William F. Harper, Jr.
1949-2012
William F. Harper, Jr., age 63, a resident of Belen, NM passed away on February 17. Will was a Speech Language Pathologist for the Belen and Los Lunas Schools, and also worked for the Somerset County Schools in Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Harper and Mary Jane Harper of [...]
Juan Diaz
2000-2012
Juan Diaz, age 12, a resident of Belen, NM, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2012. All Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 4 beginning with a Viewing at 11:00 a.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 11:30 a.m. and a Funeral Mass to be [...]
Sostia G. Baca
1933-2012
Sostia G. Baca, a resident of Belen, NM passed away on Monday, March 26, 2012. She is at peace and will be eternally with those who precede her; her loving husband, Bennie G. Baca; parents, Juan and Eufracia Serna Giron; brother, Frank Giron and son-in-law, Leroy Vaisa. Sostia was a member of Our Lady [...]
Stella B. Chavez
1933-2012
Stella B. Chavez, age 78, a resident of Belen, NM went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 24, 2012. She was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Stella enjoyed spending time with all her children and grandchildren. She loved dancing with her honey Frank and playing bingo. Stella was [...]
Ronnie I. Worley
1938-2012
Ronnie I. Worley, age 74, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully in his home Thursday, March 22, with his family at his side. He served for 20 years with the U.S. Air Force, including two Vietnam tours. He later worked as service manager for Auge’s Sales and Service. He and his wife [...]
ANTONIO M. TONY ORTIZ
Age 82, a resident of Pojoaque passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gloria Lujan. Tony Ortiz grew up as the proud son of Joaquin and Clorinda Ortiz of Nambe and except for the time he spent in the Army, he lived his entire life on the Pojoaque Valley. He was a member of the US Army during World War II and served in the Pacific, including the Philippines and New Guinea. He worked in construction for his entire life. He was a member of the carpenter’s union for over 40 years and was Superintendent for Davis and Associates up to the time that he retired in 1985. He was responsible for supervising the construction of many major facilities in Northern New Mexico, including the construction of the Inn at Loretto in Santa Fe, Computer Building at the Los Alamos National Lab, major additions to the St. Vincent and Española Hospitals. Tony enjoyed his retirement. He and Flossie spent their time working in their home, traveling and visiting with family. He was diagnosed with Lou Gherig’s disease in 2001, with the illness getting progressively worse with time. Despite being on total life support and bed ridden, Tony endured his illness with the most positive attitude; he was also cheerful and full of joy. His last few days were spent in the Española Hospital where he received outstanding care from all the nurses and doctors who attended him. The family would like to thank all those who cared for him both at the hospital and at home, all those who visited him during his illness and especially everyone who prayed for him and the family. The family is consoled knowing that Tony is now with God in heaven and no longer feels any pain or suffering. Antonio is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Flossie Ortiz; son, Tony David Ortiz and wife Pita of Albuquerque; daughters, Linda Gonzales and husband Leo of Arroyo Seco, Yolanda Valdez and husband Robert of La Mesilla, Darlene Rowe and husband Geoffrey of Santa Fe, Annette Peters and husband Mark of White Rock, Jeanelle Kious and husband Tom of Dallas, Texas; brother, Toby Ortiz and wife Sinfie of Santa Fe; sister, Mary Romero and husband Arturo of Nambe; sister, Dolores Gonzales of El Rancho; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. Pallbearers, Adam Ortiz, Leo Jr., and Bobby Gonzales, Diego Valdez, Jesse Peters and Christopher Rowe. Honorary pallbearers, John Ortriz, Francisco Gonzales, Pita Ortiz, Leo Gonzales Sr., Robert Valdez, Geoffrey Rowe, Mark Peters, and Tom Kious. The family of Antonio M. Tony Ortiz has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
MARIA REFUGIO MARTINEZ
