 1, at 7:00 pm. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 2 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Interment following at the National Cemetery. The following will serve as pall bearers: George Anthony Gonzales, Patrick Gonzales, Javier Gonzales, Danny Marmion, Ronald Fernandez, Donald Martinez, Politio Martinez, Jr., and Johnny Gutierrez. Honorary pallbearers, Polito Martinez, Sr. in memorium, George Gonzales, Arturo Aragon and John Bacon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Vista Care Hospice IPU, 601 Martin Luther King B1vd., NE, Unit 10 West, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa Street, 984-8600.
JONATHAN CARR of Santa Fe died last Thursday following a long illness. He owned Cerrillos Body Shop until retiring nine years ago. He is survived by his wife, Adele; children, Catherine Carr, Christopher Harvey, and Jennifer Nichols; brother, Glenn Carr; and nieces, Jackie and Carrie Carr. The family will receive friends at a reception to celebrate Jon's life 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Park Inn and Suites, 2907 Cerrillos Road. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service.
SUSANA J. 'SUSIE' CRUZ, 86, of Las Vegas, N.M., died Tuesday following an extended illness. She was born in Wagon Mound on June 5, 1916, to the late Jose T. Montoya and Alicia Aguilar. She was united in marriage in Wagon Mound on June 5, 1937, to Jose Perfecto Cruz. She worked for several years at JC Penney and Fair Stores. She was a member and former president of the VFW Women's Auxiliary, and past member of the Elks Lodge, along with her husband. A lifelong Catholic, she was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas, N.M. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose T. and Alicia Montoya; husband, Jose Perfecto Cruz; son, David Anthony Cruz; granddaughter, Patricia Cruz; sister, Marty Lines; and brothers, Ralph and Paul Montoya. She is survived by her stepson, Herminio Cruz and wife Josie and sons, Frank, Phillip, and Perfecto all from Wagon Mound; daughter, Alice C. Gallegos and husband Eddie of Santa Fe; son, Paul Cruz of Albuquerque; daughter, Stella Elizabeth Tapia and husband Daniel Patrick of Las Vegas, N.M.; son, Samuel James Cruz of Albuquerque; 12 grandchildren; eight grandchildren; sister, Corina Montoya of Las Cruces; brothers, Alex Montoya and wife Lucille of Albuquerque, and Emilio Montoya of Denver; and many other relatives and friends. Rosary devotional services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas, N.M. Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Friday at the same church with burial to follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Las Vegas, N.M. She will lie in state at the Rogers chapel all day today and Thursday where family and friends may call. Rogers Mortuary.
JOHNNY J. VIGIL JR., former Democratic Santa Fe County chairman, died Saturday after a lengthy illness. He was born on March 21, 1929, in Santa Fe. He was raised with his five sisters on Canyon Road and graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1948. He attended the College of Santa Fe and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Returning from the Navy, he became active in the Democratic Party and served as Santa Fe County chairman. He had a tremendous passion for music. As an accomplished local musician, he had one of the first mariachi groups in New Mexico and a dance band known as the Tune Toppers. He shared his passion for music as a concert promoter, bringing numerous well-known American and Mexican artists to Santa Fe, including Chubby Checker, Javier Solis and Vicente Fernandez. His work in radio, and his original 'Jardin de Melodias' introduced a variety of Latin music to the local airwaves. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Jose and Teodorita Vigil; stepson, Phillip Carroll; and brother-in-law, Polito E. Martinez of Talpa. He is survived by the loving mother of his children, Olivia Richardson Vigil; his children, Linda and husband Timothy Feeney of St. Charles, Ill., Eileen and husband Richard Reinders of Littleton, Colo., John Joseph III and wife Isabel Vigil of Albuquerque; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Tina V. Martinez, Socorro V. and husband Arthur B. Aragon, Celine V., and husband George Gonzales, Olivia and husband John Bacon, Georgia and husband Johnny Gutierrez; and many other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Santa Fe. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with burial following at the National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Vista Care Hospice IPU, 601 Martin Luther King Blvd., NE, Unit 10 West, Albuquerque, N.M., 87102. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service.
Faye L. Durham, 72, passed away in Salem, Oregon on April 15, 1999. She is survived by her husband, Howard "Jim" Durham; her daughter, Cynthia Basye and son-in-law, Jack Basye of Albuquerque; her daughter, Laura Lockwood and son-in-law, Rhodes Lockwood of Aztec; her grandchildren, Jesica Radaelli, Nicole and husband, Jason Romans, Clinton Summers, Carson Basye, and Peter Lockwood; and her great-grandson, Maxwell Radaelli. The Durhams moved from Rigby, Idaho to Albuquerque in 1951. Mrs. Durham was involved in Democrat Party political organizations, bridge clubs, and community help organizations. They retired to McMinnville, Oregon in 1990. Mrs. Durham leaves behind family and many friends who will miss her gracious hospitality, kindness, and wonderful stories. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Barrett House, a shelter for women in Albuquerque.
Herschel Ernest Gay Jr., 70, a resident of Albuquerque for 47 years, died Saturday, April 24, 1999. He is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Ennis of Scottsdale, AZ, Valerie L. Bordlemay and husband, Ken of Henderson, NV, and Patti Francis and husband, Michael of Bernalillo; grandchildren, Natalie Peoples of Albuquerque, Megan Bordlemay of Henderson, NV, Rhiannon Francis, Courtney Francis, and Michael Francis Jr., all of Bernalillo; great-grandchildren, Jordan Ratliffe, Abrianna Peoples, and Amajana Peoples, all of Albuquerque; niece, Melanie Barnard and husband, Wilson of Albuquerque; nephew, Michael Worth of Albuquerque; great-nephew, Jason Barnard and wife, Melissa of Houston, TX; great-niece, Brenda Barnard of NMSU; great-great-nephew, Aaron Barnard of Houston, TX; and numerous other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson, James E. Vleck. Herschel was an Eagle Scout and was a PFC in the USMC during WWII. He also served as chairman in the Young Republican Federation. Herschel worked as a salesman in auto tires. He was a member of the North Valley Lions Club. Memorial graveside services will be held Monday, 11:00 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery, with Chaplain Col. Lemuel M. Boyles, U.S.A.F., Ret., officiating. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Herschel's name to the American Cancer Society, 5800 Lomas NE 87110. A special thank you to Dr. Paul Greenbaum, Dr. Richard Weinstein, the nurses and staff at Manor Care Heights, and to the V.A. hospital for the patience, love and professional care given to Herschel. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Lillian J. Gish, 95, a resident of Albuquerque since 1928, died Thursday, April 29, 1999. She is survived by her daughters, Yolonda Bowyer Mallery and husband, Paul of Canfield, OH and Gwendolyn Forrester and husband, J. Harold of Albuquerque; son, Robert F. Gish and wife, Judith of Morro Bay, CA; grandchildren, Mitchell Bowyer, Donna Oakley, Becky Conner, Jim Forrester, Janet Copenhaver, Robin Gish Butzier, Tim Gish and Annabeth Gish; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, RoseAnn Morris and husband, Bill; sisters-in-law, Jimie Wilson and Nancy Cahill; brother-in-law, Earl Gish; and nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse F. Gish. Lillian was born in 1904 in Indian Territory. She was an original Dawes Roll enrolled in the Cherokee Nation. Lillian was a charter member of Riverside Baptist Church. She owned and operated "Bronco Cafe," late 1940's-1960 and "Mother Goose Nursery," 1960-mid 1980's. Services will be held Monday, 2:00 p.m., at Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, with Rev. G.A. Minor officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
