Obituaries

Dorothy Angelina Bustamante

1928-2019

The angels came on March 20, 2019, to take Dorothy Angelina Bustamante to her heavenly home.

She was a resident of Belen, but was originally from Albuquerque. Dorothy was born in Cimarron, N.M., on Oct. 1, 1928, to Placida and Faustine Montoya. She met her husband, Luciano, in Pecos, N.M., where they married in May 1947. They had five children, Cynthia, Catherine, Luciano, Tomas and David.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Luciano A. Bustamante; her parents, Placida and Faustine Montoya; her brother, George; her sisters, Stella, Rachel, Susie, Mabel, Esther and Thelma.

Dorothy is survived by her sister, Carmen Gonzales; daughters, Cynthia (David) Moya, Catherine; sons, Luciano, Tomas and David (Maureen); grandchildren, Jennifer (Leroy) Montano, Victoria, Christopher (Brenda), and Lenore and Devin; great-grandchildren, Laurence, Anthony, Matthew, Joshua, Zakery, Alexis and Chrisitian; three great-great grandchildren, Ezekiel, Oliver and Victoria (five generations); and many other loving nieces and nephews.

Services will take place on Saturday, March 30, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a public viewing at 10 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 11 a.m., and a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow at Sheriff Posse Café. Interment will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque.

Pallbearers are Laurence Abeyta, Anthony Montano, Leroy Montano, Christopher Aragon, Joshua Aragon and Zakery Aragon. Honorary pallbearers will be Christian Aragon, Devin Cockrill and Matthew Montano.

A special thank you to the staff and caregivers at Belen Meadows Healthcare Facility for all the love and kindness they showed towards Mom.

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

Margaret A. Chavez

1928-2019

Margaret A. Chavez, age 87, a lifelong resident of Belen, peacefully joined our Lord and Savior surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 20.

Margaret was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. She was born on Aug. 28, 1931, to Enrique and Maria Chavez Avila in Westwood, Calif. Margaret later moved to New Mexico, where she met the love of her life, Fidel P. Silva. He loved and adored Margaret and they raised their family in Jarales.

Margaret was widowed at the young age of 36 and persevered to raise seven children and her younger brother, Henry, all while caring for her mother, who was ill. She worked as a cook and had many jobs to provide for her family, with never a complaint.

Margaret’s home was open to all and you could always expect a warm meal and to hear her encouraging words of wisdom. Her humor, smile and laughter have left an imprint on us all forever.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Enrique and Maria Avila; her first husband, Fidel P. Silva; and her late husband, Joe Chavez; sons, Barney and Robert Silva; daughter-in-law, Loretta Silva; grandsons, Fermin Gutierrez and Jacob Silva.

She is survived by her brother, Henry Avila; five loving children, Frances Barboa (Pete), Eddie Lalo Silva (Mary Jane), Maryann Silva, Lydia Gallego (Fernando) and Dennis Silva (Kathy Giron). Margaret is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Fidel Baca, Jackie Gonzales, Leslie Leyba, Kim Martinez, Lenny Silva, Angelique Ladd, Fidel Silva, Zeke, Eric and Angelo Gabaldon, Janelle Otero, Samantha Cunningham, Rudy Gallego, Antonio Silva, Bonita Honeycutt, Sophia and Elizabeth Chavez and Louise Walker; 40 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and countless family and friends.

She was the epitome of strength and love and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.

All services were held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 26. Interment followed at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers were Eddie Lalo Silva, Dennis Silva, Antonio Silva, Fidel Baca, Fernando Gallego and Zeke and Angelo Gabaldon. Honorary pallbearers were Kim Martinez and Bonita Honeycutt.

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

Jean M. Dobbs

1943-2019

Jean M. Dobbs, 75, passed away on March 20, 2019, in Albuquerque.

She was born on Aug. 4, 1943, to the late William and Iva (Russell) McGwier in Vaughn, NM. Jean loved showing dogs, was one of the founding members of the Valencia Valley Kennel Club and the N.M. Toy Group Club.

Jean will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnny Dobbs.

