David Chavez

1936-2021

David Chavez

David Chavez, age 84, a resident of Los Chavez, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2021.

He was a member of the United States National Guard, and a member of Elite Muscle for 20 years. David was an artistic contractor for more than 44 years.

He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. David loved the mountains and outdoors.

David is preceded in death by his father, Julio De Dios Chavez; mother, Maria Armijo Chavez; and brother, Joe Chavez.

He is survived by his wife, Florie Chavez; sons, Chris, Carl and Eric Chavez; daughters, Cathy and husband, David Hisam, and LoriAnn and husband, Michael Garcia. David is also survived by his nine loving grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A private viewing was held for the immediate family only, per David’s wishes. There are no services scheduled.

The family would like to thank you all for the calls, food and visits. They also would like to thank the rescue team, Dr. Chris Swayer, and Beth Chaplain.

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

Ruth Drennen

1930-2021

Ruth Drennen

Ruth Drennen, age 90, went home to be with the Lord peacefully, in her home surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 26, 2021, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

She was born Nov. 16, 1930, in Belen, to H.B. and Nettie M. McCormick. She was a graduate of Belen High School, Class of 1949. She was a member of the Rainbow Girls and Eastern Stars.

Ruth loved life and people. She will always be remembered for her wisdom, kindness, cheerfulness, her outgoing, friendly personality and her fun-loving spirit. Ruth loved to dance and would dance every chance she got with her family. She enjoyed crocheting, bowling, playing the slot machines (when she had the opportunity) and working puzzles.

While growing up and raising her family in Belen, she worked for the Oñate Theatre, the New Mexico State Capital in Santa Fe, County Courthouse, Santa Fe Railroad, Telephone Company and Monzano Meter Shop.

Ruth moved to San Diego, Calif., in 1974 and had a long career working for David Produce until she retired.

Ruth is survived by her three children and their spouses, Richard and Diane Drennen, Randy and Linda (Drennen) Janson, Mark and Kathy (Drennen) Stevens; grandchildren, Sean Summers, Ryan Summers, Danielle Sprecco, Nicholas Stevens, Stephanie Drennen and Megan Vicaldo; plus seven great-grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded by her only sister, Deola.

She loved her family more than anything in the world, and was so proud of each of them. She had such an impact on all their lives. Ruth will be desperately missed but we have confidence she is in a much better place. Before passing, she said she was looking forwarded to first seeing the Lord and then her mom and dad.

Her wishes were to be cremated and her ashes placed beside her husband, Dean Drennen, at Glenn Abbey, in Chula Vista, Calif. A private celebration of life will be held in lieu of a service.

Jason Gurule

Died 2021

Jason Gurule

Jason Gurule, age 49, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Feb. 8, 2021.

Jason was a unique individual, a one-of-a-kind person. He was a very creative and talented artist. He had a passion for writing poetry and drawing. One of Jason’s favorite past times was researching and investigating the unknown. Music and reading were Jason’s outlet.

He loved picking up a good book or jamming out to Linkin Park. Jason loved the outdoors, going on long hikes and enjoying nature.

Jason was a loving and great father, who adored his daughter, Zaida. They loved spending time together, watching movies. Jason was a great uncle who loved his nieces and nephews, also known as his hitas and hitos. He loved dearly his furry friends, Pippin, Ariel and Neville Longbottom.

Jason is preceded in death by son, Nathaniel Gurule; father, Jose Gurule; father-in-law, Arthur Lovato; paternal grandparents, Osbar and Emma Gurule; and maternal grandparents, Charles and Mary Meadows.

He is survived by his wife, Adela Gurule; daughter, Zaida Gurule; mother, Loretta Gurule; mother-in-law, Florence Lovato; brother, Keith Gurule; sisters-in-law, Anita Lozano (Chris Lozano) and Alberta Lovato; and nephews and nieces, Isaac, Patricia (Anthony), Patrick, Santiago, Trinity, Izabella, Amris and Brendan; and many loving friends.

