Obituaries (Dec. 9)

Wanda Barnes

1966-2021

Wanda Barnes, born May 4, 1932, passed away peacefully at home Dec. 2, 2021, at 89 years old.

Wanda battled a long fight of dementia; mom’s dementia started in her 50s, but she did not let that stop her from enjoying her family and her life to the fullest, even though in the end her mind gave up.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gertrude Loveless; her husband, Lloyd E. Barnes; and her five siblings.

She is survived by sons, Charles Barnes, Charles’ wife, Jackie, Mark Barnes; and daughter, Elaine Barnes; her grandchildren, Sarah Edgell, Sarah’s husband, Carlos, RaenaMarie Wallace, Daylynn Abeyta, Daylynn’s husband, Mitchell, Austin Barnes and Addison Barnes; Wanda’s great-grandchildren, Aleana Wallace, Blake Wallace, Carina Wallace, Diego Abeyta and Amelia Abeyta; and many family and friends.

Wanda was born in Albuquerque in 1932, a true native New Mexican. She graduated from the old Albuquerque High School, became a secretary at Sandia Labs, and met her husband, Lloyd Barnes. In their 50 plus years of marriage, they enjoyed dancing after Lloyd took dance lessons to waltz the night away; they also enjoyed playing golf, family get-togethers, and most of all camping and hiking.

Wanda’s faith in Jesus kept her going even in the end; she was still laughing and singing little songs in her head and trying to dance. She never let what was going on with her stop her from loving and wanting to help her family and still take care of them like she did all of her life.

Into the freedom of the wind and sunshine, we let you go, into the dance of the stars and the planets, we let you go, into the wind’s of breath and the hands of the star maker, we let you go, we love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy. Go safely, go dancing, go running home. By Ruth Burgess.

Thank you to everyone in the end who helped us take care of mom in the end, Harmony Hospice caregivers and staff.

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.

 

“Rocky” David Bennett

1966-2021

“Rocky” David Bennett, age 64, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.

Our grandfather was a man that could make anybody smile. His jokes and affability made him the one who could cheer anybody up.

Throughout his life, his priority was always family. Given the choice, he always decided to spend time with his loved ones. In his early adulthood, he traveled all over the country with his wife. He lived all over the west and south, raising his two daughters.

He settled permanently in central New Mexico with his family. Our family’s love for him was such that we all settled quite close. He was a man of many interests. He always took particular pleasure in his vehicles.

Also, he was always intent on keeping up with the latest technology. He was an avid collector of literature as well. He was a licensed Ham radio operator with the call sign KI5KOM. His most pleasurable and passionate hobby was music. He most likely had a copy of any song you asked for.

He was a grandfather, father, husband of 43 years, and a friend to all who met him. He was a Walmart associate for more than 20 years at the Walmart Distribution Center in Los Lunas. He was also a veteran of the United States Army.

We wish to thank Ambercare for the medical support and care they provided. Grandpa, you will be forever in our hearts.

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.

 

Lawrence Borrowdale

1938-2021

Larry was born Nov. 26, 1938, in Chicago, Ill., to Henry and Florence Borrowdale. He married the love of his life, Judith Bright, on Sept. 19, 1964, in Belen. They were blessed with two children.

He worked for several bowling alleys and the Santa Fe Railroad for several years, before moving to Albuquerque in 1965. He went to work for the tobacco industry in 1970, which he retired from in 1996.

Larry was an avid bowler in New Mexico and eventually earned a spot in the New Mexico Bowler’s Hall of Fame. He also loved to golf and did so frequently with his friends and family. He also loved to gamble and the Chicago Bears.

His greatest love was his family! Larry loved spending time with family and friends during the holidays and on vacations in the summertime, seeing many big cities, other countries, and national parks while camping, fishing and sightseeing.

