Obituaries (Dec. 10)

Serafico Dennis Carrillo

Died 2020

Serafico Dennis Carrillo, age 89, born in Jarales, and a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on Dec. 1, 2020, of complications due to COVID-19.

Mr. Carrillo is survived by his wife of 65 years, Francisca Evangline (Eva) Carrillo; children, Antonio Mark Carrillo and wife, Rose, Sandra C. Barry and husband, Richard, Angela C. Maes and husband, Edward, Carol Jean Hyland and husband, John, Evangeline Denise Abeyta and husband, Michael, and Armando Carrillo and wife, Denise; siblings, Marcella Chavira, Georgia Gonzalez and Alberto Carrillo; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Carrillo was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Antonio Carrillo II, Joanna Marie Hyland and Justin E. Maes.

Visitation will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1001 Meteor Ave. NE, Rio Rancho. A Rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m., and Mass of Christian burial will follow at 12 p.m. Committal service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 14, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St.

Pallbearers will be Armando Carrillo II, Diego Carrillo, Marcus Barry, Dominic Perkins, Andrea Hulsey and Katarina Hulsey.

All services are by invitation only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Arrangements by Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, 243-7861.

John Chavez

1985-2020

John Chavez, age 35, a devoted and loving father, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020.

He was born in Albuquerque, and lived in Los Lunas. John enjoyed horseback riding with his sons and best friend and cousin, Roger Chavez.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Maryann Chavez; aunt, Barbara Sedillo; cousins, Adrian Anaya, Robert Chavez and Ruben Miera.

John is survived by his mother, Elaine Chavez; dad, Alex Garcia; sons, Alex Matthew Chavez and Damon Doyle Chavez; brothers, Fabian, and wife, Desiree Chavez, and Kenneth Chavez; and aunt, Rosie. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Due to the current circumstances with COVID-19, no services will be scheduled at this 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 is available at noblin.com.

Jessie Crespin

1949-2020

On Thursday, Dec.3, 2020, Jessie M. Crespin, of Los Lunas, loving husband, father of two, grandfather of six and great-grandfather of seven, passed away at the age of 71.

Jessie was born on March 20, 1949, in Albuquerque to Felipe Crespin and Josefita Zamora. He was retired from the Department of Justice. On Feb. 7, 1970, Jessie married his wife, Mary. They raised two daughters, Sherry Jo and Kim.

Jessie was a true family man; his family meant more than anything to him. He loved to go on family trips and spend as much time as possible with his wife, daughters, grandkids and great-grandkids. Jessie also loved to work on his computer, and he collected diecast model cars.

He enjoyed watching “Gunsmoke,” “The Andy Griffith Show” and “MASH.” He was well known around Los Lunas as a man who made others smile and for his constant kindness. He enjoyed having breakfast with his family almost every weekend at his favorite local restaurant, TJs.

In his later years, he would often jokingly express how he wanted to buy a motorcycle, a camper trailer and adopt a parrot. Each time he brought up these desires, his family would laugh off his wild ideas with a lingering uncertainty as to whether or not he was truly serious.

Jessie was preceded in death by his father, Felipe Crespin; his mother, Josefita Zamora; and his siblings, Florence Aragon, Dioncio Crespin, Elaine Nordlund, Sammy Crespin and Richard Crespin.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Crespin; his two daughters, Sherry Jo Crespin-Aragon and husband, Frank Aragon, and Kim Crespin; his grandchildren, Kaitlin Rouckus and husband, Brandon Rouckus, Mariah Aragon, Jordan Crespin, Savvanah Aragon and boyfriend, Estevan Gallegos, Aricca Marquez and husband, Abie Marquez, and Alexis Crespin; and seven great-grandchildren, Orion, Alessa, Legend, Zoey, Lucas, Liam and Keanu.

Memorial services for Jessie will be held at a later date.

Richard George “Dick” Farrow

1938-2020

Richard George “Dick” Farrow loving father, grandfather brother and friend stepped into heaven on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020 at the age of 82.

His precious daughter, Cindy Lynn Newberry, was by his side. He died at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque.

Dick was born on Oct. 18, 1938, to George Alva Farrow and Fayebelle Trimm Farrow in Belen. His father was a railroad man and was transferred to Clovis, where he and Fayebelle raised Dick and his sister, Frances.