The family is having a private service.

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.

Sally Rae Plunkett-Garland

1943-2021

Sally Rae Plunkett-Garland

Sally Rae Plunkett-Garland, 77, of Albuquerque, passed away on Feb. 8, 2021, in Rio Rancho.

A memorial will be held Thursday, Feb. 18, at the First Baptist Church of Los Chavez, beginning with a viewing at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., with Brother Boyd Moreod officiating. A reception and burial will follow at the Garland Cemetery in Chilili, N.M.

Pallbearers will be Mike Smith, Roy (Justin) Garland, Robin Garland, Glenn Mitchell, Quentin Garland and J.T. Garland. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Shrode, Jeremy Higginbotham, Kyle Stahler, Dave Lowry and Ronnie Wells.

Mrs. Garland was born in Albuquerque to Raymond Plunkett and Marjorie Shrode-Plunkett on May 10, 1943. She attended Valley High School and graduated in 1961. She married the love of her life, Roy Edward Garland, on Dec. 16, 1960.

In her earlier years, she enjoyed going out and dancing with Roy and their friends. She enjoyed taking care of her yard, which most would say should have been in The Home & Gardens Magazine.

She enjoyed sewing, creating beautiful clothing items for her children and husband to wear, drapes to decorate her gorgeous home, and other unique items that would turn heads. Sally was selfless; she enjoyed taking care of everyone and always thought of others before herself.

She will be remembered for her love of all animals, especially her hummingbirds, or hummers as she would call them, her contagious laugh and her ability to make friends everywhere she went; Sally never met a stranger. She will be remembered most for the love she had for her family, especially all eight of her grandchildren, who called her nana.

Sally is preceded in death by her grandparents, Gummer and Paw; her father, Raymond Plunkett; her mother, Margorie Shrode-Plunkett; her stepmother, Alice Vivian Plunkett; her beloved husband of 56 years, Roy E. Garland; and her daughter, Lisa D. McFarland.

Sally is survived by her daughter, Allie Smith and her husband, Mike and their children, Morgan and Laycee, of Belen; son, Roy J. Garland and his wife, Wendy, and their children, Quentin, J.T. and Rylee, of Washington; grandson, Glenn Mitchell and his wife, Melanie, and their daughter, Lorelei; granddaughter, Tracey Higginbotham and her husband, Jeremy, and their children, Levi, Ellie and Charlie, of Missouri; and granddaughter, Haleigh McFarland, of Texas

A special thanks to the wonderful ICU unit; nurses and doctors at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center for the love and care during this difficult time. A very special thank you to Sharon, our two Megans, Tonya and Amber.

Memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Los Chavez, or if you would like to make a donation they can be made in Sally Garland’s name to: Save a Rescue in Belen or to Animal Humane New Mexico.

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.

Milton Sanchez

1935-2021

Milton Sanchez

It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Milton Sanchez at the age of 87, of Bosque. He went to our Heavenly Father on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, to be with his parents, his wonderful wife, Henrietta Sanchez; and his daughter, Debbie DelaPena.

Milton is survived by his son, Mark Sanchez and his companion, Faith; son-in-law, Julio DelaPena; and many family members, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

He worked for more than 40 years as a teacher and principal in Albuquerque. Milton was a generous man, welcoming all he encountered. He always remembered his school kids, teachers and schools where he worked. Milton always had time to talk and give advice, or solve problems no matter how small.

He loved to farm, ride the tractor and harvest the crops. Milton would say, “The land will always give back, take care of it.”

He will be dearly missed by his loved ones who celebrate that he is now at peace in the arms of his Lord, parents and loving wife, Henrietta Sanchez and daughter, Debbie DelaPena. Love you dad, Rest in Peace.

Pallbearers will be Julio DelaPena, Joey Lopez, Joe Thomas, Ronald Thomas, Kenny Baca and Mike Alamanza.

A public viewing will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A Rosary will follow at 11:30 a.m., with a Funeral Mass at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

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

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The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.