Obituaries

Della G. Arana

1929-2019

Della G. Arana, age 89, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2019.

She was a member of Belen Seventh Day Adventist Church, where she was very active in many ministries over the years. Della was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Throughout Della’s life, her family was everything to her and she lovingly expressed it. She worked for Los Lunas Schools in food service for many years, and worked side by side with her husband, Greg. Together they formed The Rawhider Leather Works est. 1978.

Della devoted her life of service to others and shared her love of Christ through music, praying for others, hospitality, teaching and faithfully visiting shut ins. She will be greatly missed by all. Della was a blessing to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gregorio Arana; and son, Steven Arana.

Della is survived by her son, David Arana and wife, Adriana; daughter, Debbie Wheeler; grandchildren, Nikki Arana, Joaquin Arana, Troy Bennett, Benjamin S. Wheeler, Aubrey Burson and husband, Toby; great-grandchildren, Sheldon McKibben, Janie Wheeler and Benjamin G. Wheeler.

All services will be held Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel on Monday, July 8. A viewing will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a Funeral Service to be celebrated at 9 a.m. A reception will follow at Noblin Funeral Service. Interment will take place at Reserve SDA Cemetery in Reserve following the reception.

Pallbearers will be Troy Bennett, Benjamin Wheeler, Joaquin Arana, Sheldon McKibben, Toby Burson and Benjamin G. Wheeler.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Jamie, Rachel, Richard and Roseanne with Ambercare Hospice for their tender loving care.

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.

Louis Donald Bottini

1928-2019

Louis Donald Bottini, age 90, a resident of Peralta, passed away on, Monday, June 24, 2019.

He served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, proudly retiring as a master seargent. Louis traveled all around the world, was an avid reader, collected many guns and was a John Wayne enthusiast.

He loved his wife and children, and especially loved all the babies. After retirement from the Army, he owned and operated Las Cruces Security and Franks Old World Deli, later working proudly for Sun West Bank in Las Cruces.

Louis was always up for an adventure. Louis and Rose moved to Kingman, Ariz., where they made many friends and he enjoyed working at Walmart. Finally, ready to return to New Mexico they moved to Mountainair, where he enjoyed his retirement.

In 2012, they moved to Peralta, where Louis spent many waking hours with all his many family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren until his death. He was a man of many stories and never in his life met a stranger. We will miss you, Papa Lou.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life of 66 years, Rosemary Bottini; mother and father, Louis Joseph Bottini and Mary Alice Ryan; grandsons, Jason Lee Pena, Jaime Diaz Sanchez and Daniel Ray Sullivan; son-in-law, David Spencer; great-granddaughter, Kali Bryn; and twin great-grandsons, Jose and Raul.

Louis is survived by eight children, Deborah Pena, Brenda Spencer, Richard Bottini (Yami), Cynthia Bottini, Marie Sullivan, Barry Bottini, Christine Franzoy (David) and Daniel Bottini (Trish); brother, Richard Bottini (Rene); sister, Mary Rose; 26 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 6, at the First Baptist Church in Bosque Farms. Please join us in celebrating a life well lived.

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.

Judith Ann Chavez

1963-2019

Judith Ann Chavez, age 56, went to our Lord on, Friday, June 28, 2019.

She was born on Jan. 16, 1963, in Albuquerque, and graduated from Belen High School in 1981. Judith held a variety of jobs over the years, to include an emergency medical technician, loving caregiver for her grandmother “Sweetie,” and worked with at-risk children.

She was an adventurous spirit, loved camping, fishing, baking, gardening, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Judith was preceded in death by her father, Robert P. Chavez; and grandparents, Felix and Ruby Chavez, and John and Rose Aragon.

She is survived by her mother, Rosalyn Chavez, of Belen; sons, Joshua and Carlene Mazon, of San Marcos, Texas, and Robert and Barbara Mazon, of Pueblo, Colo.; siblings, Cheryl and Willie Martinez, of Belen, and John and Holly Chavez, of Belen; and grandchildren, Dominic, Nathan, Hunter and Bianca Mazon.

All services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Friday, July 5. A visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens, with a reception to follow at Our Lady of Belen Parish Center.

Pallbearers will be Dominic, Nathan, Hunter, Bianca Mazon, Dominic Martinez, John Sebastian and Nicolas Chavez.

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.

Patrick Augustine Jojola

1960-2019

Patrick Augustine Jojola, age 58, a resident of Isleta, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019.

He was born in 1960 in Isleta Pueblo to Vicente and Mable Jojola.

