Obituaries (Nov. 12)

Rick Babcock

1976-2020

Rick Babcock, age 44, of Los Lunas, passed away on Oct. 29, 2020.

He is survived in death by his wife, Amy Babcock; children, Kayleigh and Josh Babcock; mother, Nora Babcock; brother, Raymond and Christina Babcock and children; sister, Ellizabeth, Saul and Rhiannon Chavez; brother, Sammy Babcock; along with many other loved ones and friends.

Rick was a very kind, generous man, helping anyone in need. Rick was in the paint and body industry. He loved anything truck related.

As an avid off road-enthusiast, he loved the outdoors. Camping and fishing were some of his favorite activities.

We would like to give our gratitude to everyone who has shown so much love and appreciation. May he rest in peace.

A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at 1620 Bryan Road, Los Lunas.

Diego Castillo

Died 2020

Diego Castillo, a resident of Lemitar, N.M., passed peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 30, 2020, at the age of 86.

He spent most of his time with family, friends, and his two cutting horses. Diego was always happy to lend a hand to anyone who needed help, and those who knew him would say that he always had a smile on his face.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Sofia Castillo.

Diego is survived by his three children, one son-in-law, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Diego will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Sofia, in the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.

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

Gale J. “Hoss” Foster

1949-2020

Gale J. “Hoss” Foster, age 71, a resident of Belen, passed away on, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.

He retired from the United States Army in 1989. Hoss was a hard-working, dedicated man, who was respected by all he came in contact with.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wentford and Blanche Foster; and brothers, Jake and Jim Foster.

Hoss is survived by his loving wife, Iris Foster; son, Bobby Foster; daughters, Marilyn Harris and Janie Dalton, all from Florida; stepsons, Mike Aldrich and Kevin Aldrich, of Vermont; brother, Terry Foster Sr.; and sister, Nancy Foster. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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.

Marina (Kramer) Maldonado

1952-2020

Marina (Kramer) Maldonado, a resident of Los Lunas, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born June 9, 1952. Marina loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Mary (Reyes) Kramer; loving brothers, Ernest “Ernie” and Rose Sandoval, George and Rudy Kramer; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Jaramillo, Nestor Garcia and Joe Sandoval; and her mother-in-law, Cecilia Maldonado.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 27 years, Leroy Maldonado; her loving, daughter and best friend, Cynthia (Dinky) Mora; her devoted and loving son, Gabriel Mora (Veronica), and her caring son, Johnny Maldonado (Vanessa); her grandchildren, Tiana, Nicole, Isaac, Octavia, Gabriel Ray, Samantha, Patrick and Bennett; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Josiah, Hunter, Adrian, Isaac Jr., Lilyana, Winter Rose and Avalene; sisters, Mary (Lipa) Jaramillo, Mela (Eppie) Ulibarri, Martha Sandoval, Christine Garcia and Erlinda Sanchez (Jessie); her father-in-law, Esiquiel Maldonado; her only surviving maternal aunt, Leonardita Duran Montano; several loving cousins, nieces and nephews and friends; special friends, Josie Gonzales, Josie Gabaldon and Emilio Mora, (father of her children); and her loyal furr-babies, Cinnamon and Misty.

Marina was a compassionate and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother (Gramma Teddy Bear), great-grandmother, auntie, cousin and friend. She would light up a room with her warm, welcoming smile and infectious laugh. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

In compliance with COVID- 19 restrictions, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

The caring professionals at Noblin Funeral Home, are in charge of arrangements.

Sandy Mae Padilla

1962-2020

Sandy Mae Padilla, age 58, a resident of Belen, passed away peacefully on Nov. 2, 2020. She attended Calvary Fellowship Church in Belen.

She is preceded in death by her father, Eloy “Duke” Padilla; brothers, Victor “Ron” Padilla and Peter Paul Padilla.

She is survived by her mother, Laura C. Padilla and husband, Marco T. Morales; brother, Frank M. Padilla; sister-in-law, Loretta A. Padilla; nephew, Elijah J. Padilla and wife, Shaylyn; nieces, Rebekah R. Padilla and Rachel J. Padilla; nephew, Paul F. Padilla; great-niece, Gracelyn J. Padilla; great-nephew, Kace E. Padilla; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Sandy grew up in Belen, attended and graduated from Belen High School in 1980. During her senior year, she participated in a federal job opportunity for young Latino/Latina seniors, which was offered under President Jimmy Carter’s administration. She applied, tested and then passed, which made her eligible to move and work in a federal government position for one full year in Washington, D.C.

Sandy had much love and respect for her senior teacher, Louisa Baldonado, for encouraging her to apply herself and never give up on her dreams. She instilled a very valuable lesson to Sandy, which she practiced religiously throughout her work career. Mrs. Baldonado said, “Always dress well and professional; if you dress professionally then you will perform professionally, and people will give you the respect that you deserve.”