Larry and his wife, Judy, did a lot of traveling and cruising in their lifetime. Closer to home, they enjoyed spending a lot of time around their pool, hosting (or co-hosting) parties with family and friends. Many of his fondest memories involved vacations and events with his wife, family, children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judith Borrowdale; and their children, Steven Borrowdale and Kelley Matheny (married to Jonathan Matheny). He has nine grandchildren, AnnMarie Williams (married to Thomas Williams), Nicole Smith, Leylah Smith, Rebecca Matheny, Rhiannon Matheny, Rachel Matheny, Riley Matheny, Ruby Matheny and Rose Matheny. Additionally, he has three great-grandchildren, Zachary Smith, Nolan Williams and Georgia Williams. He is also survived by his brother, James Borrowdale; and three sisters-in-law, Marlys Duran, Caryl Bright and Vicki Borrowdale, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Borrowdale; his father, Henry Borrowdale; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Pallbearers are Steven Borrowdale (son), Kelley Matheny (daughter), Darin Duran (nephew), Jonathan Matheny (son-in-law), Denise Barby (niece), Thomas Williams (grandson-in-law), Nicole Smith (granddaughter), Leylah Smith (granddaughter).

 

Betty Joe (Scott) Boyd

1933-2021

Betty Joe (Scott) Boyd, age 88, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born July 14, 1933, in Ft Worth, Texas, to William Franklin Scott and Earl Lillian Moore. She met her one and only love, Sumner Mosley Boyd, in 1951 at the age of 18. Sumner and Betty were married Sept. 21, 1951, in Los Alamos. They made their first home in said town.

Sumner’s work took them on many adventures across the country. They welcomed two children, James Sumner in 1953, and Pamela Marie in 1958. Sumner and Betty eventually settled back at their Los Lunas home, where they spent their golden years raising grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many “adopted kids” through-out the years.

In Betty Joe’s home, there was always room for one more. At any given time, her home was full of three generations of kids and all their friends. She said, “There is always a nail on the wall to hang you if you need a bed.” The Boyd’s home was full of lots of yelling, laughing and love at all times.

In 1976, Betty joined the Eastern Star in Santa Maria, Calif.; and in 1991 is when she became a member of the Jessamine 45 Order of Eastern Stars, and was a charter member of the Los Chavez Baptist Church and the spinning and weavers guilds, known as Las Arañas, and one of the founders of Fiber to Finish in Belen.

Betty was a talented spinner and weaver, creating beautiful works of art from raw wool and her all-time favorite being silk and Angora to the finished piece. She educated countless crowds over the years on the art of spinning and weaving at the local Valencia County Fair and New Mexico State Fair in the sheep to shawl exhibit.

She passed her art down to her children and grandchildren and sold her wares for many years in heritage square at the State Fairgrounds, New Mexico Arts and Crafts, Southwest Arts and Crafts, and her all-time favorite, Rio Grande Arts and Crafts.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Sumner Boyd; grandson, Jeremy Boyd; along with older brothers, Johnny Wayne, DW, Hap and Homer; and older sister, Mickie.

She is survived by her children, son, James Sumner Boyd and wife, Mary; daughter, Pamela Marie Boyd; grandchildren, Joshua Boyd, Jennie Griffin and husband, Ryan, Amy Joe Reynolds, Nicole Everett Miller and fiancée, Jason Tanner, Sarah Leggitt and husband, Scott; great-grandchildren, Jessie Boyd and fiancée, Blake Medders, Julie, Kylee Wales, Colton Wales, Gus Griffin, Ace Griffin, Jordan Richards and husband, Josh, Elizabeth House, Sarah Marie Miller, Hailey Miller, Garrett Leggitt and Sumner Leggitt; and one great-great grandchild, Callie Grey Richards; sister, Edith Pritchett; and numerous nieces, nephews and all her “adopted” children.