Dick graduated from Clovis High School, fell in love and married Judith Madine Stratton, of Portales. Soon thereafter, Dick began his career on the railroad as a fireman in Gallup. With Judy by his side and with hard work and determination, Dick became an engineer for the Santa Fe railroad. Dick raised his family in Gallup. His career eventually led him back to his hometown of Belen, where he worked as an engineer until retirement.

Dick and his childhood sweetheart, Judy, bought a little ranch near Bosque and built their dream home. He enjoyed his retirement and had multiple hobbies. He was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Dick was an avid hunter, an excellent gardener and wildlife enthusiast.

“Grandad,” as he was fondly referred to by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taught the family to fish and frog along the arroyos and to appreciate the beauty and wildness of the Rio Grande Valley. He camped, fished and four-wheeled. He often could be seen by the neighbors driving his RTV with a little white pup named Shadow in the passenger seat, on the way to the Bosque post office.

He loved to travel. He cruised to the Bahamas, Hawaii and Alaska, visiting many of the beautiful places in the U.S.A. Dick so appreciated the natural beauty of the Earth and fulfilled his drive to play, enjoy his life and be happy. He was a fun loving, devoted family man and friend.

Most who knew Dick knew a giant of a man with a generous heart who loved to tease. The more he teased you, the more he loved you. He would tell amazing stories of his adventures to anyone who would listen. Dick Farrow had an unmatched enthusiasm for life. All would agree that he was unique, colorful and memorable individual. He was strong but gentle enough to express his love for others without reservation. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was larger than life!

A significant event in Dick Farrow’s life was the acceptance of Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was baptized at First Assembly of God Church in Belen on Aug. 30, 2015, at the age of 76. Since that time, he served his church and its people faithfully as head usher and had particular influence in the men’s ministry there.

In the end, his faith gave him courage and peace as he willingly, confidently and fearlessly left this Earth for his heavenly home. His determination to leave the safety of this world and to be with his Lord and Savior and the bride of his youth was strong. He left this life confident in his faith.

Dick Farrow was preceded in death by his parents, George Alva Farrow and Fayebelle Trimm Farrow, of Clovis; his wife of 61 years, Judith Madine Stratton Farrow, of Portales; and grandson, Robert Martinez, of Gallup.

He is survived by his sister, Frances Farrow Boldt; son, Dr. Jeff R. Farrow, (Cheryl); and his daughter, Cindy Lynn Newberry (Brett); granddaughter, Heather Lynn Martinez; grandsons, Benjamin Jeff Farrow (Kate) and Lucas Hunter Farrow (Sarah); and four great-grandchildren, Sevilla, Emilia and Aurelia Martinez, and Hunter Levi Farrow.

There will be a private family gathering in Gallup at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to his beloved church, First Assembly of God, P.O. Box 108, Belen, New Mexico 87002, 505-864-4117.

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.

Floyd A. Garcia

Died 2020

Floyd A. Garcia, age 58, a resident of Los Lunas, born and raised in Raton, N.M., passed away Nov. 30, 2020.

Floyd had a passion in law enforcement that encompassed 38 years, retiring with Bosque Farms Police Department. He graduated from Raton High School and continued on to New Mexico State University getting his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

He had a passion for classic cars, marathons, biking, hiking and taking care of his beloved cats.

He is preceded in death by his father, Teofilo Garcia; and his loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Floyd is survived by his daughter, Danielle Garcia; mother, Pauline Garcia; brother, Fred Garcia; niece, Xena Crespin; sister- and brother-in-law, Sharon and Jared Carlson; and his nieces, Cortney and Katie Langley.

Services were held Saturday, Dec. 5, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Honorary pallbearers were Fred Garcia (brother); Edward Cortez (childhood best friend/cousin).

A special thank you to Los Lunas Police Department, Noblin Funeral Service, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Bosque Farms Police Department and all of his friends and extended family during this difficult time.

An online guest register book is available at noblin.com.

Robert “Bobby” Gomez

1938-2020

Robert “Bobby” Gomez was born on March 17, 1938, in his family home in Los Lunas to Willie and Fela Gomez. He was the fourth of six children. He passed away on Dec. 1, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Orlando and Tony; and his sisters, Betty and Nellie.

Bobby is survived by his brother, Willie. He was a father to seven children, Richard, Pauline, Roberto, Casey, Katy, James and Jennifer.

