Obituaries (March 3)

Betty L. Almquist

1930-2022

Betty Louise Almquist, age 92, passed away at her home in Sherman, Texas, on Feb. 11, 2022.

Betty was born in Desdemona, Texas, in January 1930 to Lee Roy Payne and Lula Bessie (Thurman) Payne. When her mother passed away at age 33, Betty felt it necessary to quit school so she could care for her younger siblings.

Betty married Edward Alvin Kerby in February 1954 in Abilene, Texas, and adopted daughter, Kathy, in 1958. They lived much of their time together at Lake Pauline near Quanah, Texas.

Betty and Edward divorced in 1974, and Edward passed away in 1988. Betty married William Roy Albright in August 1976. They moved to Albuquerque and, together, managed the Meadows Senior Mobile Home Park starting around 1978. Bill passed away in 1997.

In 1999, Betty married John Almquist, a retiree and resident of the park who had moved to New Mexico from Massachusetts a few years earlier after the death of his wife. Betty retired in 2000, and she and John moved to Bosque Farms.

They joined and became very active in nearby Peralta Memorial United Methodist Church. After John passed away in 2018, Betty moved to Sherman, Texas, to be close to her beloved sister and family.

Betty was a dedicated genealogist and truly gifted seamstress who could make anything out of cloth. She was especially proud to be selected to research and produce a complete ensemble for Mary Catherine, an historical doll that was exhibited at the DAR National Convention in Washington, D.C., in 2006.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, all three of her husbands, and a number of her siblings.

She is survived by sisters, Dorothy Smith and Patricia Ritter; daughter, Kathy Stark; grandchildren, Lynn Bryant and Royce Stark; great-grandchildren, Robyn White, Alexus Daily and Adin Braswell; and one great-great granddaughter, Aoife White; stepsons, Keith, Steven and Mark Almquist; and their combined six children. She is also survived by her “like-a-son” friend, Rick Conklin, and family.

Services will be held at Peralta Memorial United Methodist Church in Peralta at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 19. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the church.

 

Paul Anaya

1947-2022

Paul Anaya was born on March 16, 1947, in Belen, to Esequio and Ramona Anaya. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandpa, and “The Badger” to the friends who knew him.

He worked at General Electric for 33 years as a machinist, and had been retired for the last 20 years. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, especially when he was at his cabin in Maestas Canyon with his wife, kids and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Esequio and Ramona Anaya; siblings, Rose Zulpo and Evangeline Anaya; wife, Helen Anaya; and daughter, Laura Anaya.

He is survived by his brothers, Louie Anaya and David Anaya; sisters, Annie Gonzales, Barbara Rubio, Diane Anaya, Theresa Anaya and Christina Pino; children, Andres and Sonya Anaya, Inez and Patrick Duran, and Ida and Robert Andrews; grandchildren, Thomas, Caitlin and Phillip Anaya, Brandon and Jeremiah Duran, and Waylon Andrews.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register and service information is available at noblin.com.

 

Kathy E. Gallegos

1948-2022

Kathy E. Gallegos past peacefully in her home on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. She was born in Santa Fe on April 15, 1948.

She is survived by her brother, Martin Ortiz, of Albuquerque.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 3, at Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas Chapel. Interment will take place following the services at Mountain Valley Cemetery in Edgewood, N.M., 41 Barton Road, Edgewood, N.M., 87015.

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, 2211-D Main St., SE, Los Lunas, 505-866-9992.

 

 

Marian Carolyn Hardy

1926-2022

Marian Carolyn Hardy (Rohla) was born on Monday, Feb. 15, 1926. She passed on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022.

She was born at home in Geneva, Neb. She was the second child born to Anton Felix Rohla and Clara Anatasia. She had a sister, Ellen Ruth; and a brother, David Anton.

Marian married Morris Paul Hardy in August 1944 and was married for 66 years until the time of his passing in 2011.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris P. Hardy; son, Morris P. Hardy Jr.; and great-granddaughter, Amelie Noelle Hardy.

She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Ferguson and Jacqueline Hardy; three grandchildren, Heather (Rob) Brisman, Joshua (Natalie) Hardy, and Bobbi (Brian) Jaramillo; seven great-grandchildren, Clara, Camille and Caroline Brisman, Katie and Geddy Jaramillo, Sterling and Easton Hardy; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Hardy.

She was loved by all who knew her and will be missed greatly. Though our mom has gone home to the Lord, we know how very happy she is to be in Heaven with those who have gone before her.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 9, at Peralta Memorial United Methodist Church, 25 Wesley Rd, Peralta. Interment will be a family only event to take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery the following day.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Peralta Memorial United Methodist Church, “In memory of Marian Hardy,” 25 Wesley Rd Peralta, NM, 87042.

Please visit our online guestbook for Marian at FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH – University, 1111 University Blvd., NE; 505-843-6333.

 

Adolfo Maldonado

1946-2022

Adolfo Maldonado, age 75, a resident of Jarales, was called home Feb. 23, 2022.

He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Adolfo was born in 1946 in Mountainair to Alejandro Maldonado and Paublita Lucero Maldonado.

