Obituaries

Rachel Archuleta

1972-2019

Rachel Archuleta, age 46, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She lived a full and happy life. Rachel shared a wonderful and blessed life with her loving and devoted husband, Daniel. He was a source of strength and comfort throughout their marriage, especially during the difficult times that came toward the end.

Rachel was a proud auntie to her nieces and nephews. She loved them like her own and spoiled each one of them in her special way. Rachel became a Nina to first niece, Taeya, which was one of her proudest names.

All of her family was so special to her, especially her mom and dad, who loved and supported her in abundance. Her brothers enjoyed pestering her and made her crazy at times, but she still thought the world of them.

Rachel was an amazing person who loved to laugh, care for her family and friends, and was not afraid to speak her mind. She loved to work out and get together with her friends. Rachel was truly a hero and made an imprint on each and every heart she encountered.

She was preceded in death by her father- and mother-in-law, Teodoro and Eliza; grandparents, Gramita (Josefita), Tata, Carlota, Pablo and Manuelita; uncles and aunts, Roland, Eloy, Larry, Stanley, Robert, Helen, Ramona, Wayne, Lucilla and Ronica; cousins, Stephanie, Justin and Marisa; nephew, Gary Archuleta; and brother-in-law, Sam Olguin.

Rachel is survived by her husband, Daniel; mother and father, Ruben and Dodie; brothers and sisters, Franco (Elena), Matthew (Casey), Andre (Samantha), Leroy (Evelyn), Frank (Kathy), Bernie (Francis), Margaret and Barbara (Victor); and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A public visitation and Rosary were held on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A final visitation, Funeral Mass and burial at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens were held on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

Pallbearers were her brothers, Franco Padilla, Matthew Padilla, Andre Padilla and Casey Barela.

A special thank you to Dr. Vigil, Dr. Brown, Tiffany and the numerous chemo nurses and staff for many hours spent nurturing and caring for Rachel. The Archuleta/Padilla family would like to extend an immense thank you to all family and friends that supported Rachel and family during this difficult time.

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

Gordon T. Bridger

1946-2018

Gordon T. Bridger, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed into the loving arms of his Lord on Dec. 26, 2018.

Gordon, 72, was born on May 30, 1946, in Teague, Texas, to Osgood C. Bridger Sr. and Mildred Smith Bridger. His family moved to New Mexico when he was 3 years old, and where he resided the rest of his life.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 49 1/2 years, Roz Reaser Bridger; his loving children, Rhonda and Matthew; granddaughter, Jessica; grandsons, Austin and Christopher; and many relatives and friends.

Gordon volunteered for the service in high school and served in the Navy as a medical corpsman. He was later attached to the Marines, serving during the Tet Offensive of 1968-1969.

He graduated from North American Technical Institute in 1971 with a degree in electronics engineering technology, and worked as a computer/business machine/copier technician for the next 41 years.

He enjoyed fishing, football, car racing, gardening and farming in his retirement. He was happiest when barbecuing or simply spending time with his family and friends.

For those of you who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center’s general support fund. Gifts can be made (noting in memory of Gordon Bridger) online at cancer.unm.edu/giving or by check, payable to: UNM Foundation sent to UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Development Office, MSC07 4025, 1201 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001.

Per his wishes, Gordon was cremated and buried in the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements were handled by Riverside Funeral Home in Los Lunas.

David Cooper

1948-2019

David B. Cooper, age 70, a resident of Belen, passed away on Jan. 28, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Benson and Ethel V. Cooper; and brother, Johnnie Dale Creel.

David is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Linda; three children, David James (Beth), Tracy Dawn (DW) and Natalee Diane (Patrick); two stepsons, Ken Eugene (Faison) and James Allen (Dana); and 10 grandchildren, all of whom were his greatest pride and joy. He is also survived by four sisters, two brothers and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Interment will take place at Santa Paula Cemetery in Santa Paula, Calif.

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

Connie Renee Harris

1978-2019

Connie Renee Harris, of Los Lunas, was called home to her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, at the age of 40, surrounded by her loving family.

Renee was born in Belen on Oct. 9, 1978, to John and Debbie Harris. From the moment she came into the world, Renee was a beacon of love that people were drawn to; she was a selfless, giving soul who always cared more for others than herself.

Renee worked much of her life as an EMT and nurse’s aide, serving her Lord by helping his people, and for the last several years she served her community as a librarian for the New Mexico Department of Corrections.

Renee was a devoted and faithful member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and was a Catholic Daughter. Her devotion and love for her family was evidence of her faith in the Lord. Renee will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Renee is preceded in death by her loving mother, Debra Harris; her paternal grandparents, Clifford and Velma Harris; and aunt, Patricia (Patsy) Quintana.

She is survived by her father, John Harris; brother, John Harris Jr. and his wife and daughters, Jennifer, Samantha and Clarissa; great nieces, Avery and Erin; sister, Kelly Hodges and her husband, Greg; maternal grandparents, Eliseo and Connie Quintana; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The way Renee lived her life was to love her family, care for her fellow man and serve her community. She taught us all how to be better people and love one another. These lessons will be remembered by all those lives she touched.

All services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A viewing will be held at 5:30 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 1. A final viewing will begin at 9 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 2. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

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.

Faron J. Morris

1980-2019

Faron J. Morris, age 38, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019.

