Obituaries (Dec. 3)

Sammy Baca

1960-2020

Sammy Baca, 60, went home with our Lord on Nov. 20, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Filomeno and Grace; his brothers, his sisters and his son.

He is survived by his life partner, Christine; his brothers, Danny and Albert; his sister, Jenny; sons, Johnathan and Ray; and many grandchildren.

He will be missed by all who loved him.

Adrian Gonzales

1940-2020

Adrian Gonzales

Adrian Gonzales, age 80, a resident of Chilili, N.M., passed away on Nov. 14, 2020.

He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Lupita Torres; and his two sons.

He is survived by his wife, Adela; children, Diane (Wilfred) Gonzales, Patrick (Natalie) Gonzales, Adrian W. Gonzales Jr. and Amanda Gonzales (Fidel Baca); and son-in-law, Ben Torres. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, three sisters, two brothers and three stepbrothers.

A drive-in Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 11, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. The burial will be held at a later date.

Arlon Ralph Hofheins

Died 2020

Arlon Ralph Hofheins, 78, born in Albuquerque, a resident of Belen, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones Nov. 25, 2020.

Arlon was a family man and took pride in his children, grandchildren and other relatives He was always there for everyone and always offered a helping hand.

Arlon moved from Albuquerque to Belen in 1971 to raise his family in Bosque with his wife, Linda M. Morris. He was a loyal employee of Prices Valley Gold, Borden’s Dairy as well as a correctional officer for the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility for 20 years. He was an exemplary employee and only had several jobs throughout his entire life.

Arlon enjoyed hunting, fishing, horse races and raising animals. He enjoyed projects, such as fixing up old trailers and selling them. He enjoyed work and staying busy and also enjoyed growing a good garden.

In Arlon’s younger years, he enjoyed breeding and raising horses and livestock. Most of all, Arlon took pride in his family and adored his granddaughters with everything he had. He was the best dad and papa a girl could ask for.

Arlon was always up to something. We had countless shenanigans that will be missed dearly. He was always good for a good laugh and a cold beer on a hot summer day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Winnifred Hofheins; his only wife, Linda M. Morris; and their son, Heath Raymond Hofheins; his brothers, Ronnie and Kenneth Hofheins; and his sister, Bonita Smith.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna J. Tolbert and her husband, Lance, and their two children, Bryonna Krauss Von Klumker and Jessica Linn Andrews; his brother, Richard Hofhiens and his children, Ila Hofheins and her children and countless cousins.

Arlon requested a potluck party and to have his remains placed in Bland Canyon, N.M. All requests will be fulfilled at a future date due to current restrictions.

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 is available at noblin.com.

Andrew C. “Andy” Loughlin

1936-2020

Andrew C. “Andy” Loughlin, age 84, passed away on peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, at his family home in Albuquerque.

He was born in Dublin, Ireland, to Michael and Annie Loughlin on April 8, 1936. Andrew came to live in New York City with his uncle, Patrick, and aunt, Mae, at the young age of 12, after his father had passed away.

Andy attended Catholic schools and was a graduate of a Brooklyn Prep School named Xavier High School. He worked his way through college by working in the financial district. Andy attended New York University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in labor relations.

He retired from New Mexico Department of Labor. Andy became a diabetic at the age of 14, but it didn’t keep him from doing what he enjoyed. He was a self-taught harmonica and accordion player. Andy also had a beautiful tenor voice. He played his harmonica everywhere he went — stores, churches, restaurants, family gatherings and special events at Costco.

Andy was a kind and humble man. He would always encourage young people to get an education. Andy was a member of a choral and band group at Palo Duro Senior Center. He was also a member of Risen Savior Catholic Church and The Knights of Columbus.

Andy and his wife, Domie, made several trips to his beloved Ireland, where they would visit with his brother, Pat, aunts and uncles and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Annie Loughlin; brothers, Patrick and Michael; sister, Morrine Carroll, all from Dublin, Ireland.

Andy is survived by his loving wife, Domie Barba Loughlin; son, Christopher Loughlin Romig and his wife, Sara; granddaughter, Alexandra, of Castle Rock, Colo.; and the Barba family from Belen.

The family would like to thank Hospice of NM, Dr. May Reyes, Dr. Daniel B. Friedman and Carmela Mondragon, P.A.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Ava Jane McKay

2005-2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved daughter, Ava Jane McKay, on Nov. 8, 2020. Ava was 15 years old.

Ava brought so much joy and love into our lives and to everyone around her. She was a free spirit, whose beauty could take your breath away, whose smile could light up any room and whose laughter was contagious. She was a stunning and elegant young lady with an impeccable sense of style.

She was delightful to be around, fun-loving, playful, fearless and compassionate; she radiated natural warmth. Ava’s most remarkable God-given gift, however, was her voice. She was not only a talented and passionate singer, she had a unique ability to reach in and touch your soul, uplift your spirit, break your heart and move you to tears.

We are so grateful for the time we got to share with her. We could not be more proud of the beautiful, fearlessly independent and uniquely-gifted young woman Ava had become.

Ava Jane is survived by her mother, Meghann McKay; father, Troy McKay; stepfather, Andy Garcia; and stepmother, Tara Brionez.

Ava is greatly mourned by her grandparents, Lisa Holona, John Sisneros, Lorine McKay, Nana Angie Holona and Papaw Dan O’Dowd. She will be deeply missed by her siblings, Revé, Mason, Brooke, Meghan and Shane; and stepsiblings, Anamaria Brionez, Andy and Sean Garcia.