He was married to the love of his life, Marcella Maldonado, and they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on Feb. 18, 2022. The two were inseparable; you never saw one without the other.

Adolfo loved working on his classic cars and participating in car shows, going to the casino, and taking afternoon drives with his wife. He enjoyed working on his yard and watching his new plants grow.

Wherever Adolfo went, people knew him and he would always stop to chat with them. He always had a big smile and he loved telling jokes. Adolfo loved his two daughters dearly, and his pride and joy were his four grandchildren. He looked forward to spending time with them and he always supported the choices they made.

Adolfo is preceded in death by his parents, Alejandro and Paublita Maldonado; brothers, Richard and Florian; sister, Dorothy Bair; and mother-in-law, Dolores C. Garcia.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marcella Maldonado; two daughters, Twila Chavez and husband, Johnny, who Adolfo thought of as the son he never had, and Mary Ann Maldonado; four grandchildren, Antoinette Chavez, Andrew Chavez Maldonado, and Selena and Jazmene Gonzales; sister, Rosie Barela (Frank); brother-in-law, Bill Bair; two future grandsons, Anthony Hernandez and Jeremiah Dominguez; and many loving nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A public visitation will be held at 9 a.m., Monday, March 14, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, followed by a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Urn bearers will be Andrew Chavez Maldonado, Antoinette Chavez, and Selena and Jazmene Gonzales. Honorary urn bearers will be Anthony Hernandez and Jeremiah Dominguez.

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

 

Daniel Anthony Montoya

1960-2022

Daniel Anthony Montoya, a resident of Belen, born June 18, 1960, passed away on Feb. 19, 2022. Daniel was 61 years old at the time of his passing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel C. and Emma M. Montoya.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Lynn Montoya; grandson, Daniel Montoya; sister, Eileen Montoya; and brother; Randy Montoya and wife, Annette. Daniel had a large extended family with aunts, uncles and many cousins.

Daniel graduated from Belen High School and went on to work for the New Mexico Department of Corrections for 27 years, until he retired.

He enjoyed fishing and camping, and was an avid Raiders fan. He had a kind heart, and he loved his family and his pets.

A Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 3, at Our Lady Belen Catholic Church, with a Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. An inurnment will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady Belen Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register and service information is available at noblin.com.

 

Allen D. Nicholson

1939-2022

Allen D. Nicholson, age 82, of Los Chavez, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022.

He is survived by his wife, Rhydonia; brother, Jerry and wife, Denise; son, Kipp and wife, Lucia; son, Lonnie and his family; son, Shane and his family; daughter, Doneen and her family; daughter-in-law, Sandy and her family; granddaughter, Ciara and husband, Cody; granddaughters, Leah and Lindsey; and great-grandsons, Gunner and Braxton.

Allen was born on July 4, 1939, to George and Pearl Nicholson of Callaway, Neb. He worked as a registered roofing consultant and was in the roofing industry for more than 50 years.

He was a long-time member of Grace Outreach Center, where he served as a board member, as well as at the Albuquerque Rescue Mission.

Services for Allen will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 3, at the First Baptist Church of Bosque Farms, 1350 Bosque Farms Blvd., Bosque Farms.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association or the Albuquerque Rescue Mission in Allen’s name.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

 

Rita L. Palacio

Died 2022

Rita L. Palacio, age 96 1/2, loving and devoted family matriarch passed away Feb. 12, 2022,

Rita was born and lived in Albuquerque until moving to Bosque Farms in 1979, and moved back to Albuquerque in 2016.

Rita was known for the boundless love and support she gave her family; her friendliness and ability to talk to anyone. Everyone Rita met was touched by her beauty, grace and peaceful strength.

Rita is survived by her extended family.

A visitation and Rosary followed by a Mass will take place at 8:15 a.m., Monday, March 7, at Holy Rosary Parish, 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW, 87105. This event will also be live-streamed from the church for those unable to attend and can be found at holyrosaryabq.org or YouTube channel Holy Rosary ABQ. Interment will follow at 1:15 p.m., where she will be laid to rest and reunited with her husband at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

To read Rita’s full obituary and find the link to view the service, please visit our online guest book at FrenchFunerals.com.

 

William “Bill” Phillips

Died 2022

William “Bill” Phillips, age 77, a resident of Belen, passed away on Feb. 18, 2022.

Bill was a member of the United States Air Force for more than 20 years, as well as a Los Lunas Police Department officer, taking his career from rookie to lieutenant before retirement.

Between the two full-time careers, he picked up woodworking as a hobby to pass some time. He enjoyed the title of “Maker of Sawdust,” as well as being a dedicated family man, while practicing his faith and beliefs.

He also would help others whether it was family, friends or strangers behind the scenes without asking for recognition or tribute. He would even try to find time to go fishing and camping, while reading countless books and listening to country music. All the while, he would lead by example and humor while setting a standard of moral character that his sons, subordinates and trainees can only hope to maintain as they try to live by his example.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie Phillips and Rosie (Trujillo) Phillips; sister-in-law, Grace Guterriez; brother in-law, Senovio Martinez; along with his youngest son, William Phillips.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Phillips; sons, Rodney and Christopher Phillips; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jackie Coon and husband, Ward, Bertha Speaks and husband, Glenn, and Carol Wisher and her husband, Jim; brother, David Phillips and his wife, Rebecca; his extended family, David and Danette Martinez, Norman Martinez, Estella and Alex Trujillo, Jose and Marry Ann Martinez; along with many nieces and nephews across the country.

