R.W. Erwin died at the age of 93 on November 26, 2005. He and his wife, Barbara, were Taos residents since 1959. “Woody” was born in Ada, Oklahoma in 1912. He graduated from Oklahoma A & M University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked in the oil and gas industry obtaining several patents during his career. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Taos Lions Club. He is survived by his daughter, Jan Dorris of Taos and grandsons, Eric Dorris of Steamboat Springs, CO and Tom Dorris of Ft. Worth, TX.
A memorial service will be held in Santa Anna, TX for both Barbara and Woody. Expressions of sympathy may be in the form of donations to the Stray Hearts Animal Shelter. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Due to a computer error this obituary did not publish 12/1/05, The Taos News regrets this error and the inconvenience this caused the family.
John Maestas, 31, of Taos passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 2005. He was a graduate of Taos High School and worked as a sales representative for the Maloof Distributing Company. He is survived by his daughter Trinity Lynne Maestas, his parents, Benjamin and Ernesta Maestas of Taos, Henry and Susan Vigil of Santa Fe and Bea M. Vigil of Taos, his grandmother, Beatrice P. Vigil of Taos, his godmother, Diana V. Martinez of Taos, his brothers and sisters, Jennifer Kesner (Daniel), Jim Maestes, Alfonso Vigil, Marisa Vigil, Virginia Medina (Anthony) and Jayne Trujillo (Jimmie) and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
A memorial service was held November 26, 2005 at the Rivera Chapel. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Thanksgiving afternoon, Brooke Cottam succumbed to Emphysema after a valiant fight for his life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the New Mexico National Guard. He had a full life in Taos as a dealer for Ford Motor Company. His love for sports, especially football and skiing was a passion throughout his life. In his community he served as fire chief for the Volunteer Fire Department and the ski patrol for Taos Ski Valley. He was an avid fly fisherman and spent many pleasurable hours in the mountains. He is survived by his wife Phoebe and his 3 sons, John Brooke Cottam (Barbara) of Taos, Jeffrey Harper Cottam (Bobby Gunther) of Palm Beach, FL and Timothy Louis Cottam (Barbara) of Angel Fire and 8 grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Services by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Maria Carlotta Apodaca de Saavedra of Taos passed from this life on November 18, 2005. She was born October 27, 1928. She was very active in her church Our Lady of Guadalupe in Taos. She was a former merchant of Taos Plaza. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norberto & Emma Saavedra Valdez. Carlotta was the fifth generation descendant born in Taos from an old Taos family on her mother's side, Antonio Joseph de Tevis. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Joseph Demecio Apodaca, their children, Joe Apodaca (Joella) of Taos, Yolanda Valerio (Michael) of Taos, Michelle (Ray) Martinez of Taos, Deanne Mares (Phillip) of Albuquerque, Barbara Apodaca (Darold Lujan) of Taos, Martin Raul Apodaca of Taos, Carla Garcia (Rick) of Taos. She was a grandmother of ten, all of Taos, a special cousin Cecilia Jasper of Seattle, two special nieces, E. Susan Linchevskey (Hanock) of Israel and Taos and Mary Alice Raskin (David) of Taos and her sisters, Rose Holland (John) of Taos and Martha Garland (Jerry) of Denver. She is survived by many relatives on the Apodaca side in Denver, CO. She attended grade school in Taos at the Central Catholic School and high school at Loretta Academy in Santa Fe. She also attended Boston College in Boston and Loretta Heights College in Denver. She married
her husband of 45 years, Joseph and had her seven children while living in Denver, CO. She and her family returned to Taos in 1970 and ran the Rexall Drug Store for a number of years. She was a member of the Las Taosena club. She was also very active with her church. She was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, member of the prayer group, choir and was always happy to serve God. She was the greatest wife, mother, grandmother and sister in the world to us.
Rosary was recited on November 21, 2005. Funeral mass was held on November 22, 2005. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Sierra Vista cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Isabel Ustacia Martinez, 88, of Taos passed away on November 16, 2005. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bonifacio L. Pacheco, children, Sammy Pacheco, Ramona Pacheco and Susie Tighe. She is survived by her children, Viola L. Romo, Rudy Pacheco (Rosie), Manuel Pacheco, 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.