Services are pending. Please sign Betty Joe Boyd’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

 

Leroy Casaus

1966-2021

Leroy Casaus was born to Matilda and Daniel Casaus on Feb. 6, 1966, in Albuquerque, and passed away on Nov. 28, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Leroy married the love of his life, Cathy Perez, on May 14, 1988. Together, they raised two children, his “champ,” Elias, and “little sweetie,” Amanda, and later became a proud papa of three grandchildren, Luke, Ayla and Alec.

Leroy was a well-respected and influential leader, devoting himself to a career of 33 years to Penske Truck Leasing. He was a man of great faith, an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and enjoyed riding his Harley with family and friends, camping, hunting and being in nature.

Leroy was welcomed into heaven by his father, Daniel Casaus; granddaughter, Ayla Grace Mendez; suegro and suegra, Richard and Carmen Perez; brother, Rudy Archuleta; and brother-in-law, Chris Perez.

Leroy will be missed by his wife of 33 years, Cathy Casaus; children, Elias Casaus and wife, Brandi, and Amanda Mendez and husband, Nick; grandsons, Luke and Alec Mendez; parents, Matilda and Eugenio Archuleta; siblings, Donna Torrez (Gilbert), Carlos Casaus (Rosa Maria), Yolanda Archuleta (Mel), Wanda Martinez (Fernando), JoAnn Casaus (Brian), Mario Archuleta (Amanda), Gene Archuleta (Veronica) and Mike Archuleta (Mariana); sisters and brothers-in-law, Richard Perez Jr. (Kathryn), Dolores Marquez (Dennis), Sarah Perez (Cesar), Gene Perez (Bernadette) and Carmela Martinez (PJ); goddaughter, Miranda Gomez; special family member, Rosa Sifuentes; special dogs, Cooper and Orie; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members and friends.

A public visitation was held Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 5, with a Rosary recited afterward. A final visitation and Mass of Christian Burial took place on Monday, Dec. 6, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Tomé. Interment followed the Mass at the Tomé Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Dennis and Johnathan Marquez, Carlos Piro, Brett Schram, Mario and Santino Archuleta, Carlos Rivera and PJ Martinez. Honorary pallbearers were Luke and Alec Mendez, Daniel and Diego Torrez, Leanne Schram, and his godchildren Tania Casaus, Trinity Perez, Vicente Lovato, Carmela Martinez, and Alexis Tafoya.

The family would like thank Dr. Richard Madden for his many years of care and support.

Arrangements were 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.

 

Rene Embres

1940-2021

Rene Embres, 80, a Belen resident, passed away on Dec. 7, 2020, of COVID pneumonia. He died four days after learning that he was 100 percent cancer free from multiple myeloma.

He was a self-employed dental technician for more than 50 years in Lomita, Calif., and Belen. He also worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albuquerque for about 18 years.

Rene was a Vietnam veteran having served in the U.S. Air Force. Rene was an avid bowler. He loved fishing, going to the movies, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He liked going camping and was a member of Good Sams RV club.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Ann Embres; three children, Tracy Embres Galligan, Cheri M. Embres and Nicolas R. Embres (wife, Lisa); grandchildren, Ezzie, Rhonnie, Devin, Delaney, Alec and Haven; great-grandson, Warren; and sisters, Belia McConnell and Lee Sanchez, both of California.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and 11 siblings.

A memorial service to celebrate his life is planned for 3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 20, at the New Life Fellowship Baptist Church, 1928 Fellowship Way, in Belen. A reception will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (givenow.lls.org). The family is requesting everyone wear shirts that spark memories of Rene (Mickey Mouse, Grumpy, bowling, etc.) if possible. Masks will be required indoors.

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.

 

Ernestina G. Marquez

Died 2021

Ernestina G. Marquez, age 91, a resident of Adelino, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family in Adelino.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Tomé. Ernestina was a loving mother and grandmother; she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. They always brought a big smile to her face when they came around to visit.

Ernestina loved her hobbies of embroidery and puzzles. Her favorite part of everyday was watching the “Price Is Right: and “Wheel of Fortune.:

The Marquez family would like to thank Ernestina’s caregivers and nurses for the care they provided for her.

