Obituaries

Theodore John “Teddy” Garley

1957-2019

Theodore John “Teddy” Garley, age 61, beloved son, husband, dad, brother and uncle, passed away on Jan. 12, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Gabriel; and his dad, Chris.

Theodore is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Margie; and daughter, Misty; his mother, Celina (Sally); sisters, Judith (Claudio), Christine and Deborah (Jeff); brother, Anthony (Terry); and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Theodore was a longtime member of St. Bernadette’s Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus and an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

There will be a public viewing and Rosary at 6 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at Romero Funeral Home Chapel, and on Friday, Jan. 18, there will be a final visitation at 9 a.m., and a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at San Clemente Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Los Lentes Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Sanchez, Ken Garcia, Tisha Gutierrez, Dan O’Shea, Mike Armijo and Donald Aragon. Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph, Renee, Danielle, Brandon, Kristy Lea, Justin and Shay.

Please sign Theodore’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Evelyn Elizabeth Gebler

Died 2019

Evelyn Elizabeth Gebler, 78, passed away on Dec. 3, 2018, in Albuquerque.

Evelyn was the widow of Glenn Gebler, whom she shared 54 years of marriage.

Evelyn was born in Bisbee, Ariz., the daughter of W.B. and Evelyn Whitmire. She graduated from Willcox High School in 1959. Evelyn’s family was her accomplishment. Evelyn retired as the personnel manager after 22 years of service with Walmart, having many rolls within the company

Evelyn is survived by five children, Randall (Brenda) Gebler, Candi Gebler, Kerri Gebler, Rory (Sandy) Gebler and Tami (Doug) Beyer; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jeannie (Rayburn) Smith and BettyJo (Larry) Bean.

Evelyn was preceded by her loving husband, Glenn Gebler; her loving parents, W.B. and Evelyn Whitmire; and sisters, Lora Lee Nichols and Lucille Owens.

The memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 25, at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley, 19381 N. N.M. 314, Belen, with interment at a private cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the service begins.

Cremation was handled by the caring staff of Noblin Funeral Services, 418 W. Reinken Ave, Belen.

Fred B. Laureta

1943-2019

Fred B. Laureta, 75 years old, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019.

Fred was born May 9, 1943, in the Philippines to father, Estanislow; and mother, Aurora Laureta.

The Laureta family moved to the U.S. when Fred was a child. Fred served in the United States Air Force for six years. He has a master’s degree from UNM. Fred has an eighth-degree black belt in Karate.

He had a 30-year career as an educator, as a coach, teacher and a principal, serving in Los Lunas, Tucumcari and Socorro. After Fred had retired, he was teaching senior citizens in fitness and dance. He also loved to compete in the Senior Olympics and would bring lots of medals home.

Fred enjoyed gardening, listening to music, spending time with family, travelling and going on adventures. Fred had a joyful and inviting smile.

He honored his mother and father, nurtured his siblings, was a loving and devoted husband, and was a loving and active father to his sons, Dion and Ryan. He took pride and joy in his grandchildren, Iesha and Amori.

Fred would always tell amazing stories about his childhood, his life and about how important it is to be healthy.

Fred and Phyllis were married for 49 amazing years. Those were the best years of their lives. Fred lived life to the fullest. He was passionate about always being a good person and accomplishing his goals in life, with a smile on his face.

Fred is preceded in death by his son, Dion Laureta; dad, Estanislow; and mother, Aurora.

He is survived by his wife, Phillis Laureta; son, Ryan Laureta; granddaughter, Iesha Laureta; grandson, Amori Sanchez; three brothers, Roy, George and Sam; three sisters, Alice, Esther and Lori; numerous nieces and nephews, and foster daughter, Patsy Gomez and family.