Rosary was recited on November 20, 2005 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral mass was held, November 21, 2005 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, interment followed at Las Cruces cemetery.
Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Dr. A.H. Teddlie died peacefully after an 8 year courageous struggle with melanoma. He was the older son of Horace and Stella Maye Teddlie, born June 5, 1931, in Sweetwater, Texas. He attended Sulphur Springs High School in Texas where he excelled. He graduated from the University of Texas, Medical Branch, in Galveston in 1957, and practiced occupational medicine in Dallas 30 years. He then retired in Taos, New Mexico. He was an ardent outdoorsman, camper, backpacker, bird expert, fisherman, and pilot. He is survived by: companion, Lucy Walker: children; David L. and Diana Teddlie, their mother Nita J. Caldwell: brother; Merritt B. Teddlie, M.D. of Dallas: nieces; Jennifer Martin and Ashley Teddlie. Services were held on Friday November 18, at Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman, TX. Interment was performed at Trees cemetery in Duncanville, TX.
Ernesto “Ernie” Vargas, 73, of Arroyo Hondo passed away on November 13, 2005. He was a cowboy and rancher. He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan B. & Esther Vargas, brothers and sisters, Fabiola Olivas, Juanita Martinez, Johnny Vargas and Isabel Vargas. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Connie Vargas, daughters, Patricia Bachtel (Michael) of Taos and Elaine Montano (Johnny) of Arroyo Seco. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer Bachtel, Amy Bachtel, John Montano (Leilani), Jeremy Montano, Jason Montano, great grandchildren, Johnny Montano III, Dominic Montano, brothers and sisters, Felix Vargas (Eduvigen), Amy Crites (Larry), Robert Vargas and Henry Vargas.
Rosary was recited on November 15, 2005. Funeral mass was held on November 16, 2005. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Bob Bodenhamer - Last week we lost a man who was very dear to us, Bob. His son, Mark and his daughter, Kate, lost their dad and Kirsten, Morgane, William and Todd lost their boss and their friend. Bob came to visit from Santa Rosa, California. When he came to Taos he stayed at the Laughing Horse Inn. He fell in love with both, bought the Inn and stayed. He kept the Laughing Horse as a serene retreat and sanctuary for all who stayed there - a testament to his life. He was a very proud new grampa and a man of quiet dignity and honour. He never refused to help anyone in need - if he could help he did. He strongly believed in doing the right thing. He was a kind man of deep and generous spirit and in his quiet way has left us with the gift of his love and friendship. We all wish you a joyous and glorious journey home, Bob. We love you and miss you deeply. Till we meet again. Memorial service was held on November 15, 2005 at Orlando's Restaurant.
Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Jose M. Chacon, 82, of Farmington, passed from this life on Nov. 8, 2005, after an extended illness. He was born Nov. 8, 1923 in Arroyo Hondo to Jose A. and Matilde G. Chacon. Jose served in the US Army during WWII from Dec. 1942 until Dec. 1945. Jose was preceded in death by his parents and by a granddaughter, Jill Marie Martinez. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Frances R. Chacon, children, Georgina and Herbert Medina of Arroyo Hondo, Frances and Lawrence Pino of Las Vegas, NM, Jessie and Sally Chacon of Arroyo Hondo, Frank and Frances Chacon of Bosque Farms, Stella and Jose Cruz of Farmington, JoAnn and Jose Valdez of Albuquerque, Manuel and Theresa Chacon of Albuquerque, Darlene Martinez, Louise and harry Chacon and Pamela and Earnie Mosley, all of Farmington, brother Anatacio and Eva Chacon of Denver, 25 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Nov. 11 at Sacred Heat Church. Christian burial with military honors followed. Pallbearers were Art Chacon, Michael Valdez, Phillip Chacon, Matthew Valdez, Joseph Mosley and John Manuel Chacon. Honorary pallbearers were Manuel John Chacon, Christopher Valdez, Wade Chacon, Derrick Chacon, Mark Pino, Steven Martinez, Edward Martinez, Steven Vigil and Herbert Medina Jr.
Internationally acclaimed artist R.C. Gorman died peacefully November 03, 2005 at 12:20 p.m. He was 74 years-old. Gorman was hospitalized for close to seven weeks undergoing treatment for a bacterial blood infection highly resistant to antibiotic treatment. The infection resulted in multiple complications including pneumonia, kidney failure and coma from which he never recovered. He was first hospitalized at the Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, and then transported to intensive care at UNM Hospital on September 24th.