Ernestina is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Catalina Gurule; husband, Onecimo Marquez; son, Joe Marquez and her siblings.

She is survived by her daughters, Gloria Barnett, Conception “Chona” Marquez, Linda Marquez and Rose Gonzales (Albert); daughter-in-law, Mary Marquez; seven grandchildren, Lori, Joe Jr. (Angela), Damiana (Richard), Gabriel (Michelle), Katrina (Leonard), Jason (Jenna) and Dwayne (Tanya); 12 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Jeremiah, Sophia, Miguel, Eric, Christopher, Clint, Vince, Ashley, Carlee, Kaelynn and Everly; and five great-great-grandchildren, Jose, Cash, Angel, Francisco and Mia.

Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé. Burial took take place at Tomé Catholic Cemetery.

The pallbearers were her grandchildren, Joe Jr., Gabriel, Jason, Dwayne, Jeremiah and Katrina.

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, 2211-D Main St., SE Los Lunas, NM 87031, 505-866-9992.

 

Diana Gale McHugh

Died 2021

Tom, Elise and Rachel McHugh would like to share the news of the passing of Diana Gale McHugh.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Hankins; her father, Wayne “Pat” Hankins; and her sister, Janice Duran.

She is survived by her husband, Tom; daughters, Elise McHugh and Rachel McHugh; brother, Mike Hankins, of Lakewood, Wash.; brother-in-law, Bill McHugh, of Albuquerque; and a large and loving extended family of relatives and friends too numerous to list here. She would also like to mention the joy she has gotten from her beloved fur grand-dogs, Tipperary and Olympia.

Diana enjoyed and was grateful for her career with Los Lunas Schools and the wonderful people she worked with. She enjoyed reading and counted cross stitch and she especially loved every minute she traveled with her daughters and her siblings.

She asks that anyone she has hurt in life forgive her, and thanks everyone for all of the love, friendship, and support she has received throughout her lifetime.

Diana’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Barrett Foundation in her memory.

Please visit our online guestbook for Diana at FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH – Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, 505-823-9400, FrenchFunerals.com.

 

Verna Jean Oppenheimer

1935-2021

Verna “Grandma Oppie” Oppenheimer was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many.

She is survived by her three sons, Richard, Ronnie and Randy Ashby; her grandkids and many great-grandchildren.

She will be greeted by her mother and grandson.

She will be remembered as a loving, forgiving, and a giving woman. Her faith in God was admirable and her heart made of gold. She will be greatly missed but we will see her again.

 

 

Reynaldo A. Paez Jr.

1956-2021

Reynaldo A. Paez Jr. was born on Nov. 16, 1956. He went Home to be with the Lord on Nov. 24, 2021, at the age of 65.

Reynaldo, known as Rey by his family and friends, was born in Albuquerque, and resided in Bosque Farms.

Rey is survived by his loving companion of 27 years, Sandra Otero; children, Justin and Lucas Paez, Jacque Rodriguez (David), Marsha Otero, Teresa Childers and Yolanda Casillas; grandchildren, Angel and Heaven Rodriquez, LaRae Otero, Devin, Derek and Deandra Frazier, Darius Childers, Makayla and Damian Torres, Tori, Amaia, Jacob and Levi Paez; great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Andre, Azriel and Dezmond Rodriguez; father, Reynaldo Paez Sr.; brothers, Joe Paez (Denise) and Tim Paez (Laura); sister, Frances Gutierrez; and numerous extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Rosemary Paez; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Rey was a wonderful and loving companion, dad and grampa. Rey loved family time and although there were days he wasn’t in the best of mood, there was never a time that one of the kids or grandkids wouldn’t come in and bring a smile to his face.

His passion was landscaping. He took great pride working on the yard and he always made sure the grass was as green as could be. He enjoyed watching football, especially the Carolina Panthers. He loved “Americas Got Talent” and “The Voice.” Rey touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed.

A viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9, at Noblin Funeral Home, 2211 Main St. SE, Los Lunas. A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3674 N.M. 47, Peralta. A reception will be held at Bosque Farms Arena, 1040 Arena Rd., Bosque Farms.

The pallbearers will be Joe Paez, Tim Paez, David Rodriguez, Angel Rodriguez, Brandon Torres and Devin Frazier.

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, 2211-D Main St., SE Los Lunas, NM 87031, 505-866-9992.

 

Marilyn M. Richie

Died 2021

Marilyn M. Richie, of Los Lunas, passed away on Oct. 31, 2021.

She was originally from Garrettsville, Ohio, and lived in various places, including Alamosa, Colo., and Embudo, N.M. She and her late husband, Fritz Richie, moved to Los Lunas in 1964.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol Jackson (James); her granddaughter, Sarah Jackson; brother, Frank ”Sonny” Perdue (Ann); her sister, Kate Cumberland; and her niece and nephew, Mike and Darlene Moore, of Los Lunas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fritz; brother, Robert Perdue; her sister, Janet Wade; and her parents, Frank and Lilly Belle Perdue.

Marilyn was a registered nurse, and worked in both doctor’s offices and in various hospitals. She also served as an Army nurse, and got to live and work in Alaska and Germany, as well as Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Fort Campbell in Kentucky.

Marilyn was well liked by all who knew her, and she had many friends who cared about her. She will be missed.

A memorial service was held Friday, Nov. 12, at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque. Marilyn will then be buried next to her late husband, Fritz.

Flowers are welcome, or you can make a donation to your favorite charity in Marilyn’s name. One of Marilyn’s favorites was Christian Appalachian Project. Find them at Christianapp.org or PO Box 55911, Lexington, Ken., 40555-5911.

 

Suzanne Mary Pierce Romero

1951-2021

Suzanne Mary Pierce Romero, a resident of Austin, Texas, and Belen, passed away at her home in Austin with her husband, Dicky, and youngest son, Sky, by her side, and her son, Craig, and daughter, Melanie, also by her side in spirit.

It was 2 p.m. in the afternoon and the sun was brightly shining through her west facing windows when she peacefully slipped away, bathed in the warm giving sunlight to join her father, Phillip (Muggins, Gran Gran) Pierce and her mother, Hazel Faye Lovelady (Granny) Pierce; maternal grandparents, Mary Elizabeth (Ma) Poke Lovelady and James H. Lovelady; paternal grandparents, Vaudie Pierce and Inez Tig Pierce; uncle, Buck Pierce; aunt Virginia (Sis) Freeman; uncle, Eugene Lovelady; two special aunts, Bonnie Seeds and Nola Carter; special uncle, Dan Carter; uncle, Pat Gant; father-in-law, Arno Romero; brother-in-law, Ben Romero; and sister-in-law, Olivia Romero.

Suzanne, known to her closest friends as Suzana, was known for her brilliant smile, lighting up a room when she walked through the door, gentle charm and her kind, forgiving nature.

She was co-owner and CFO of Romero Funeral Home and has held a funeral service intern license since 1992. Suzanne was also the founder and CEO of Sunshine Flower and Gifts of Belen, which she operated for 26 years with many loyal employees.

She took pride in campaigning and winning a seat on the Belen City Council and becoming mayor pro tem in 1992. She was known to family and friends as a wonderful cook. Suzie’s kitchen was the place to be anytime she donned her apron.