Services will be held at San Clemente Catholic Church on Saturday, Jan. 19, beginning with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at San Clemente Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas Chapel, 2211-D Main St., 866-9992, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Abran Jesus Lueras

1945-2019

Abran Jesus Lueras, age 73, went home to our Lord on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his father, Reymundo Lueras; and his mother, Maria Cruz; niece, Angel Ann Gallegos; and grandson, Adrian Red.

Abran is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Pam Lueras; a son, Abie Rey; daughters, Amber Lela, Jaime Rey, Nevaeh Alize and Rachel Hills; grandchildren, Brianna, Abie Xavier and Jonathan Hills; great-grandson, Elijah James; sister, Andrea Gallegos; nephews, Bert and Joseph Gallegos and families.

He was an avid and popular Mariachi musician, who began his musical career at 10 years of age, and he played with Mariachi Tapatio and Mariachi Tenampa and many other bands.

Abran was a consummate professional, who, during his musical career, accompanied some of the greatest Mexican singers and movie artists. He was also an accomplished artist that included drawing and woodwork. Abran loved to work with his hands. He also loved to ride horses and in his younger days was a bronc rider. Abran was a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. May Abran rest in peace.

Urn bearer will be Brianna Lueras; and honorary urn bearers will be Abran Lueras III and Nevaeh Lueras.

All services will take place on Friday, Jan. 18, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta, beginning with a public visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 10 a.m., and a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date.

Please sign Abran’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Cynthia J. Martinez

1960-2019

 

Cynthia J. Martinez, age 58, a resident of Los Chavez, passed away on Jan. 14, 2019.

She was a member of the Los Chavez Baptist Church. Cynthia graduated from Belen High School in 1982. She worked for Adelante Bargain Square for more than 30 years.

Cynthia was a true athlete and competed in the Special Olympics for many years. Her passion was music and she enjoyed playing the guitar with the Special Orchestra, entertaining all her special needs friends and family. Cynthia was also a member of the Los Chavez Baptist Church Choir, where she sang faithfully every Sunday for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Ida Vallejos Martinez; her loving aunt, Rosie M. Vallejos; and her loving uncle, Jose Frank Vallejos.

Cynthia is survived by her two brothers, Chris (Veronica) and John (Shari); as well as many loving uncles, aunts and cousins.

Services will take place on Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Los Chavez Baptist Church, beginning with a public viewing at 10 a.m., and a funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Terrace Grove Cemetery.

Please sign Cynthia’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Rosie Montoya

1935-2019

Rosie Montoya made the journey to join her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her husband of 64 years, Henry, on Thursday evening, Jan. 10, 2019.

The loving couple, known by so many, are once again strolling together, hand in hand, down Heaven’s glorious streets of gold.

Rosie fought bravely over so many years, through so many illnesses. When people speak of her, they never fail to mention the love they have for her and how she touched their lives in such meaningful ways. She is remembered as a remarkable woman who, although small in stature, demonstrated amazing strength and fortitude.

It was her faith that gave her strength, and it was her faith that served to bring so many people to Jesus. Always willing to share whatever she had to give, Rosie gave with love, whether it was monetary or to provide comfort, strength or shelter to those in need. Whatever the need, she gave with joy. Her principles set an example admired by many and difficult to live up to.

Rosie is survived by her only child, Theresa Marshall and her husband, Jeff; her only grandson, Scott McLain; siblings, Ernie Cordova, Margaret Montoya (Joe), Anna Upton (Tony), Toby Cordova and Donna Bergevin (Don); brothers-in-law, Joe Montoya (Margaret), Norbert Montoya (Marcy) and Mike Montoya. She was also blessed with a great number of nephews, nieces and great-nephews and nieces.

Services celebrating her life were held on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment followed at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Please sign Rosie’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomeNM.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Jose M. Padilla

1945-2019

Jose M. Padilla, age 73, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Esquipula and Guadalupe Padilla; brother, Julian Padilla; and sister, Roberta Padilla.