Age 80, a life-long resident of Los Ojos passed away on Friday, February 24, 2006. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicolas Martinez and Maria Guadalupe Vargas as well as her beloved ‘Mama Luz” Vargas; sister, Ascencion Torrez and brother, Lucas Martinez. She is survived by her sister, Anna Maria Sanford of Chama; nieces and nephews, Joe M. Torrez and wife Lola of Chama, Cecilia Martinez and husband Felix of Anchorage, Alaska, Lupita Valdez and husband Tony of Los Ojos, Maria Luz Martinez and husband Atilano of Albuquerque, Ramon and wife Liz of El Paso, Texas, Teresa West and husband Dale of Chama and Olivia Valencia and husband Joseph of California, Chuck Sanford and wife Mary of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Sandra Crane of Chama, Nyna Martinez, Esther Serna and Pita Valdez of Albuquerque and numerous other relatives and friends. The family of Maria Refugio Martinez has entrusted her funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
EDDIE MICHAEL MONTOYA
Age 42, a resident of Santa Fe, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2006 following a short illness. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Montoya; baby, Amador; paternal grandparents, Melisendro and Leocadia Montoya; grandfather, Juan Trujillo; aunt, Francis Lovato; Eddie worked construction and was a hard worker. He loved football, the Raiders was his favorite team. He had pets, mostly dogs and liked to go fishing. He is survived by his father, Serafin Montoya and wife Flor of Santa Fe; mother, Sabinita Martinez of Ranchitos; brothers and sisters, Jerry and Apolonio Montoya, Celina Montoya, Lucaria Montoya and Juan Luis Villegas all of Santa Fe, step sisters, Sandra, Cindy and Viola Martinez and Terry Martinez and companion Delfin Martinez all of Ranchitos; aunts and uncles, Joe Montoya and Joe Trujillo, Carmen Chavez, Ruby and Gilbert Trujillo of Chimayo; nieces, Destiny and Faith Montoya; nephew, Juan Luis Villegas Montoya; maternal grandmother, Soriada Trujillo of Ranchitos and numerous other relatives and friends. The family of Eddie Michael Montoya has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
DORA BARBARA MARTINEZ
Age 48, a resident of Chimayó, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2006. She is preceded in death by her, mother-in-law, Rosario Vigil; her brother, Paul Martinez. I will miss my mom. She was a wonderful person, and had so much love for all her friends and family. She is survived by her daughter, Matilda Martinez of Chimayó; grandchildren, Joshua Martinez, Gabriel Martinez, Jeremiah Martinez, Jolie Segovia; son-in-law John Segovia; like a daughter, Dawn Vigil; brothers, Eddie and Robert of Espanola, Chris, and Jerry Martinez of Ensenada and Larry Martinez of California; sisters, Gloria and Frieda Martinez of Ensenada, Fatima Martinez of Albuquerque, Pauline Bustos of Hernandez, Rose Ann Gallegos of Santa Cruz, and Yvonne Baca of Albuquerque, Evangoline Trujillo of Denver, Colorado and numerous nieces and nephews. The family of Dora Barbara Martinez has entrusted her cremation arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the DeVargas Funeral Home.
FROYLANO L. MONTOYA SR.
Age 91, a lifelong resident of Chimayo, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2006 following a short illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bersales Montoya; parents, Longino and Genoveva Montoya; son, Jerry Montoya; granddaughter, Maria Montoya; great-grandson, Gerald Suazo and sister, Maria Montoya; special aunts, Felicitas Romero and Macedonia Montoya; daughters-in-law, Rachel and Juanita Montoya; brother-in-law, Aniseto Duran and Panteleon Vasquez; sister-in-law, Magdalena Martinez; father and mother-in-law, Juan C. and Pablita Duran. During the Christmas season, Mr. Montoya portrayed Bartolo for the Pastores, a name that stayed with him throughout the year. He was a well known Chimayo resident, recognized for his weavings and his blue 1953 Ford pick-up and his pecheras. Froylano is survived by his children, Beraldo “Barry” Montoya and wife Terry, Leopoldo “Leo” Montoya and wife Rose, Elefio and wife Serafina, Froylano Montoya and wife Sylvia, Lorenzo Montoya and wife Mary Ellen all of Chimayo, Randy Montoya and wife Barbara of Rio Chiquito and Lucia Montoya of Chimayo and friend, Michael Pañas of Truchas; granddaughter, Rosa Martinez; sister, Sylvia Vasquez of Chimayo; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers, Nelson, Daniel, Leon, Lorenzo Jr., Mark and Kevin Montoya. Honorary pallbearers named are, Besales Montoya Archuleta, Geraldine Montoya, Rosa Martinez, Peggy Mares, Crystal Montoya, Vanessa Montoya. The family of Froylano L. Montoya Sr. has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