Suzanne (Suzana) is survived by her loving husband of 52 years (53 years on Dec. 20), Richard Dicky Romero; three adoring children, Richard Craig and his wife, Amy Elizabeth Hall Romero, of Snowmass, Colo., Melanie Suzanne (Madoo) Romero and partner, Billy Rebelez, of San Diego, Calif., and Gabriel Sky and partner, Christina Halliday, of Sayulita, Mexico; sister, Shari Allen (Dick); three nieces, who she loved and thought of often, Robbin Brazil (Tom), Shawn Lohcamp and Stacy Lucero (Kelly), all of Albuquerque; mother-in-law, Barbara Hightower Romero; and brother-in-law, Nick Romero, of Belen; sister-in-law, Julie Dunstater, of Houston, Texas; two very special cousins who she said, “They are the brothers I never had,” and who had dubbed her the matriarch of their family after their mother/grandmother passed away, Tom Carter and his wife, Connie, of Calimesa, Calif., and Robert (Rob Dog) Carter and his wife, Danna, of Flowermound, Texas; Suzanne’s aunt, Neta Gant, of Clovis; and several other cousins on the Pierce, Lovelady, Gant and Freeman sides of the family, whom she would have loved to have known better had it not been for location. Also surviving is her special cat, Bella, whom she rescued from the ASPCA adoption program.

Suzanne’s wishes were to be cremated, and due to COVID and the flu season, services will be held at a later date at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Please be watching the Romero Funeral Home website for date and times.

Please, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Mary’s School, 10th and Church St., Belen, NM, or to any cancer charity of your choice.

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

 

Theodore “Ted” Roybal

1944-2021

Theodore “Ted” Roybal, a resident of Peralta, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, with his daughter, Monica, son-in-law, Jamin, and his grandkids, Julian and Jaelene, by his side.

Ted is survived by his daughter, Monica Roybal and husband, Jamin Palmer; son, Gabriel Gallegos; and grandchildren, Julian and Jaelene Gallegos.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Roybal, of 44 years.

Ted was born in Velarde, N.M., on Oct. 23, 1944, to Alex and Ermelinda Roybal. He was one of six children, brothers, Salomon, Benny and Inez Roybal; and sisters, Corine Keller and Emily Beatty; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Ted was a Vietnam veteran and was a paratrooper for the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He had a passion for veterans; he went to the New Mexico Legislature to propose and implement that New Mexico veterans be exempt from paying property tax. He helped many veterans apply for their benefits. He was the local delegate and officer for VFVC-Veterans for Veterans Connection Inc., a nonprofit and OFFE-Operation Firing for Effect (A subsidiary of VFVC). He also led the N.M. Veterans Families and Friends organization.

His life will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12, at Olive Tree Fellowship, 2621 Cagua Dr. NE, Albuquerque. A reception will follow the service and interment, which will be held at 2:15 p.m., Friday, Jan. 7, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

 

Ernest Henry Salazar

1946-2021

Ernest Henry Salazar, age 75,  a resident of Los Lunas, and formerly Belen, went to his eternal rest on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021.

Ernie was born in Clovis to Carmelita  Sisneros Salazar and Antonio Salazar on May 30, 1946.

After attending School in Clovis, Ernie entered the United States Army, proudly serving his country from 1963-1966 as a personnel clerk. His tours of duty included assignments to Ft. Polk, La., and 13 months in Korea. His next duty station was Ft. Myers in Arlington, Va., where he honorably stood guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by his final assignment to Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, Wash., where he was honorably discharged having received a Good Conduct medal. During this time, Ernie celebrated the births of two of his children.

Ernie began his longtime career with BNSF in 1971 as a laborer in Clovis, and completed engineer training in Amarillo, Texas,  which eventually led him to Belen in 1974, where he met and married the love of his life, Isabel Cordova in Veguita on April 12, 1975. They have lovingly devoted nearly 47 years to one another, serving their Lord, church and raising their three children.

After a lengthy career of more than 21 years with BNSF, Ernie moved into a life of serving his community in various capacities as a volunteer.

As a longtime member of Our Lady of Belen, he actively and passionately participated in St. Mary’s School, OLB Pro Life Ministry, Knights of Columbus and OLB Building Committee. Throughout his years there and although he was not a member of the choir, his love of worshiping our Lord was always evident as well as his devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist, often spending hours with our Lord in prayer and adoration, with his bride always by his side.