Gorman was known for his distinctive artistic expression of Navajo women through lithographs, original paintings, bronze sculptures and ceramics. He possessed a gregarious nature and was generous with his affection for family and friends.
Although known as “R.C.” or simply “Gorman” to the public, his parents Adelle Katherine Brown and Carl Nelson Gorman named him Rudolph Carl Gorman. He was raised by his mother and maternal grandmother, Zonnie Maria Brown at Black Mountain, Arizona.
His brother and sisters agree that “R.C.'s spirit was unique. Zonnie Gorman, his youngest sister said, “He never lost touch with his Navajo soul. He never lost touch with his roots and that kept him very humble. His soul emanates in his work, whether it was a beautiful scene with mountains and canyons, women or whether it was a simple sketch. Although R.C. the man is no longer with us, his spirit will never die. R.C. is truly a role model for young Native Americans, who want to pursue art and even those who want to pursue business or any kind of dream. He showed that nothing is impossible for Native people and that we can do it on our own terms and say it in our own way. Many people remember our father, Carl Gorman mostly for being one of the original first 29 Navajo Code Talkers but he was also one of the early Indian artists to break away from what was called “Indian Art.” In his own way, he opened a lot of doors for his son, R.C. In turn, R.C. has flung those doors wide open for current and future creative endeavors for Native people.”
Gorman was the oldest of five siblings who survive him they are: Don Mitchell from Chinle, Arizona; Donna Scott, from Chinle, Arizona; Shirley Beecher from Black Mountain, Arizona; Carla Anderson from Kaibeto, Arizona and Zonnie Gorman from Gallup, New Mexico.
A Rosary is scheduled for Sunday, November 6th at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 205 Don Fernando Street, in Taos, New Mexico. A public funeral service is slated for Monday, November 7th at 10 a.m. at the Sagebrush Inn Convention Center, 1508 South Santa Fe Road, in Taos, New Mexico. Interment will be near his home at El Prado, New Mexico. A reception will follow the interment. The Inn is offering a special rate for guests attending Gorman's funeral services. In lieu of flowers, donations to the R.C. Gorman (Scholarship) Foundation are welcome. Send inquiries or donations to R.C. Gorman Scholarship Fund, PO Box 127, Tsaile, AZ 86556. Gorman's Navajo Gallery in Taos will be closed throughout the weekend and next week. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home, 758-3841.
Rosemary Baca, 70, of Taos passed away on January 23, 2006. Rosemary's father, Fred Baca was a former mayor of Taos twice and the Fred Baca Park was named after him. Coronado Center was dedicated to him and his business, Coronado Pharmacy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Louise Baca.
Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 9 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Rev. Deacon Frank J. Mares, a kind and gentle man passed away on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006. he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was born on June 15, 1918 in Wagon Mound, NM to Frank Vicente Mares and Margarita LeDoux. he lived and worked in Taos, NM most of his life, and settled in El Paso for the past 35 years. He went to college in Kansas and studied meat cutting. He was also trained as an airplane mechanic in California, to support the WWII effort. Later he also worked in the Shipyards in Alameda, CA, after the war, the family returned to Taos, NM where he was engaged in various sales positions. He held the positions of Director of CAP for OEO/Vista, A Federal Program for rural America. It was his position as a USDA federal meat inspector that brought him to El Paso, TX. He was one of the first Catholic Deacons ordained in El Paso and was very proud to serve the community in that capacity at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. He felt being a deacon had enriched and fulfilled his life; therefore, he encouraged other men in the community to find the same happiness he had found in service to God. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Orlinda Anglada mares and their five children, Corine Otero Reeber, Vincent Mares, Carmen Brocklehurst, Anna Mares & R. Frank (Franco) Mares, four grandchildren, Lisa Otero Domingurz, Phil Otero, Lea Mares & Juan Bourke-Mares, two great grandchildren, Samm & Kyleight Dominguez and two sisters, Euphercina Tune & Eleanor Costales. Rosary and mass were held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church at Sunset Funeral Home, EL Paseo, TX. Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 27, 2006 from 2_5 p.m. at Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home with a roasry at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Interment at Nuestra Senora de Dolores cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