At the request of the family, please no flowers. In lieu, please donate to the Valencia County Sheriff’s Toyland Fund in Bill’s name.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register and service information is available at noblin.com.

 

Carlie D. Scovill

Died 2022

Carlie D. Scovill, age 63, a resident of Belen, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Jan. 20, 2022.

Carlie was a proud graduate of the Belen High School class of 1978. Growing up in Albuquerque, Carlie could be found working by his father’s side, building campers in the small backyard garage, which was the place for family’s business called Mooncraft Campers.

Later after moving to Belen, Carlie and his father served the community with a new business called Scovill Auto Recyclers. Carlie’s love for vehicles and his ability to work on them made for a career, which he thoroughly enjoyed and spread his name throughout the automotive world as a valuable source for information regarding anything that had an engine.

Carlie is most fondly remembered by those who knew him, as always having his head under the hood of a vehicle, driving around town in the tow truck, or operating a forklift.

Carlie is preceded in death by his father, Donald E. Scovill Jr.; and his brother, Danny Scovill.

He is survived by his mother, Georgia Scovill; brother, Wayne Scovill; and sister, Charlene Waldron. He is also survived by his six nephews, three nieces, nine great-nephews, six great-nieces, three great-great nephews, two great-great nieces, as well as many loving cousins and friends.

A memorial to celebrate Carlie’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 9, at the Noblin Chapel. A reception will follow services at “The Shop,” 1341 N.M. 116, Belen, NM, 87002.

The family would like to thank everyone who has and continues to reach out with love, support and prayers during this time.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

 

Carlos Solivan Jr.

1954-2022

Carlos Solivan Jr. joined our Lord on Feb. 10, 2022. Carlos was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sept. 20, 1954.

He grew up there until he moved to New Jersey in the late 1970s. Carlos chose to serve his country as a commissioned officer in 1969 in the United States Marine Corps. He served with pride and cherished his time with his brothers in arms until 1975.

Over the years, Carlos worked hard and continued his education until he earned his PhD in environmental health and safety in 2018.

In the early 1980s, Carlos moved to Rochester, N.Y., where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. Carlos and Betty built a life together, and in the late 1990s, they moved to New Mexico and settled there. When Carlos and Betty moved to Belen, they built a relationship with the Christ, and with family, especially with his special niece, Marisol, and his nephew and godson, Antonio.

Carlos was preceded in death by his mother, Juana Rivera; and his father, Carlos Solivan Sr.

Carlos is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Solivan; his son, Carlos Solivan III; daughters, Melissa Solivan and Taina Solivan; sons, Robert Fahrer and William Fahrer; sister, Zaida Solivan (Carlos); his grandchildren, other nieces, nephews from Puerto Rico, Betzaida Leyda and Jaymarie Valeria, from New York, Joshua Brittaney Katie (mama); goddaughter, Sarah Jacob Caleb, from Washington; Azur Erin (Erick) Jocelyn; and aunt, Carol Achibald, and many other family members and friends

A memorial celebration of Carlos’s life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register and service information is available at noblin.com.

 

Gladys Vigil-Pacheco

1957-2022

Gladys Vigil-Pacheco, 63, has graciously passed away and has been called home to our Lord on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.

She was born on Nov. 11, 1957. She was a good and hardworking lady, who rarely ever called in sick. She would wake up at 4:30 a.m. every morning to get ready to go to work, and eventually retired from the state of New Mexico in 2017 after 25 years.

She loved to cook and made the best tortillas, beans and chile ever! Her creative desserts, especially during the holidays, were her signature, and her granddaughters especially will miss making and decorating biscochitos together with her and we will cherish her cookie-cutters forever.

She was funny and practical and sometimes gave gag gifts for laughs and giggles. She had a warm, gentle and understanding love for us all and was always there for us when we needed her.

Gladys was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Ulibarri Jr.; father, Acencio “Archie’’ Vigil; mother, Gloria Vigil; brother, Rupert Vigil; and niece, Roberta Perea-Garcia.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Pacheco; loving daughter, Olivia Ulibarri-Starr; granddaughters, Chantel Starr, Lacey Starr and Belle Starr; goddaughter, Alicia Vigil-Baca and husband, Kenny; sisters, Ruby Perea and Joyce Hernandez and husband, Sergio; brother, Acencio “Archie” Vigil Jr. and wife, Maria; and several nieces and nephews, Michael, Sandra and Amie Hernandez, Acencio Vigil III and Mellisa Love; also, many cousins she loved so dearly.

All services will be held Thursday, March 3, beginning at 12:30 p.m., a Rosary at 1 p.m., followed by a service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be followed by reception with baked goods and coffee at Archie’s near Belen.

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, 2211-D Main St., SE Los Lunas, 505-866-9992.