Outside of his church involvement, Ernie also was an active member of the Belen Railway Employees Credit Union Advisory Board, the Republican Party co-chairman, Ward 1 Valencia County, and could also be found supporting the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network and The N.M. Autism Society organizations. In addition, Ernie was also a member of American Legion, Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge.

Ernie was happiest when surrounded by family and the people he was blessed to call friends, but most especially when he was cheering on his children and grandchildren in various activities and sports. If Ernie was in the stands, bleachers, sidelines or court side, everyone knew it. His voice carried for miles and his contagious laughter and smile could not be measured. His great-grandchildren will know of a great man whom will carry on his Catholic faith,  love, passion and his legacy for generations to come.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Carmelita Salazar; siblings, Bertha and Emilio Contreras, Tony and Phyllis Salazar; and his in-laws, Fermin and Senovia Cordova.

He is survived by his bride of 46 years, Isabel Cordova Salazar, of Los Lunas; children, David (Celestine) Salazar, of Albuquerque, Rachel (Terry Dee) Curry, of Clovis, Gabriel Salazar, of Belen, Sarah (Amos) Baca, of Rio Rancho, and Nicholas (Kristen) Salazar, of Belen; grandchildren include, by order of birth, Amber (Andy) Roberts, of Clovis, Alesia Salazar, of Albuquerque, Cassandra (Justin) Sanders, of  Fritch, Texas, Seth Curry (Elliott), of Greenville, S.C., Degan, Prestyn and Cruz Baca, of Rio Rancho, Riley, Logan and Oliver Salazar, of Belen, Gustavo and Violet Salazar, of Belen, and Nicholas Candelaria, of Isleta; great-grandchildren include Niliyaah, Ricky and Anna Roberts, of Clovis, Alexa Acosta, of Albuquerque, Creidence and Gabriella Sanders, of Fritch, Texas; and siblings, Betty (Robert) Lucero, of Clovis, Benjamin Salazar, of Clovis, and Jose Emerenciano (Hope) Baca, of Clovis. He is also survived by so many loving family and friends all whom he cherished greatly.

A viewing will be held at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9. Services will be held at San Clemente Catholic Church, 244 Lunas Ave, SE, Los Lunas, on Friday, Dec. 10, beginning with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow immediately in Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen.

Pallbearers are Michael and Nicholas Candelaria, Ernest Gonzales, Andy Baca, Degan Baca and Kenny Maestas.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to some of Pop’s favorite charities in his honor, Right to Life Committee New Mexico, Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network, or the Autism Society New Mexico.

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.

 

Priscilla C. (Cordova) Sanchez

1932-2021

Priscilla C. Sanchez, age 89, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother began her eternal life on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021.

Born Feb. 29, 1932, leap year, in Alameda, N.M., to Andres Cordova and Ignacita Espalin-Cordova. Priscilla is one of seven children.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Juan D. Sanchez; her father, Andres Cordova; mother, Ignacita Espalin-Cordova; brothers, Uvaldo and Marcelino Cordova; and sister, Rita Ortiz.

Priscilla is survived by her daughter, Patricia Torrez; and two sons, Louis A. Sanchez and Juan D. Sanchez, Jr. (Amanda); grandchildren, Amanda Torrez and Nicholas Martinez (Alayna), Christopher and Josephine Sanchez, Desiree (Eric) Smith, Victoria (Gabriel) Olguin, and Luke and Augustus Sanchez; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Vivian and Peter Cordova (Theresa); sister, Josephine Artiaga; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Priscilla lived a beautiful life and will live on through the memories of all the lives she touched. She retired from the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School in 1991 after 21 years of service, selflessly caring for others.

Memorial services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, beginning with a visitation at 10 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 10:30 a.m., and Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Priscilla will be laid to rest at a later date at Santa Fe National Cemetery with her husband, Juan.

Please sign Priscilla’s online tribute at directservicesabq.com.