Jean is survived by her son, Jeff W. Whyman and wife, Margie, of Los Lunas; brother, Rodrick McGwier; grandchildren, Audrey Nava, Abigail Cunningham and Christopher Whyman; and great-grandchildren, Natalie Nava, Emily Nava, Donovan Cunningham, Dylan Cunningham and Madilyn Cunningham.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Thursday, March 28, at the Harris Hanlon Mortuary in Mountainair. Pastor Nash will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Whyman, Joshua Nava, Matthew Cunningham Jr., Wayland Dobbs Sr., Wayland Dobbs Jr. and Ronnie Bell. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Hummel, Charles Orrie and Roddie Mitchell.

Burial will follow at the Round Top Cemetery in Mountainair.

Veva M. Houston

1940-2018

A memorial service for Veva M. Houston will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 30, at 9 Parker St. in Belen.

For more information, call 505-730-4041.

Eutimia “Timmy” Jaramillo

1927-2019

Eutimia “Timmy” Jaramillo, age 91, of Los Lunas, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus on Sunday, March 24, 2019.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend, and nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with those she cared about.

Words cannot express the special giving person she was and how much she cared and loved her family and friends. Many knew her as “Timmy,” but to her grandkids she will always be “Belen Grama” and “Big Mom,” She was a special and fun lady that everyone wanted to be around.

Timmy worked as a cook and was a foster grandparent in the Belen Consolidated Schools. She enjoyed playing bingo, especially in Las Vegas, and being spoiled by Noah and her “girls,” Augie and Elfa. Timmy liked crocheting, crafting, watching novellas, growing flowers and Christmas celebrations with her family.

She was humble and independent, and wasn’t defined by life’s hardships, but persevered and never complained. Timmy loved and lived life to its fullest and left behind many beautiful memories.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leandro and Dorothea Saiz; brothers, Gillie and Manual Saiz; sister, Maria Saiz; daughter, Priscilla Vallejos; and grandson, Michael Gutierrez.

Timmy is survived by her children, Betty Gutierrez, Tina Silva, Larry Vallejos and Victor Vallejos; sister, Vicky Carlton, as well as many loving nephews, nieces and 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 30, at Rio Grande Calvary Chapel in Belen. Service will begin at 10:30 a.m.

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

Alberto D. Lujan Sr.

Died 2019

Alberto D. Lujan Sr., age 74, a resident of Peralta, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2019.

He was a loving husband, daddy, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. Alberto was loved by everyone. He loved spending time with family friends.

Alberto enjoyed fishing, hunting, being outdoors and watching TV. He was always outside his home chopping wood or enjoying a cold beer or two and a cigarette. If anyone needed a helping hand, he would be the first one there.

The apple of his eyes was his two grandchildren. Alberto will be in our hearts forever!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melcor and Leonela Lujan; grandparents, Francisco and Reina Alderete; brothers, Melcor Jr., Billy and Frank Lujan; sisters, Ida Lujan, Nellie Gutierrez and Corine Peralta; and grandsons, David and Anthony Lopez.

Alberto is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Jane Lujan; daughter, Lillian Lopez; son, Albert Lujan Jr.; grandsons, Miguel Lujan and Brandon Lopez; great-grandchildren, Melody and Miguel Lujan Jr.; and his pet dog, Crazy 8.

Services were held Monday, March 25, at San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas.

Pallbearers were Miguel Lujan, Brandon Lopez, Michael Jaramillo, Steve Aragon, Floyd Gutierrez and Billy Joe Lujan. Honorary pallbearers were Lawrence Tafoya, Manuel Gutierrez and Tony Lujan.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas Chapel, 2211-D Main St., 866-9992.

Luis J. Luna

1933-2019

Luis J. Luna, age 85, a resident of Casa Colorada, passed away on, Sunday, March 24, 2019.

He served proudly as a staff sergeant in the National Guard, and Sgt. First Class in the U.S. Army. Luis was a graduate of New Mexico State University for agricultural education. He then taught high school math and agricultural studies for six years and was voted Teacher of the Year in 1963.

Luis also was a weights and measures inspector with USDA in Las Cruces, N.M., as well as a substitute inspector for 10 years. His favorite memories were with his uncle, who raised him. Some of his hobbies were gardening, politics, hunting, fishing and listening to Willie Nelson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Francisquita Romero Tapia and Damacio Pino Luna; and son, Mark Luna.