ANITA ROMERO
A resident of Española, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2006. She was 93 years old. She is survived by her 10 children; Lillian Lopez from Rodarte, Maria Angelina Arguello from Marina Del Rey, CA., John Romero and wife, Vita from Española, Amarante Romero Jr. from Albuquerque, Nelson Romero and wife, Esther from Española, Mary Garcia from La Mesilla, Loren Pacheco from Española, Felix Romero and wife, Monica from La Mesilla, Patsy Roybal and husband, Patrick from Denver, CO., Linda Franco and husband, Dave from Las Cruces; 5 generation grandmother, over 100 grandchildren and many other relatives. Mom considered Nora Archuleta a daughter to her and was so grateful for everything she did for her. Our dearly beloved mother, you were the most wonderful mother any family could ever ask for. We love you and we will miss you dearly, but we know that your loving spirit will live in our hearts forever. Your loving family. Serving as pallbearers, Jerome and Johnny Romero, Roy Lopez, Brian Roybal, Cameron Franco and Ruben Archuleta. The family of Anita Romero has entrusted her funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Candido “Candyman” Trujillo
Age 50, a resident of Cordova passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 25, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bonifacio and Evan Trujillo and brothers, Rayniel, Benito and Alex Trujillo. Candido worked as a heavy equipment operator in construction. He loved working on cars and was always willing to help anyone in need. He loved spending time with his family. Anytime he spoke with his brother and sister on the phone he would say, “I love you, pray for me.” He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Valerie Trujillo; daughter, Pamela Trujillo and husband Hector of Utah; sons, Benny and Julian Trujillo all of Cordova; grandchildren that were his pride and joy, Jaymond, Jayden, Hector Jr., Candida, Deserai and Jeremiah; sister, Cecilia Romero and husband Merly; brothers, Joe Trujillo and Ray Trujillo and wife Janeen of Colorado; nieces and nephews, Sharon, Renee, Louise, Della, mark, Cindy, Joe Jr., Mel, Debbie, Dennis Day, Devon, Charmaine, Michelle and Alex and numerous other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers, Mel, Joe and Mark Trujillo, Joaquin Lujan, Dan Tanner and Paul Romero. The family of Candido Trujillo has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
PEGGY BOHANNON MCCULLOUGH
passed away early Christmas morning in her home in Los Luceros, New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert C. Bohannon and Vesta Whitman Bohannon. She was 74 years old and was born in Dumas, Texas. She was a teacher for 29 years in the Public Schools of Chattanooga and in recent years as a teacher and librarian at the McCurdy School in Española, New Mexico. Peggy was an active member of the Alcalde United Methodist Catholic Church for the past 16 years and a volunteer at the church sponsored kitchen. Other volunteer activity associated with the church included the Women’s Club and Habitat of Humanity. She was also a life long Democrat and in the past served as delegate at the Democratic National Convention. Peggy is survived by her husband of 54 years, James DeWitt McCullough; two sons, James DeWitt McCullough Jr. of Houston, Texas and Michael Bohannon McCullough; brother, Herb Bohannon Jr. and wife Rosie; daughter, Michelle Woodall and children, Ryan and Tyler; son, Bo Bohannon and wife Lisa and their children, Jacqueline, Brook and Chase; one grandchild, Raleigh Anne McCullough of Houston, Texas. Peggy deeply loved her native New Mexico, traveling, numerous hobbies and her many dear friends. A service will be held in the spring when the flowers she loved and planted during her illness begin to bloom. For those wishing to make donations, please send them to The American Cancer Society. The family of Peggy Bohannon McCullough has entrusted her cremation service to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
JOE E. RIVERA – Age 75
