Obituaries (April 1)

Sophie Gutierrez

1934-2021

Sophie Gutierrez, age 86, a lifelong resident of Los Chavez, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2021, with her two loving daughters by her side.

She was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, as well as a 50-plus year member of the Catholic Daughters. Sophie enjoyed going to the casino and playing bingo. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Gutierrez; parents, Blas and Sofia Chavez; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Abram and Gregoria Gutierrez; four brothers and three sisters, and two great-grandchildren, Noah Moreno and Marilena Gutierrez.

Sophie is survived by her children, Ralph C. (Anna), Ronnie, Abram (Mary Lou), Shirley (Kenneth) Aragon and Arlene (Paul) Sedillo; grandchildren, Michelle (Andy) Moreno, Juan R. (Angela), Leyna (Thomas) Aragon, Brenda (Justin), Ernest Blas, Juan C. and Sofia; five great-grandchildren and one sister, Ernestine Chavez; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Jeanette Zamora, Carol Gonzales, Trisha Orrie, Presbyterian Hospice, Pastor Joel and health aides, Clara, Angelica, Julie, Kodie and most importantly, as Sophie always said, “Dr. Madden, the best doctor in the whole world!”

Services took place on Tuesday, March 30, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment will be held at a later date.

Pallbearers were Frankie Chavez, Juan R. Gutierrez, Brandon Pinon, Ernest Blas Maestas, Juan Carlos Gutierrez and James Sanchez.

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

Rhoda Keiser

Died 2021

Rhoda Keiser, 97, passed in to heaven to join her mother, son-in-law and granddaughter, Brandie Barr.

She has left behind daughter, Harriet Barr; granddaughter, Christine Rodebush and Randy; grandson, Toby; many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren.

Grama retired from civil service as a nurse and moved to New Mexico to be with her family and spoil Brandie. She enjoyed her life until the last year.

She wanted no services.

Arrangements entrusted to Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas, 2211-D Main St., 866-9992. An online guest register book is available at noblin.com.

Larry Vallejos

1950-2021

Larry Vallejos, age 70, entered the loving presence of our Lord on March 25, 2021.

He was an adoring husband, father, grandfather and brother. Larry was born on Oct. 23, 1950, in Abo, and raised in Belen. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1969-1973, and served in the Vietnam War.

At the end of his service, he met his wife, Diana, and settled in Dillion, S.C. Together, they raised three sons, whom he loved immensely.

He worked as a machinist for Wix Company for 38 years. Larry enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and taking long rides on his Harley. After 48 years, he returned to his hometown to retire with his loyal dog, Luke.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Diana; parents, Nonato Vallejos and Eutimia Jaramillo; sister, Priscilla Vallejos; and aunt, Maria Sais.

He is survived by his sons, Robby (Paula), Jeff (Mandy) and Mitch; grandchildren, Larry Wayne, Mitch, Ryan, Josh and Lacey; siblings, Betty Gutierrez, Tina Silva and Victor Vallejos; sister-in-law, Jill Nelson; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Kindred Hospice caregivers for their kindness and support.

A memorial service will be held from 1:30-2 p.m., Friday, April 2, at Romero Funeral Home.

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