He was an active member of his community. Faron blessed those around him with his outgoing personality, and a smile that lit up the room. He loved being outdoors, and enjoyed eating different foods.

Faron attended Adelante Day Services for more than a decade. He was also a beloved member of the Los Lunas Community Program family, where he shared a home with three housemates. Faron is remembered in death by the loyal, compassionate caregivers, especially “Mamma Gloria” as well as all of the other providers and friends who loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed.

A Rosary will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

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.

Leandro Peña

1937-2019

Leandro Peña, age 81, a lifelong resident of Belen, peacefully returned to Heaven on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019.

There, he was reunited with his beloved wife, Irene; their daughter, Cynthia; and after more than 40 years, his son, Leandro Junior. He was also met by his parents, Soledad Carrejo and Frank Peña; as well as three brothers, Telesfor, Porfirio and Joe Peña.

Leandro served in the U.S. Army in Korea before returning home to Belen. There, while riding his bike down the street one day, he met the love of his life, Irene. The two married in the fall of 1959 and were married for 45 years before Irene’s passing in 2004.

Leandro laid concrete for curbs for more than 40 years throughout much of New Mexico and Texas. He reveled in knowing every intersection and neighborhood, even when he hadn’t seen it for decades. Leandro had a deep passion for cars, cookies and sci-fi movies, never reaching his fill. His sharp mind and sharper wit will be greatly missed.

Leandro is survived by his grandson, Carlo and wife, Jennifer; as well as his great-grandson, Hugh. He is also survived by his brothers, Ignacio and wife, Nina, Albert and wife, Linda, Nefe and wife, Abigail, and Phillip; his sister, Sylvia Doleckyi and husband, Tony; and his sister-in-law, Carla Peña.

He will be greatly missed by his many loving nieces, nephews and cousins as well. His loyal dog, PeeWee, never left his side and is deeply grieving his loss.

A visitation and Rosary were held on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Romero Funeral Home Chapel. A final viewing will be held at 9 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude for the outpouring of love during this time.

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

Elfigo Ramon Sanchez

Died 2019

Elfigo Ramon Sanchez passed away on Jan. 9, 2019, at the age of 93.

He is preceded in death by his father, Macedonio; mother, Clara; son, Steven; grandson, Victor; and five brothers, Eulogio, James, Tobias, Tiofilo and Ignacio; five sisters, Virginia, Clementina, baby Lucia, Flora and Nicolasa.

He is survived by his youngest sister, Lucia McLain; wife, Esther; children, Cynthia, Darlene (husband, Gary) Michael, Richard, Pamela and Christine; seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was raised in Belen, and was a World War II veteran, who enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the young age of 17 with the permission of his father. He served on the carriers USS Intrepid and USS Essex at the battle of Guadalcanal in the South Pacific.

He worked with TWA as an airline mechanic, and ABF as a long-haul truck driver. He was hard-working and supported his family unselfishly.

A Rosary will be recited at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 8, with a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment in the old Belen cemetery with full military honors. A reception will follow at the Parish Center.

Leo P. Sandoval

1951-2019

Leo P. Sandoval 67, a resident of Santa Fe, passed away on Jan. 28, 2019.

Leo was born on Sept. 16, 1951, in Albuquerque, to Erlinda Romero Sandoval and Pete Sandoval. Leo was married to Sharon Salas for 20 years.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Erlinda and Pete Sandoval; sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Rafael Sandoval Aragon; and nephew, David Aragon.

Leo is survived by his wife, Sharon Salas; sons, Gabriel (Glenda) Salas, Ricky (Tara) Salas, Keith Laing and Gary Sandoval; daughters, Jamie-Rae (Daniel) Diaz and Elena (Brent) Wood; and many loving grandchildren.

Leo was a dedicated employee for the state of New Mexico for more than 20 years. Leo was a die-hard sports fan and loved the Dallas Cowboys, Dodgers, Celtics and Lobos.

Pallbearers were Peter Aragon, Robert Duran, Daniel Diaz and Ricky Salas. Honorary pallbearers were Kayla Salas, Jordyn Diaz, Daniel Diaz Jr., Jordan Wood, Hannah Wood, Preston Wood, Josiah Anzures and GabryAnna Salas.

A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Kiva Chapel of Light, 417 East Rodeo Road, Santa Fe. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1, at the Kiva Chapel of Light.

Carolyn Trujillo

Died 2019

Carolyn Trujillo, age 52, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019.

Carolyn was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Peralta, New Mexico.

She is preceded in death by her father, Deacon Joe Trujillo; brother, Joseph (JoJo) Trujillo; grandmother, Maria H. Trujillo; grandmother, Estefanita Montoya; and several aunts and uncles.

Carolyn is survived by her mother, Margaret Trujillo; nephew, Andrew McDonald; “The Girls,” Stephanie Sena and Jessica McDonald; great nephews, Xaiden and Damien Sena and William McDonald; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and her beloved parish family.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta on Thursday, Jan. 31, beginning with at viewing at 9:30 a.m., a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., and the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Valencia Cemetery immediately following.

Pallbearers will be Cody Sena, Adam Winslow, Richard Garcia, Melchoir Martinez, Xaiden Sena and David Gallegos. Honorary pallbearer will be Earnest Montoya.

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.