Luis is survived by his loving wife, Martha; children, Jessica, Angelica, Denise, Cindy, Laura and Jason; sister, Leocadia; grandchildren, Alexandra, Mark, Liliana, Maya and Julian; and great-grandson, Gunner.

A public viewing and Rosary were held on Wednesday, March 27, at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel. A final viewing will be held at 9 a.m., on Thursday, March 28, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at 9 a.m., Friday, March 29, at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jessica Luna, Angelica Barela, Julian Luna, Mark Luna, Jim Malkoski, Fidel Luna and Marcel Pecastaing.

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.

Ira Rosie (Ashcroft) Morehouse

1924-2019

Ira Rosie (Ashcroft) Morehouse, of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2019, at the age of 94.

Mrs. Morehouse and her husband, Glenn, were musicians who were active in the New Mexico Old Time Fiddlers Association and helped organize and participate in fiddle contests across the Southwest. Ira taught herself to play the piano in her 60s to accompany Glenn’s fiddle and other top-notch musicians.

Mrs. Morehouse grew up on a sheep ranch near Ramah, N.M., during the Great Depression, a town partly settled by her Mormon pioneer ancestors during the late 1800s. Mrs. Morehouse enjoyed cooking, baking and tending to her beautiful flower garden.

She was well known for her sense of humor and colorful life stories; making people laugh and smile everywhere she went.

Mrs. Morehouse is preceded in death by husband, Glenn Morehouse; parents, Bertha and Wilford Ashcroft; and siblings, Betty, Laverda, Ollie, Tony and Rex.

She is survived by her brother, Earl Ashcroft, of Mancos, Colo.; daughter, Glenna Roberts and husband, Chuck Roberts; grandson, Dalton Roberts, of Los Lunas; daughter, Karen Kingston and husband, Alford Kingston, of Los Chavez; grandson, Justin Prieto and wife, Blanca, of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Kristy Sweeney and husband, Andrew Sweeney; and great-grandchildren, Glenn, Thomas, Ashly, Andrew and Angie Lucy.

Services will take place on Saturday, April 6, at Romero Funeral Home Chapel, with a viewing at 9 a.m., and a celebration of life at 10 a.m.

Interment will take place at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 8, at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

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

Dennis A. Sanchez

1954-2019

Dennis A. Sanchez, age 64, a resident of Belen, passed away on March 18, 2019.

He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Dennis was a teacher for more than 30 years in the Belen and Socorro schools, where he was also a boys basketball coach. He was a loving father, coach, mentor and friend.

Over the course of his 30-plus year career, he strived to improve the life of every student. Dennis was a football, basketball and baseball coach with Belen Consolidated Schools, and later other New Mexico districts.

He had a passion for coaching, especially his two sons, Marc and Dale, in sports and throughout life. He will always be remembered for that special 1985 run. Dennis lived a strong three quarters, but the Lord took him before the final buzzer.

Dennis is preceded in death by his mother, Olie Sanchez; and father, Tony Sanchez Jr.

Dennis is survived by his sons, Dale and Marc Sanchez; and mother of his children, Regina Sanchez.

Services will take place on Friday, March 29, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a public visitation at 9:30 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 10:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m.

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

Celedon S. Serna Jr.

Died 2019

Celedon S. Serna Jr., age 83, a resident of Bosque Farms, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Celedon Sr. and Clarita Sedillo Serna; son, Robert Serna; father-in-law, Manuel R. Lerma; brothers, Johnny, Willy and Benny Serna; sister, Rosie Baca; brother-in-law, Alex Huerena; and sisters-in-law, Betty Serna and Lucilla Lerma.

Celedon is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dolores L. Serna; son, Tommy Serna and wife, Janna; step-grandsons, Jonathan Diego Griego and Gerred Knight; brother, Jimmy Serna; sister, Rebecca Norine; brothers-in-law, Alfonso Lerma and Richard Lerma; sisters-in-law, Marcella B. Lerma and Rebecca Norine and husband, Charles; niece, Denise and husband, Guss; and grandchildren, Amanda Rodriguez and husband, Matt, Alicia M. Beck and husband, Collin, and Roberta Seals. He is also survived by many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Peralta at 10 a.m., Friday, March 24.

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.