A resident of Española, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Maria Rivera; brother, Ben Rivera and nephew, Joel Gonzales. Joe is survived by his children, Angela Tafoya and husband Joe and Herman Rivera and wife Debbie; brothers and sisters, Tony Rivera and wife Ruby of Colorado, Grace Gonzales of Hernandez, Clorinda Serrano of Colorado, Jane Gonzales of Chama, Michelle Abeyta and husband Alfonso, Frances Rodriguez and husband Rick, Rose Gonzales and husband Vince and Dilia Vigil and husband Rudy all of Colorado; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.. The family of Joe E. Rivera has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
RUTH O. SALAZAR
Age 89, a resident of Velarde, passed away on Saturday December 30, 2006 following a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents; Victoriano and Cipriana Roybal; husband; Reuben Salazar; sons, Levi, Manuel and Larry Salazar; brother; Reyes Roybal; in-laws, Manuel and Sinforosa Salazar; sisters-in-law, Reyecita Salazar, Corrine Gonzales and Isabel Salazar; brothers-in-law, Flavio Salazar and Johnny Gonzales. She is survived by her daughter; Olivia Marquez and husband Estolano (Stu) of Albuquerque; sons; George Salazar and wife Consuelo of Chimayo, Victor Salazar and wife Susie of Velarde, Reuben Salazar Jr. and wife Viola of Peñasco, Reyes Salazar and wife Isabel of Lyden, Steve Salazar and Robert Salazar and wife Elsie of Velarde; sisters; Amada Martinez of Fairview and Irene Maestas and husband Luis of La Puebla; daughter-in-law; Georgette Salazar of California; sisters-in-law, Cordelia Roybal and Lyda Byers; brothers-in-law, Joe Salazar and wife Celia, Alex Salazar and wife Stephie, Henry Salazar and wife June, Manuel Salazar and Raymond Salazar and wife Evila; 30 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren and numerous other close relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers; Harold Salazar, Mike Marquez, Randy Salazar, Douglas Salazar, Reuben Salazar III, Ryan Salazar, Roberto Salazar and Monica Salazar. Honorary pallbearers named are, Ina Hunt and Sally Carrillo. The family of Ruth O. Salazar has placed their trust in DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley for her care.
Isaac J. Trujillo Jr. - Age 34
Isaac J. Trujillo Jr., 34, a resident of Alcalde passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 28, 2006. He as preceded in death by his father, Isaac Trujillo Sr.; grandparents who raised him, Damian and Frances Pacheco. Isaac was a member of Los Hermanos de la Morada in Los Pacheco’s. He loved working in construction from which he learned from his uncles. Isaac Jr. was also very close to his uncle Rudy Pacheco. He was always willing to help his friends. He is survived by his mother, Jane Trujillo and husband, Gilbert Villareal of Alcalde; sisters, Elaine Trujillo of Kentucky, Grace Gregory and Rebecca Trujillo and brother, Robert Trujillo all of Alcalde; Grandmother; Frances Trujillo; half bother Isaac Trujillo III and half sister Julianna Garcia; 6 nieces and nephews and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends. The family of Isaac J. Trujillo Jr. have entrusted his Cremation Arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley.
RUDY EDWARDO RAEL
Age 54, a resident of Truchas, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 1, 2007. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Rael; sister-in-law, Katie Rael; nephew, Francisco Rael; parents, Juan Antonio and Trancita Rael and niece, Rebecca Martinez. He was a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his son who was his life. They both enjoyed doing things together such as horseback riding and riding the four-wheeler. He was a father figure to Armanda and was generous to everyone. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rudy is survived by his son, Juan Carlos Rael of Truchas and his mother Crestina Sandoval sisters, Ernestina Rael of Arizona, Estella Martinez of Truchas, Flora Casados and husband Casey of Chamisal and Connie Rael of Albuquerque; brothers, Ben Rael of Albuquerque, Abenancio Rael of Grants, Frank Rael of Truchas, Clorindo Rael of Truchas and Mark Rael of Española; step-daughter, Armanda Sandoval of Española and numerous other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers, Leo Fernandez, John Chavez, Chris Martinez, Casey Bryon Casados, Leon Martinez and Dominic Rael. Honorary pallbearers named are, Isabro Ortega, Delfin Romero and Crestina Sandoval. The family of Rudy Eduardo Rael has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home.