He was raised in Los Lunas and graduated from Los Lunas High School. After graduation, he worked as a machinist with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.

Bobby retired from the railroad and spent his life enjoying his retirement with his wife, Brenda, at his side. Bobby was a very kind and caring son, brother, cousin, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His generous spirit will truly be missed.

A viewing for family and friends of Bobby is scheduled for 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Romero Funeral Home in Belen. Private funeral arrangements for the immediate family are scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 18, at San Clemente Church in Los Lunas.

The Gomez family would like to thank everyone for all their love and support.

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

R. Richard Griego Sr.

Died 2020

R. Richard Griego Sr., an insurance salesman and life-long resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 25, 2020, at the age of 87.

Richard is survived by his son, R. Russell Griego and wife, Susan; daughter-in-law, Mary Viola Muller-Griego; grandchildren, Breanna Griego-Schmitt and husband, Jason, Marilyn Nicole Griego, Michele Ziegler and husband, Sean, Robert Griego Jr., Rich Griego III and wife, Rebecca, and Erin Griego; great-grandchildren, Emily and Sophia Ziegler; brother, Charlie Griego and wife, Lucy; brother, Maurice Griego and wife, Chris; sister, Rose Lopez and husband, Dan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Alice Romero Griego; mother, Bessie Morales; stepfather, Emilio Morales; father, Max Griego; and son, R. Richard Griego Jr.

After graduating from Albuquerque High School, Richard proudly served his country, joining the Army, and married his lifetime love, Mary Alice Romero Griego. Alice and Richard enjoyed more than 50 love-filled years of marriage.

They both found true joy in raising their two sons, traveling, spending time with their grandchildren and most of all, spending time on Alice’s father’s ranch in Corrales.

Richard was a consummate sales professional and won numerous destination trip awards as a top performer in his organization. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan — nothing made him happier than the early ’90’s Cowboys Super Bowl run and championships.

A true New Mexican, one of his favorite past times was heading the crew for his son’s hot air balloon. His favorite hangout was Barela’s Coffee House, a place he would frequent at least three times a week, where he often met family and friends.

R. Richard Griego Sr. will be truly missed, and our family will not be the same without him.

A small family service was held.

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.

MaryAnn Bird Mathews

1950-2020

MaryAnn Bird Mathews passed away Dec. 2, 2020, peacefully at her home.

MaryAnn was born March 7, 1950, in Albuquerque. She attended Holy Ghost Elementary School and then St. Pius X High School, where she was on the swim team and was a cheerleader. After graduating in 1968, she went on to attend UNM and obtain a certificate in dental assisting. She then worked for the Veteran’s Administration and at the Vet’s Hospital in Albuquerque. While there she met and married Leslie Gibson in 1971.

After having her twin boys in 1974, and daughter in 1978, she worked at home and was active with the family in 4-H and with the Farm Bureau. In 1987, she went back to full-time work for the government with the Bureau of Land Management. BLM employed MaryAnn at their front desk as she was wonderful with the public as a range clerk, as a representative for the Wild Horse and Burro program (she even adopted one of the wild horses), she was also a management assistant. She worked for a time with the Bureau of Reclamation in Socorro and in Albuquerque before going back to BLM to manage Operations, Labor Crew, where she became their “mother hen.”

She retired at the end of 2012 to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She was always very supportive of her children and grandchildren in their activities, whether it was baseball, 4-H, rodeo, roping, raising and showing livestock animals, baking, sewing or anything they were interested in. She was extremely proud of her three children and their accomplishments as adults, and her grandchildren and what they have done so far in their lives, too.

She loved to travel and was able to visit Mexico many times, Switzerland for a dental convention, Australia and New Zealand for a high school senior trip, Jamaica for a Christian medical mission, Costa Rica a few times with her friend, Elma Frieberg, and Hawaii on a cruise with her sister.

MaryAnn Mathews was born MaryAnn Bird to Earl A. Bird and Margaret Wessels Bird. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; and beloved uncle, John Wessels; and siblings, Michael Bird, Tom Bird and Judy Staed.

