Obituaries (Dec. 30)

Bennie Cristobal Baca

Died 2021

Bennie Cristobal Baca, age, 88 a resident of Peralta, passed away on Dec. 20, 2021.

He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the United States Army, PFC.

He enjoyed ranching, farming, horses and team roping, in addition to reading, cracking jokes and telling stories. Dancing and playing with the grand and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous joy. Bennie was a great listener, role model and hero to all of us. His biggest love was his wife, his family, and his faith in God. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his father, Marcelino Baca; mother, Luisa Baca; brothers, Roosevelt Baca, Adam Baca and Marcelino Baca; sisters, Gina Padilla and Sarah Gonzales; brothers-in-law, Robert Longacre, Leroy Garcia, Nino Otero, Frankie Apodaca and Melkie Apodaca; and sister-in-law, Laurence Otero.

He is survived by his wife, Imelda Baca; sons, Ronnie Baca (Debbie), Roger Baca, Randy Baca (Karen) and Bennie Baca; daughters, Shirley Garcia (Kenny) and Jacquelyn Chavira (Anthony); 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; brothers, Manual Baca, Nestor Baca (Nellie), Neddie Baca (Margaret) and Marcelino Baca; sisters, Lita Longacre, Lily Garcia and Lina Roybal (Donald); brothers-in-law, Efren Apodaca (Rosemary) and Robert Apodaca; sisters-in-law, Connie Chavez (Henry), Patsy Jaramillo (Rudy) and Linda Gabaldon (John); and special godson, Phillip Baca.

The family would like to thank Windy, hospice nurse with Ambercare, for her compassion and support.

Pallbearers are his grandsons, Gabriel Baca, Travis Baca, Ryan Baca, Derek Garcia, Robert Baca, Nicholas Baca, Bennie Baca and Jerriko Chavira.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Peralta on Thursday, Jan. 6. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., a Rosary at 9 a.m., and Mass at 9:30 a.m.

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

 

Janet Jeane (Owens) Clark

1936-2021

Janet Clark, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021.

She had been a resident of Veguita from 1988 until March 2019 when she moved into Beehive Homes of Bosque Farms. Janet had been a member of Chihuahua Bible Chapel in Veguita and shortly after she moved into Beehive Homes of Bosque Farms, her church brothers and sisters would join the Beehive staff and residents bringing to them Bible study, music and prayer on many Sunday afternoons.

Janet’s deep faith in the Lord was lifelong. Janet was a “people person,” who made friends quickly and easily. She loved and cared deeply for her family, her friends, animals of all types, particularly the horses, and she loved life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Allen Chandler Owens; her mother, Jeane A. (Royce) Owens; her brother, Bruce Owens; and her stepfather, Lt. Col. Alfred R. MacDermaid; and by her husband of 61 years, James (Jim) Clayton Clark.

She is survived by her daughter, Jeanell Clark Atkinson and her husband, Joe; and her four sons, Craig Clark and wife, Linda; Jon Clark and his wife, Stefanie; Justin Clark and Jason Clark and his wife, Tracy; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Clark, of El Paso, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 8, at Chihuahua Bible Chapel, 1 Carlos Martinez Rd., Veguita. Burial will follow at Terrace Grove Cemetery, 1200 W. Aragon Road, Belen. Live streaming of both church and graveside services will be available for those who wish to join and cannot attend in person. Immediately after the graveside service, a reception will follow at First Baptist Church of Belen, 401 Becker Ave., Belen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation or contribution to your favorite charity in Janet Clark’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.

 

Katherine Hayes

Died 2021

Our beloved mother passed from this life to her eternal life with our Lord and God.

A commemorative memorial service for Katherine will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 6, at Noblin Funeral Service, 418 W. Reinken Ave., in Belen.

 

 

 

 

Michel Maurice Richard

1942-2021

Michel Maurice Richard died at home on Dec. 24 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

He was born in 1942 in the suburbs of Paris, where his parents, Marcel and Laure Richard, had fled from the German invasion.