Pat is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Catherine (Perea) Jojola; two wonderful children, Patrick Jr. (Jennifer) Jojola and Patricia Jojola; grandchildren Trinity, Elijah and Logan; his mother, Mable C. (Roque) Jojola; seven brothers, Joseph (Terri), Charles, Michael (Yvonne), Billy (Juanita), Ronnie (Dorothy), Richard (Vicky) and Andy Jojola; two sisters, Elaine (Diego) Lujan and Denise Jojola; five brothers-in-law, Tranquilino Perea, Berto Perea, Ruben Perea. Johnny (Christine) Perea and Leonard (Betty) Perea; sister-in-law, Ofelia (Johnny) Diaz.

He is preceded in death by his father, Vicente Jojola; sister, Rose Marie Jojola; mother-in-law, Mela Perea; and father-in-law, Johnny Perea.

All services will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church. A viewing was held Wednesday, July 3. A final viewing will begin at 9 a.m., Thursday, July 4, with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will begin at 11 a.m. at the Isleta cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Mike, Billy and Matthew Jojola, Berto, Tanty and Johnny Perea Jr., Sean Lujan and Johnny Diaz. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron, Rick, Andy, Chuck, Joe Jojola, Leonard, Ruben Perea and Diego Lujan.

James “Jim” Edward Larkin Jr.

1932-2019

On July 1, 2019, James “Jim” Edward Larkin Jr. went to be with the Lord.

Jim was a resident of Rio Communities for the past 27 years. Before this, he resided in Los Alamos for about 18 years. Jim was born July 9, 1932, to James and Grace Larkin in Texhoma, Okla.

He was the youngest of four children with three older sisters. With the Dust Bowl hitting the Texas/Oklahoma area, his family moved to Appleton City, Mo., where he was raised on his parent’s ranch.

Upon high school graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for 21 years. While in the Air Force, he met Ella Catherine Adams, the love of his life. They were married on Feb. 26, 1955, and spent nearly 62 years of life together.

During his career, they had the opportunity to live in many places throughout the United States. When he retired from the Air Force in 1973, Jim worked as a radiation control technician supervisor for 15 years at the Meson Physics Facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory. After retirement, from the laboratory, they settled in Belen, but their travels continued as they enjoyed traveling the country in their RV to explore other parts of the country and to visit family and friends.

Jim was an avid sports fan and taught his kids the value of hard work and the love of family. He enjoyed playing golf and many a day was spent on golf courses with family and friends. Later in life, he greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of bowling with his friends. He enjoyed rooting for his favorite teams, the Oklahoma Sooners, Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Catherine Larkin; his parents, and sisters, Gayle Finnell, Neva Perry and Jo McClain.

He is survived by his sons, James Larkin, of Layton, Utah, and Scott Larkin and wife, Margaret, of Los Alamos; grandchildren, Olivia Campos (Mike), James Larkin (Laureana) and Ariana Larkin (Cameron); great-grandchildren, Evelyn Roberts and Kai Campos.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, July 5, at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel. A reception will follow to celebrate the life of James Edward Larkin Jr. Burial will take place at 9:45 a.m., July 12, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust.

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.

Col. Gerald A. Lovett

Died 2019

Col. Gerald A. Lovett, U.S. Army, retired, age 89, passed on Monday, June 17, 2019, after a brief illness.

Gerald “Jerry” was raised in Belen, the grandson of Paul B. Dalies and son of Austin and Dorothy Lovett. His family started a mercantile business in the early 1900s, and in later years it became Becker and Dalies.

He attended Belen High School, then transferred to NMMI in Roswell, where he then graduated from high school and junior college. Jerry then transferred to UNM and received a bachelor’s degree in business.

He joined the United States Army and served in a Green Beret unit. After the Korean War, he transferred to the Army Reserves and retired in 1981.

Jerry owned and operated Lovett Insurance, was involved in the Rotary Club, Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited, Alumni Board at UNM, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Belen.

Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Dolores, especially ocean cruises.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Dolores “Dee” Lovett; daughter, Deborah Schneider and husband, Steve; son, Mark Lovett; grandchildren, Collin Schneider and wife, Lacie; Kyle Schneider and wife, Michelle, and Crystal Church and husband, John; great-grandchildren, Austin, Jackson and John; brother, Bruce Lovett and wife, Marilynn; and sister, Laura Bruening and husband, Jim; along with many nieces, nephews family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 21. Please email [email protected] if you wish to attend.