MINNIE MARTINEZ
Age 76, a resident of La Villita, passed away on Wednesday January 3, 2007 following a short illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Flora Martinez; son, Adonis Serrano Jr.; sister, Lucia; husband, Cipriano Duran; grandson, Gabriel Serrano; great-granddaughter, Desiree Villalobos and cousin, Edumenia Martinez. Minnie was employed as a caretaker at the Velarde Nursing Home for 18 years. Minnie is survived by her children, Lillian Villalobos and husband Francisco of La Villita, Leonard Serrano and companion Liza Branch of Española, Patrick, Gabriel and Sandra Serrano all of La Villita, Stella Serrano and husband Noah Nino of Texas; brother, Andres Martinez and wife Maria of El Rancho; nephews, Robert, Rudy, Ernesto and David Duran, Michael and Daniel Martinez; nieces; Clara Green; Mary Grace Martinez and husband Green. and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers, Albert Villalobos, Leonard Serrano, Rudy Duran, Gabriel Serrano, Sam Villalobos and David Duran. The family of Minnie Martinez has entrusted her funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
RAMON SALAZAR
Age 89, a resident of San Pedro, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2007. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Celestina Salazar; sons, Gilbert Gene and Elias Salazar and grandson, Jeffrey George Valdez. Ramon is survived by his children, Donald Salazar and wife Toni of California, Stella Martinez of La Mesilla and Angela Vigil and husband Alvin of Española; grandchildren, Steve Salazar and wife Michelle, Donald Salazar Jr., Lee Mike Salazar and wife Martha all of California, Karla Andrade and husband Sal of South Carolina, Shirley Esquibel and companion Clyde of La Mesilla, Emmie Romero and husband David of Albuquerque, Eric. R. Vigil and wife Tammy of Fairview, Matthew Vigil and wife Christy of Española, Vincent Vigil of Española, Gene Salazar and wife Cathy of San Pedro, Ricky Salazar and wife Ileana of Ojo Caliente; sisters, Adela Holstrom and husband Charles and Tina Minech and husband Bob all of California and several great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. The following will serve as pallbearers, Gene and Rick Salazar, Eric, Matthew and Vincent Vigil and Steve Salazar. Honorary pallbearers are Donald Salazar Jr., Clyde Sanchez, Lee Mike Salazar and the staff and clients of the County Senior Center. The family of Ramon Salazar has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
JEIDY VASQUEZ
Age 4, a resident of Chimayo, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 4, 2007. She is survived by her parents, Sergio I. and Leidy Vasquez; brother, Sergio Vasquez Jr. all of Chimayo; paternal grandparents, Jose F. and Guadalupe Vasquez of Cuarteles; maternal grandparents, Octavio and Anna Mares of Arizona; uncles, Jose Daniel Vasquez of Cuarteles and Humberto Mares of Chimayo; aunt, Denise Mares of Arizona; God-parents, Juan and Mercy Hernandez of Arizona and numerous close relatives and family friends. The family of Jeidy Vasquez has entrusted her funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Anyone wishing to make donations to the Vasquez family may do so in Jeidy’s name at DeVargas Funeral Home.
Placida G. Maestas - Age 89
A resident of Rio Rancho formerly of Peñasco passed away on Friday, January 05, 2007 after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Simon Maestas Sr.; an infant daughter; parents, Levi and Carlota Gonzales; sister, Martha Marez; 6 brothers, Ramon, Eloy, Alfonso, Richard, Victoriano and Elias. Placida was a good grandmother and mother who will be greatly missed by her family. She was a good cook, very active in her church and longtime active member of the San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church and also a member of the Guadalupanas. She is survived by her sons, Joe of Reno, Nevada, Simon Jr. and wife Mary Lou of Rio Rancho and John L. Maestas of Ely, Nevada; grandchildren, Natalie, Melissa and Joe Maestas Jr., Luanna and Lizette; 3 step-grandchildren, Joey and wife, Georgette, Brenda and Shane; 4 sisters, Mary Leyba of Grants, Della Sanchez of Rodarte, Tillie Roybal of Denver and Teodora Romero and husband, Macario of Rodarte; sister-in-law, Florida Baker of Corrales; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. The family of Placida G. Maestas have entrusted her funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477.