After completing the one year, she was offered a permanent position with the Internal Revenue Service. During her time in Washington, D.C., she made many friends who she called her “adopted” family.

After 15 years, she transferred to Albuquerque and continued her employment for an additional 18 years. She retired in 2015 after an accomplished 33-year career. Even through many years struggling with diabetes, she fought many obstacles to continue to work as long as she could.

She then moved back to Belen and lived in the home she grew up in. While back in New Mexico, she reconnected with friends and family. Sandy was fond of her cousin, Joe Mascareñas, who she considered as a brother. Her best friend since childhood, Maggie “Magdalena” Garcia, she considered a sister.

Sandy loved her parents and three brothers very much. She loved her sister-in-law, Loretta Padilla, and her nephews and nieces. Sandy had a very dear and loyal friend and co-worker, Albert Llambi, who cared and was always there for her as she too was there for him. A special thanks goes out to him for his genuine, unconditional and sincere love that he gave to her.

Another very dear friend, Bill Taylor, was someone Sandy loved to hang out with and was getting along quite well with, enjoying camping trips and movies, but suddenly passed away this past June. She did miss him very much and struggled with his passing.

Sandy raised Chihuahua puppies who she called her “babies.” You often found Sandy with one or two of them in her arms. She always said they gave her so much love. When our Lord and Savior took Sandy to be with Him, Sandy was in her home surrounded by her “babies.”

Sandy will be very much missed for her loyalty, generosity and kindness, but especially her smile.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family has future plans to organize a celebration of life ceremony at a later date when it will be safe for all to attend. The planting of a tree and the burial of her ashes will be held at this ceremony.

Lastly, the family wishes to thank all of the doctors and medical staff for their care. Much thanks to all of the friends and family and co-workers who were always there for our daughter and sister. God bless you!

Her brother, Frank, would like all of her friends and family to view on YouTube, “If Tomorrow Starts Without Me” by David Romano, and asks that everybody stays “safe and healthy” during these troubled times. God bless you, all.

Barbara S. Peterson

1949-2020

Barbara S. Peterson, age 71, a resident of Rio Communities, passed away peacefully on Nov. 4, 2020. She was a member of United Methodist Church.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Linwood Lavern and Mary Legan Nash; and brothers, Doug and Dave Nash.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Klaus W. Peterson; sons, Peter (April) and Josh Peterson; granddaughters, Alyssa, Bravely, Kylie and Payton; sisters, Bette and Sandy Nash; and brother, Bob (Joann) Nash.

Services will be announced at a later date.

The family would like to thank Steve Denery, Rose and Ken Berkley and all the members of the United Methodist Church, as well as Patty and Phillip Gutierrez and Peter, April and Josh for all their help.

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

Alex Gilbert Sanchez

1964-2020

Alex Gilbert Sanchez, a life-long resident of Belen, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020.

He was born Sept. 24, 1964, in Belen, where he remained and called home. Alex took his job very seriously, and literally was lighting up the world. He was a hard-working electrician, and a very giving man. Not only was he committed to his job, he was also committed to family and friends.

Alex took pride in being known as the “go-to guy.” It didn’t matter the time, or day or night, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Alex was truly the most generous person. He was a joker, and had a special nickname for everyone.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Sanchez; sister, Frances Jaramillo; nephew, Lawrence Trujillo; niece, Lauren Silva; father-in-law, Froilan Gonzales; and mother-in-law, Virginia Gonzales.

Alex’s life will be carried on by his loving soulmate of 22 years, Cindy Sanchez — Their love for each other should be an inspiration to all love; sons, Alex Sanchez Jr. (Nicole), Nathan Sanchez, Carlos Sanchez and Izayah Montoya; mother, Lucy Sanchez; sisters, Anna Trujillo (Edwin), Isabel Jaramillo, Corrine Payne (Bill) and Bernadette Silva (Manuel); brothers, Joe Sanchez (Linda “Micky”) and Charles Sanchez; and two grandchildren, Theodore and Ariella; brothers-in-law, Robert Gonzales (Avalon) and Alfred Gonzales (Roberta). He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and countless friends.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at RGV Chapel of Calvary Ministries beginning at 10 a.m. A reception will follow.

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.

Roy Melburn Smith

1936-2020

Roy Melburn Smith, born Sept. 18, 1936, passed away Nov. 2, 2020.

Roy was a true cowboy. He was a successful businessman, starting his first company at quite a young age. He named it after him and his young son, Royce, RR Trenching and Excavating. He was very successful in his business endeavors.

Upon retirement, he became a rancher for 10 years. He was a hardworking and dedicated man, who won the respect of those he worked with. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Roy is survived by his wife of many years, Pauline Smith; son, Royce, and his wife, Kelle; daughter, Melba and husband, John, and granddaughters, Kayla and Casandra, and great-granddaughter, Kimber.

A graveside service took place Saturday, Nov. 7, at Terrace Grove Cemetery.

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