He spent his youth in Vireux in the Ardennes region and also in Montauban in the southwest. The family immigrated to Connecticut in 1956.

He and his first wife, Geri, moved to New Mexico in 1965, joining many others of that generation in the back-to-the-land movement.

With a degree from Rhode Island School of Design, he tried his hand at illustration and painting and then moved on to woodwork. In wood, he had found the perfect medium.

Fifty years ago, he began making rustic furniture in his garage, soon moving to The Woodshop on the corner of N.M. 47 and 263, from where, for 40 years, he created beautiful custom furniture and built many hundreds of beautiful kitchens.

He took great pride in the adobe house and shop he built with the help of his son, Gabe, and also in the yard and garden he created on his two acres, a gathering place for family.

Michel enjoyed hiking, camping and cross-country skiing, and had a playful nature. Above all, he was known for his strong work ethic. He was a hard worker throughout his life. His embodiment of everything French was a gift to us.

Michel is survived by his wife, Debbie Christensen; his son, Gabe and daughter-in-law, Leslie; and grandchildren, Dominic and Mari; stepsons, Sam (Kerri) Christensen and Carl (Bronson) Christensen; brother-in-law, Frank Chirico; nieces, Miriam, Sonia, Rhea, Patricia and Marie Laure; and many grand-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jean Luc Richard; sisters, Marguerite Fabro and Therese Chirico.

In lieu of flowers, plant a tree somewhere for Michel and the planet.

The family is handling arrangements through Noblin Funeral Services.

 

Brian Oddo

2005-2021

Brian Oddo was born July 30, 2005, in Albuquerque, to Robert Oddo and Melissa Brown. He died unexpectedly at the age of 16 on Dec. 17, 2021, in Los Lunas.

He is survived by his father and stepmother, Robert and Traci Oddo; his mother, Melissa Brown; his great-grandmothers, Joann Beglof and Barbara Marshall; grandparents, Art and Beth Deakin, Bryan and Charmaine Berglof, and Steven and Gudrun Oddo; his siblings, Chelsie Rogers Oddo, Monte Oddo, Elizabeth Oddo, Zac Byrom, Doug Brown and Katelyn Brown. He was the youngest of seven siblings.

Brian was a junior at Valencia High School. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing video games, jet skiing at the lake and playing football. A gentle giant, he was a talented artist and enjoyed drawing. He had a good sense of humor and was always helpful to others.

There will be a visitation at First Baptist Church of Bosque Farms from 11 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Immediately following, there will be a service held for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent in Brian’s name to the American Society for Suicide Prevention.

 

Laura K. Peralta

1996-2021

Laura K. Peralta, age 25, a resident of Belen, passed away on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, from a long battle with ovarian Cancer.

She graduated from Belen High School, then went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in animal science from NMSU, and pursued a nursing degree with a focus in oncology. Although Laura did not advance in her career in animal science due to her diagnosis of stage three ovarian cancer, she was inspired to become an oncology nurse to help other people that have been diagnosed with cancer.

She was one to think of others before herself even in a time of her own struggles. Laura was the definition of strength above all odds with the grace of God she had the will power to fight against this diagnosis. She was a motivation and inspiration to all people she has been in contact with, whether it be other cancer patients, nurses, doctors, family or friends.

Laura is preceded in death by her great grandparents, Neres and Jacob Sanchez; grandparents, Junior Saiz and Nana Cecilia Saiz; grandpa, Lorenzo Peralta; grandma, Adelina Montano; and uncles, Robert Peralta and David Romero.

She is survived by her parents, Carla and Leonard Peralta; fiancé, Hugo Barraza; sister, Jacquelin Candelaria; brother-in-law, Gabriel Candelaria; grandma, Angie Peralta; uncles, Gerald Peralta, Evaristo Sanchez, Joseph Sanchez and Melecio Rudy Saiz; aunties, Jessica Saiz and Marsha Peralta; and many cousins who she loved being around.

