Obituaries

Sisto Chavez

1935 -2019

Sisto Chavez, 83, a resident of Los Lunas, peacefully joined our Lord and Savior surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019.

He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Sisto loved the mountains, and he never missed an opportunity to go hunting, fishing and camping. He was an avid gardener, and he loved sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. Sisto loved to walk and could be seen doing this throughout his neighborhood and beyond.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Chavez and Mary Eugenia Jaramillo Chavez; his three brothers, Juan, Larry and Eloy; and his sister, Alice.

Sisto is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol Gallegos Chavez; three loving children, Liz (Jon) Sevin, Andrew (Bernice Chavez) and Yvonne (partner, Johnny); sisters, Eva Bently, Amy (Joe Tinoco) and Cecilia Shaffer; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Services took place on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta. Interment followed at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Arthur Chavez, Charles Flores, Morris Vaisa, Ramon Valenzuela, Johnny Padilla, Rick Jaramillo, Jon Sevin and Aaron Ramos.

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

Avelino Crespin

1949-2019

Avelino Crespin, age 70, passed away on Dec. 8, 2019.

He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Avelino leaves behind caregivers, Debbie and Doug Garcia and family, and Maggie and Art Baca and family.

He passed away knowing he was loved and known by many here in Valencia County. Avelino loved going to the casinos and eating at the buffet. He also liked riding on the Rio Metro Bus. Avelino touched many hearts and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Abelino Crespin and Adelmira Gonzales.

Avelino is survived by one brother and three sisters.

After cremation has taken place, Avelino will be taken to his birthplace in Las Vegas, N.M., and will have a private burial ceremony with family.

The family wishes to thank Alliance Hospice, Expressions of Life, Adelante Day Program and the great staff of Rio Metro Transportation.

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

Eugene Forest Frink

1919-2019

Eugene Frink, resident of Belen, a member of the First Baptist Church of Los Chavez, left this Earth on Nov. 6, 2019.

He was a veteran of the World War II European Theater, serving in the U.S. Army, 5th Ranger Battalion, Special Forces. Upon returning home from the war, he worked as a professional truck driver, and retired from the Teamster’s Union after working for Consolidated Freightways for 40 years.

He enjoyed sharing his Wrigley’s Gum with his grandchildren; some of his favorite sayings were, “Glad you got to see me,” and from the time he turned 95 years old, “I might as well make it to 100.” Congratulations Dad, you made it.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Phleta Frink; wives, Betty, Garnet and Amy Grace Frink; siblings Earl, Emory, Elmer and Leona; son-in-law, Victor Padilla.

He is survived by family members, Patty and Merlin Gibson, Donna and Bill Garrett, John and Mary Onusic, Lori Padilla, Chuck and Brenda Frink, Cathy and Larry Vigil and possibly Robert Frink; grandchildren and family, Randy Gibson, Missy Frink, Jamie Frink, Cindy Frink, Felicia Storey, Daniel Baldonado, Rayona and Felipe Orozco, Shawn and Ramona Padilla, Marie and Jeremiah Gallegos, Lori Vigil, Cammie and David Adcock, Katelin Onusic, Nic and Bailey Onusic; numerous grand, great-grand and great great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at the First Baptist Church of Los Chavez, followed by services at 11 a.m. A reception will follow.

Martha Ann Hobbes

1932-2019

Martha Ann Hobbes, 87, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend.

Martha was born on June 25, 1932, in La Mesa, Texas, to Eula Ethel (Newsom) Lauderdale and Richard Graves Lauderdale.

She grew up in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, graduating from high school in Hobbs in 1950. She attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales before meeting her husband of 56 years, George Hobbes. They were married in 1963 in Albuquerque and were together for the remainder of her life.

Martha’s passions were her family, reading mystery novels and collecting antiques. She also immensely enjoyed her canine companions.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her husband, George; her daughter, Amber Kingsbury (son-in-law, Richard); her son, Jeffrey (daughter-in-law, Tammy); grandchildren, Abby Kingsbury, George Hobbes and Jacob Hobbes; her brother, Richard Lauderdale (sister-in-law, Jayne); and nephew, Eric Lauderdale.

In accordance with her last wishes, a private family memorial will be held at a future date.

Cody James Davis

1992- 2019

Cody James Davis, 27, of Belen, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019.

He was born in Albuquerque to Kenneth and Rhonda Davis on April 7, 1992. Cody attended school in Belen, where as a child he enjoyed playing baseball, football and trap shooting.

He loved the outdoors, going camping, fishing and hunting. Cody had a kind soul and a huge heart; he was always there to help a friend in need. Cody had a contagious laugh and wanted everyone around him to be happy. He will forever be in our hearts and greatly missed.

Cody is survived by parents, Kenneth and Rhonda Davis; grandparents, Kenneth and Judy Davis, Jan Milligan, and Richard and Lois Bell; and the love of his life, Dominique Biancardi.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all their family and friends that supported them during this difficult time.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 864-4448, where an online guest register are available at noblin.com.

John “Auntie” Van Etten Jr.

1964-2019

John “Auntie” Van Etten Jr., 55, born on Nov. 16, 1964, in Queens, N.Y., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, in Belen.

He came to New Mexico nine years ago to care for his elderly father, John Van Etten Sr., who passed away at age 91 after spending 20 years in Belen. John was always taking care of others.

Back in New York, he worked tirelessly with the developmentally disabled in Jamesport, N.Y. He discovered he had cancer in January. John was brave and strong, and he fought long and hard.

He is survived by his sister, Margret Van Etten; brother, Michael Farley; sister-in-law, Mary; nieces, Kat and Trish Farley; and grand-nephews, Darius and Joaquin.

Thank you to Michelle and Richard Vining, my brother and sister from another mother, and the entire Trujillo family and Fat Sat’s family who were there from beginning to the end. He thanks everyone for their love and support.

John Jr. may have been born in New York, but Belen was his was his home. He was well loved and will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 864-4448, where an online guest register are available at noblin.com.