Jose is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Padilla; son, Jose Padilla; daughter, Darlene Padilla; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jessie Perez (Lico Gonzales), Dolores (Robert) Tracy and Elizabeth Lopez; and many loving extended family.

Please sign Jose’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Cynthia Eulalia Barrier Elkins Robison

1941- 2019

On Saturday, Jan. 12, Cynthia “Cindy” Eulalia Barrier Elkins Robison, a compassionate, faithful, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to all, passed away suddenly at the age of 77, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

Cindy was born July 13, 1941, in San Benito, Texas, to Jack and Leona Barrier. Thirteen years later, she became a proud big sister to Ardath (Don) Egle, followed by Marsha (Gabriel) Pañola and Phoebe (Rob) Fry.

Cindy married Neil Elkins (deceased) in 1959, shortly after graduating from Santa Rosa High School in Santa Rosa, Texas. From this union, Cindy began her most cherished role of mother to sons, Jerry (Tammy) and Jack, her constant sidekick and best friend. Cindy was so proud of her sons.

On June 25, 1988, Cindy married her loving “sweetheart,” “honey” and dear companion, Bert Robison, in Los Chavez, father of Joene (deceased) and Kelley. Cindy and Bert’s relationship was definitely a love story. Neither ever left the house without kissing the other goodbye.

Cindy was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Los Chavez, and a proud member of several community organizations and clubs, including The Red Hat Society (more than 10 years), Sew Club (more than 20 years), Chuckwagon CowBelles (nine years) and Extension Association of New Mexico (EANM) (more than 30 years), where she served in several leadership positions, including EANM state president.

Cindy treasured her friendships with all of her club sisters and was the first to warmly welcome and befriend anyone new. In 2015, Cindy was awarded the state EANM “Heart of Extension” award. Cindy had a huge heart! She loved people, and people loved her.

Cindy was an energetic lady, who enjoyed volunteering and making sure everyone else’s day was special. You knew you were loved by Cindy when you received one of her beautiful handcrafted, stamped cards. She was affectionately called “The Outhouse Lady” because of her more than 100 outhouse collectibles.

She loved country western music, “Grapette” memorabilia, cooking (especially her famous Spanish rice, turkey and dressing), Macaroni Grille, her special friends and neighbors, Gloria and Andrew Madrid, and all her many family and friends.

Cindy will be forever remembered by her family, including beloved grandchildren, Brian (Lydia), Lily, Melissa (Will), Amanda, Brittney, Emily, Mariah (Melvin), Quinn (deceased), Taylor and Rhiannon; and precious great-grandchildren, Little Bri, Josh, Jamarley, Malachi, Melvin, and Mayvis. Cindy will also be forever remembered by a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and countless friends.

All services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Los Chavez on Monday, Jan. 21. A viewing will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service to be celebrated at 11 a.m., with Brother Boyd Morerod officiating. Interment will follow at Terrace Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute in Cindy’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Los Chavez.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com

John L. Simmons

1947-2018

John L. Simmons, age 71, a resident of Las Vegas, Nev., and formerly of Belen, went with our Lord on Dec. 26, 2018.

John is preceded in death by his mom, Ruby B. Armijo; and brothers, Jerry Simmons and David Armijo.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Claudia Simmons; daughter, Carla Hamblin (Mike); daughter, Marlene (Travis); son, Jimmy Simmons; grandchildren, Zach and Luke Hamblin, Kalee Burns and Heath Melendez; and great-grandson, Blake Starbuck.

He is also survived by his siblings, Linda Peña (Albert), Rudy Armijo, Adele Armijo and Steve Armijo.

We love you — you will be missed. No longer by our side, but watching from above.

Benito Manual Torres

Died 2019

Benito Manual Torres, age 66, a resident of Peralta, passed away on Jan. 2, 2019.

All services will be held at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, beginning with a public viewing at 10 a.m. on Jan. 18, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A private interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas Chapel, 2211-D Main St., 866-9992, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.