We give thanks to all the health care providers that assisted with her care and battle with cancer. To doctors and nurses of Southwest Woman’s Oncology, Dr. Finkelstein, Dr. Wisner, Jacklyn Chavez, PA-C, Aubrey Huerta, PA-C, Maia Polinger, PA-C, Gabriela Pobar, PA-C, Rosalyn, RN, Dani, RN, Elizabeth, RN, Liz, RN, Sarah, RN, and Gabby, RN. To the doctors and nurses of Mariposa Hospice, Dr. Aragon, Dr. Lunderman, Mariah, RN, Rosa, RN, Brea, RN, and Tanya, RN.

A public viewing and a rosary were held on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A final viewing will be held at 9 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 30, with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

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

 

Rodlyn Delaney Pierce

1992-2021

Rodlyn Delaney Pierce, age 29, of Peralta, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021.

She was born in San Ramon, Calif., on May 4, 1992, to Rodney Pierce and Jackie King. Rodlyn was a kind, sweet soul. She loved life, people and especially her “Duke,” her little puppy pit.

Rodlyn loved her “momma,” and would often almost every day leave her love notes and scriptures all over the house. She lived her life the way she wanted and was as stubborn as a mule. The good news, “What Satan meant for evil, God turned it for good and took her home.” She will be forever missed, especially by her “momma.”

She is survived by her brothers, Jack Aaron and Jeremy and wife, Mei; mother, Jackie King; stepsisters, Mary Rodriguez and Sharon Craig; her niece, Aubrey Sky; cousins, Mark Lencioni and Mike Jensen; and many aunts and uncles.

She is preceded in death by her father, Rodney Pierce.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel New Harvest Christian Fellowship, 701 Main St. Los Lunas, at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 7.

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

 

Anthony “Tony” Salas

1954-2021

Anthony “Tony” Salas, age 67, our beloved husband and father, passed away unexpectedly early Saturday morning, Dec. 18.

He was born in Albuquerque on Aug. 9, 1954, to David and Stella Salas, and graduated from Del Norte High School in 1973.

Tony always had a cheerful greeting and a great smile for everyone. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend to everyone he met. Tony worked in construction for all of his life and owned New Mexico Acoustics & Specialties, Inc.

He always enjoyed what he was able to accomplish, and the last few years he was able to retire to his favorite place, Elephant Butte Lake, where he enjoyed boating, fishing and watching NASCAR on Sundays with his favorite puppies, Jax and Mia.

He is preceded in death by his father, David; mother, Stella; and brother, Allen Salas.

Tony will be forever loved and greatly missed by his wife, Victoria, the love of his life for 23 years; daughter, who made him so very happy, his “Baby Cakes,” Ashley Tia Montano (Zachary Montano); stepson, who he was so proud of, U.S. Air Force TSgt. Jonan Torres; brothers, David Salas (Valerie), Daniel Salas (Jennifer) and Donald Salas (Lisa); along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation and funeral service was  held at Romero Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 28. A reception followed at the Southwest Event Center in Los Lunas.

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

 

Lorraine Torres

1956-2021

Lorraine Torres, age 65, a resident of Peralta, passed away on Dec. 22, 2021.

She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta. Lorraine was a retired insurance agent and a former eucharistic minister to the home bound at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death by her father, Adenago Torres.

Lorraine is survived by her mother, Pelegrina Torres, of Peralta; brothers, Daniel Torres, Chris Torres (Eileen) and Milton Torres (Denise); sisters, Theresa Lockhart (Randy) and Barbara Griego (Ron); many loving nieces and nephews; and a very special goddaughter, Dr. Kristine Torres Lockhart Schepero (Will), of Manhattan, N.Y.

Services will take place at a later date.

Pallbearers will be Dominic Griego, Ronnie Griego, Lewis Lockhart, Christopher Torres, Matthew Torres and Derrick Torres.

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