MaryAnn is survived by her children, Tye Gibson and wife, Julie, of Los Lunas, Todd Gibson and wife, Callie, of Los Lunas, and Jennifer Otero and husband, Elmer, of Tomé; her beloved grandchildren Karrisa Churchhill and husband, Paul of Bayfield, Colo., Marlo Noel and husband, Todd, of Albuquerque, Leslie and Diego Otero, of Tomé, Samantha, and Zachary and Kathryn, of Los Lunas; her sister, Betty Wellman and husband, David, of Albuquerque; nephews, Ethan Wellman and wife, Nicole, Eric Wellman and wife, Kait, and Elliott Wellman and wife, Tiffany; and great nieces and nephews, Kai, Rhys, Nova and Lexi Wellman.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the New Mexico Junior Livestock Foundation.

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.

Terry Lee Overbay

1948-2020

Terry Lee Overbay died from complications of COVID-19 at the Veterans Administration Hospital early Monday morning, Nov. 30, 2020.

He was born April 21, 1948, in Clayton, N.M., and a current resident of Belen Meadows Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Belen.

Terry honorably served in the U.S. Army, and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was a recipient of Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal; Army Commendation Medal and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

He is joining his daughter, Ashley Darlene (1995); mother, Mearle Miller (2018); and father, Lee Overbay (2020).

Terry is survived by his daughter, Alexandria Cynthia Haddad, of Albuquerque; brothers, Tom and Tracy Overbay, both of Albuquerque; his sister, Tammy Bird, of Meade, Kan.; his grandchildren, Anastasia Castro, of Albuquerque, Nickolas McNeese, of Arkansas, Anthony Haddad, of Florida, and Joshua Haddad, of Florida; his uncle, Tim, and aunt, Ann House, of Albuquerque; stepfather, Lester Miller, of Belen; and multiple cousins, nieces and nephews, who all loved him very much.

He was a regular volunteer at the VFW in Los Lunas and Belen. He loved target shooting and was an avid gun collector and an expert marksman. He also enjoyed gardening, spending time with his family, playing pool, reading, painting, drawing, eating out, thinking big thoughts, playing Santa Claus and was generous to a fault. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to his favorite charity, Joy Junction, in his name.

According to his wishes, Terry will be cremated and placed to rest at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. Services will be held in the spring.

Charlie J. Romero Sr.

Died 2020

Charlie J. Romero Sr., age 67 a resident of Los Lunas, born in Las Vegas, N.M., passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and beloved sister, Thresa Romero.

Charlie is survived by his children, Charlie Jr., Christopher, Ceaser and Chana Romero; two grandchildren, Atlas and Ocean Romero; best friend, Bub (the pitbull); sisters, Yolanda, Maryann and Lucy and their families; beloved niece, Christine; and nephew, Nugget.

An online guest register book is available at noblin.com.

Ernestine M. Sawyer

1931-2020

Ernestine M. Sawyer, age 89, a resident of Belen, passed away peacefully on Dec. 7, 2020. She was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church.

Originally from Puerta de Luna, N.M., Ernestine moved to Belen in 1967 with her husband, Robert “Bob” Sawyer, and ran a dairy in Puebletos for nearly 20 years. After leaving the dairy business, she continued to serve the community in various aspects, from working at the Los Lunas Training School to assisting in the Belen Senior Center, anything that enabled her to be around and assisting people. One of her favorite jobs was working at Casa de Pizza in Belen.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking time to teach them how to sew and to make tortillas and other recipes from her childhood.

Ernestine was preceded in death by a son, Michael, “Mikey”; parents, Martin and Florentina Chavez; brothers, Joe, Tom and Lalo; and sister and brother-in-law, Natalie and Andy Hall.

She is survived by her children, Roberta and Danny Goodson, Martin and Wendy Sawyer, Leroy and Shannon Sawyer, Daniel and Suzanne Sawyer, Deanna and Frank Montoya and Chris and Tiffany Sawyer; grandchildren, Matt Goodson and Pam, Tracy Goodson and Ronnie, Robert and Shar Sawyer, Christopher and Chanelle Sawyer, Jessica Reyes, Zabrina Barba and Josh, Stephen Barba and Theresa, Lauren Montoya, Estevan Montoya, Taylor Sawyer and Eyan and Justin Sawyer; great-grandchildren, Rachelle, Danni and Toni Goodson; Nicholas, Mathew, Christany and Elizabeth Sawyer, Bella Reyes and Robert Barba.

Due to current health concerns, no viewings or visitations will be held. A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church.