She was particularly close and loved by her uncle and aunt, Flint and Monica McKay; as well as many other aunts, uncles and cousins. Ava was also deeply loved by her godparents, Nino and Nina Shawn and Leona Harrell.

She is preceded in death by her cousin, Justin Marquez; and her uncle, Steve Sisneros.

As we grieve our loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, her spirit is free and she is safe and protected in God’s hands. We know she would not want us to mourn in regret and remorse, but to think of her and smile, knowing she is forever young and was always destined to be a star.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, at Living Water Miracle Center, 6446 Edith Blvd. NE, Albuquerque.

María Dolores “Margarita” Romero

1945-2020

María Dolores “Margarita” Romero, age 75, peacefully passed away after a brief illness on Nov. 27, 2020.

She proudly retired from the village of Los Lunas, where she greeted and served thousands over the course of her career. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church in Tomé, where she attended since childhood.

Margarita demonstrated her love for so many through her acts of generosity. She hand-sewed quilts for her grandchildren and many of her nieces and nephews. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, she prepared hundreds of tamales for family and friends. Although everyone savored her cooking, she often prepared her specialty of sopaipillas and cocoa, which was originally a childhood “antojito” prepared by her nana, Elena Serna.

She enjoyed many trips within the United States and abroad; she looked forward to attending the Taos Fiestas every July; she enjoyed shopping with her granddaughters; always had a cookie jar full of Oreos for her grandson; and was a loving and loyal fan of Elvis Presley, so much so, she named her daughter Lisa Marie.

She had a flair for fashion and was often told that she could wear a gunnysack and look like a runway model. She carried herself with grace and her beauty was stunning.

Margarita was preceded in death by her father, Juan Vicente Romero; mother, Dolores “Lola” Maes; brother, Clemente Romero; sister, Luciana Garcia; sisters-in-law, Dolores Romero and Joan Romero; and her brother-in-law, Larry Artiaga.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Marie Gabaldón; her grandchildren, Estrella Marisol Flores, Javier Antonio Flores and Symone Marie Burbank; her sister, Marta Romero Artiaga; and three brothers, Domingo Ireño Romero (Blinky), Jacobo Romero and wife, Betty, and Eduardo (Edward) Romero and wife, Tina. She is also survived by many very special nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19, capacity is limited, face masks and social distancing are required, and physical contact is highly discouraged.

Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Tomé on Thursday, Dec. 3, beginning with a viewing at 10 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 11 a.m., a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. and interment following at Tomé Catholic Cemetery.

Margarita, Puckett, Margara, Margaret, Marge, thank you for all that you gave of yourself and for your unending love and kindness. Nunca olvidaremos tus ojitos verdes.

Pallbearers will be Clem Romero Jr., Ricky Romero, Martín Romero, Joshua Garcia, Manuel Artiaga and Javier Flores.

Her daughter and grandchildren would like to thank everyone, near and far, for their prayers, cards, letters, flowers, food, support and all the expressions of love that were shared. The family would also like to thank Ambercare for their exceptional home care, and to her compassionate oncology team, Dr. Erika Maestas and Lynn Saavedra, RN, from the University of New Mexico Cancer Center.

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

Edward J. Sanchez

1955-2020

Edward J. Sanchez, age 65, a resident of Adelino, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Nov. 24, 2020, reunited with his dad, mom and brothers.

He was a jack of all trades, and worked for Sandia National Labs for many years as a master gardener. Edward loved to spend time with family, go for walks and ride his bike. He was an avid softball and hardball player and was considered the best pitcher on the valley team TWA.

Edward was so proud of his daughters and grandchildren and loved them deeply. He always had a smile on his face.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Bilialdo and Adela Sanchez; brothers, Billy (Jr.) Sanchez, Leonard (Henry) Sanchez and Manuel Sanchez,; brother-in-law, Gilbert Gallegos; and great niece, Danielle Romero Meegan.

He is survived by daughters, Selina and Theresa (Carlos); grandchildren, Savanah Torres, Shantel Lopez and Joseph Lopez; mother of his children, Brenda Chavez; sisters, Corrine, Lucy (Boni) and Theresa (Teles); and many loving nieces and nephews and friends.

Edward will be dearly missed and never forgotten. “We love you Dad and it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.”

Cremation has taken place. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will be held at a later date. Thank you to everyone for their thoughts, prayers and gifts.

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

Marcos Elijah Trujillo

1982 -2020

Marcos Elijah Trujillo, age 38, of Albuquerque, formerly of Los Lunas, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.

He was born in Farmington on Sept. 15, 1982. Marcos was a longtime North Valley business owner of Canyon Stone. He was a loving father and had a generous heart. Marcos had a smile, no matter what, and his smile would brighten the day.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Cheryl Ann Autumn; grandfather, Ernest Trujillo; uncles, Phillip and Gary Trujillo.

Marcos is survived by his loving companion, Nicole Parra; sons, Esteban Sisneros-Trujillo and Emiliano Trujillo; father, Ernest Trujillo Jr.; sisters, Cammarron and Samantha Trujillo; grandmothers, Anne Curless and Dolores “Dolly” Trujillo; three loving aunts, Liz Trujillo, Laticia (Joe) Trujillo and Silvia (Rob) Trujillo; uncle, Glenn Trujillo; cousin, Phillip Trujillo; and numerous cousins and many special friends.

There will be a graveside service at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Los Lentes Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Phillip Trujillo, Esteban Trujillo, Hector Munoz, Martin Parra, Joe Trujillo and Isaac Trujillo.

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