Barnabe “Barney” Lucero

1940 -2019

Barnabe “Barney” Lucero, age 78, a resident of Veguita, passed away on June 29, 2019.

He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. In 2010, Barney retired with 30 years of service from the city of Belen. He was the biggest Dallas Cowboys fan. Barney was proud showing his loyalty by wearing Cowboy colors. He loved being a Belen Eagle and supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Barney is preceded in death by his baby son, James Anthony; and parents, Manuel and Amalia Ortega Lucero.

He is survived by his daughter, Allison Lucero; his two sons, James (Laynette) Lucero and Eric (Marlene) Lucero; five grandchildren, Kirsten, Ashley, Christopher, Kyle and Aiden; two great-grandchildren, Kaden and Kobe; sister, Lovie Bencomo; brother, Felix Lucero; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Services took place on Wednesday, July 3, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment followed in Veguita.

Pallbearers were Christopher, Kyle, Aiden and Matthew Lucero, Ray, Leandro and Isaiah Lopez, and Justin Werner.

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

Simon Ornelas

1930-2019

Simon Ornelas, age 88, a former longtime resident of Belen, passed away in Thomasville, Ga., on April 2, 2019.

Simon moved to Georgia in 2016 following the death of his beloved wife, Bertha (Silva), to live with his youngest daughter, Elizabeth.

He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church for many years and was active in the Spanish Choir, Knights of Columbus and numerous church activities.

Simon joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Belen High School in 1949. He fought in the Korean War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart in combat. He then joined the United States Army, where he fought in the Vietnam War. He continued his Army career for more than 20 years before returning to Belen to raise his family.

Simon was a Belen High School student athlete, and was a Belen Eagle athletics supporter, who enjoyed cheering at sporting events until he moved to Georgia. He still followed the Eagles through the Valencia County News-Bulletin while out of state. He always had the biggest smile when talking about the Belen High School football team, past and present, and where his son (1987) and he played (1949). He considered all those men his brothers and sons.

He is survived by his son, Andrew Ornelas; daughters, Julia Castillo and Elizabeth Morris; his grandsons, Zachary Ornelas, Questen Morris and Anthony Castillo; granddaughters, Olivia Ornelas, Elise Morris and Julia Castillo.

Services will take place Friday, July 12, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will take place following at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Herbert Jesse Lloyd Sedillo

1956-2019

Herbert Jesse Lloyd Sedillo, age 63, a resident of El Cerro, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019.

He was a 1974 graduate of Los Lunas High School and proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1976-1979. He returned to work at Sedillo Farms and SG Construction from 1979-1986.

Later, he attended New Mexico State University, Dona Ana Branch Community College, and Vocational Institute of NM, where he received his Bachelor’s of Arts from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M., in 1991. He also received his Master of Arts from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., in 1993.

Lloyd taught technology/pre-engineering, drafting, woodworking, welding, construction, TV production, wrestling coach, and Spanish from 1993-2012. In his career, he was honored with many awards, such as Teacher of the Year from Ajo High School in Arizona in 2009, program Excellence Award High School from Montgomery County Public Schools in 2000, Excellence Teaching from the Chamber of Commerce in Frederick, Md., in 1996, Teacher of the Year from Frederick County Public Schools, CTE, also in 1996. He enjoyed traveling though 48 states as a truck driver from 2012-18.

Lloyd was is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Stella Chavez Sedillo; brother, Bernie Sedillo; sisters, Pepa Gallegos and Ymelda H. Sedillo.

He is survived by sons, Christian Sedillo, Lloyd Sedillo and John Sedillo; grandchildren, Isiah, Rylie, Keira, Kyleigh and Hayden Sedillo; sisters, Dolores Jaramillo, Rosemary Lopez, Vickie Otero and Marie Sedillo; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

All services took place on Wednesday, July 3, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta. Music was played by Chuy Martinez and Oti Ruiz. Readings for the Mass were done by Jeff Jaramillo, Karie Slayton and Dolores Otero-Padilla. Interment followed at Sedillo Cemetery (Cemetario de Libertad).

Pallbearers were Renee Blythe, Henry Lopez, Robbie Hogue, James Gallegos, Diego Otero and Heidi Lukinac. Honorary pallbearers were Mario Otero, Dennis Gabaldon, Ramon Torres and Joshua P. Otero.

The Sedillo family would like to thank all of you who were a part of the memorial to Herbert Jesse Lloyd Sedillo. God Bless you all!

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