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

Heather Lynn Stevenson

1982-2020

Heather Lynn Stevenson, 38, passed away on Dec. 2, 2020.

Heather was residing and passed away in Austin, Texas. She attended Los Lunas Schools from 1993 to 2000. Heather was a beautiful, loving, caring person.

She was a free spirit and somewhat of a hippie, and worked at Nature’s Treasures in Austin. She believed in crystal wisdom and the healing power of crystals.

Heather always put everyone else’s needs before her own. She was loved by her family, her long-time pet companion, Luna, and everyone who knew her. We will always remember her beautiful blue eyes, her smile and her contagious laugh. She will be missed. Heather is now an angel and will be with us always.

Heather is survived by her parents, Kathy and Lino Pruneda, of Lorena, Texas; her sister, Haley Richardson, of Austin, Texas; her step-siblings, Sonya Pruneda (Lauren and Anthony) and Aaron Pruneda; her uncles, Jay Gifford (Burney), Derek Gifford (Margo) and Blaine Gifford; her niece, Kaelynn McDaniel; and her nephew, Dylan McDaniel. Heather also has numerous family members in Montana and California.

Heather was preceded in death by her father, Richard A. Stevenson; her maternal grandparents, Madonna (O.D. Gifford) and Olaf Smedsrud; paternal grandparents, Robert and Maxine Gollehon; and step-grandparents, Dario and Saturnina Pruneda, and James and Carolyn Richardson.

The family will be planning a celebration of life ceremony to take place later in the spring, a date and place to be determined.

In lieu of cards or flowers, you can have a star named after Heather at star-registration.com or a donation made to the Valencia County Animal Shelter in Los Lunas.

Randy E. Swisher

Died 2020

Randy E. Swisher, age 64, passed away peacefully in Los Lunas on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020.

He was born July 29, 1956, in Wichita, Kan., to Abe and Patsy Swisher. He was a 1974 graduate of Los Lunas High School.

Randy was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix anything that you put in front of him. He truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: jewelry making, enjoying friends and family, and spending time with his nephews and nieces and teaching them how to shoot his potato gun.

He was preceded in death by his loving partner, Phyllis Carver.

He is survived by his mother, Patsy Swisher; sister, Tammi Cauthen and her husband, Weldon; brother, Mike Swisher and his wife, Peggy; brother, Danny Swisher; his children, LaDawna Brooks and her husband, Brandon, and Clayton Swisher; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and others whose lives Randy touched.

Memorial services will be held in the spring 2021.

An online guest register book is available at noblin.com.

Thomas A. Tabet

1949-2020

Thomas A. Tabet, passed away on Monday evening, Nov. 30, due to COVID-related complications. He was 71. We embrace a beautiful image of his niece, Cathy; and his mom, Lily, bringing him home to the Lord.

Tom graduated from Belen High School in 1967, received his BA from the University of New Mexico in 1971, and his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC, in 1975. He practiced law in Albuquerque for more than three decades.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lily (Baca) Tabet; brother, Herman Tabet; and brother, Wilfred Tabet.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Celena Tabet, husband Steven Jaquez; his son, Jeffrey Thomas Tabet, partner Jeremy Jimenez; his grandchildren, Miguel, Gabriella and Aria; siblings, Dolores (Eugene) Schiess, Fidel Tabet, Gloria Trujillo, Lorena (Gilbert) Sanchez and Richie (Sue) Tabet; and his wife, Michelle Tabet. Tom is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff, especially Tom’s caregivers Emi and Gary, for the extra special care they provided for him during his almost 11-year stay at Manzano del Sol. Tom’s children would like to give a special thank you and blessing to Dolores and Eugene Schiess, Tom’s guardian angels, who made sure that he was comfortable, well cared for, and that all his needs were met.

As we have received many calls, cards and texts of condolences for Tom’s death, we reflect on the common themes we received of Tom’s life. Over and over, we heard “he was such a good guy …, he helped me and my family out of difficult situations …, he loved his children.” Trying to reconcile our loss, we believe Tom’s final message to us would be to live life to the fullest. Tom would tell you that if you have a problem with drugs and alcohol, get help. If you obtain sobriety, work at it everyday like your life depends on it, because it does. If you are hurt or angry with someone, forgive them and don’t give up on them. Life is short and family is everything.

Services will be announced later as the family works out details because of COVID limitations.

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