Obituaries (Jan. 14)

Estella Marie Berni

1932-2021

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, Estella Marie Berni, loving wife and mother of five, passed away at the age of 88.

She was born in Los Lunas on Jan. 28, 1932, to Jose C. and Julianita Moya. Estella was a wife to her loving husband, Frank Berni, who she married in August 1954.

After Frank retired from the Navy, they spent the rest of their lives raising their family in Los Lunas. She was the mother of four sons and a daughter — Richard Berni, Anthony Berni, William Berni, Frankie Berni and Karen Rodriguez.

Estella was a grandmother of 14, great-grandmother of 21 and great-great grandmother of three.

Estella will be remembered for her loving, open heart, her ambitious demeanor, courageous will and her amazing talent. Her family and friends were her life, and anyone who knew her had the honor to feel the warmth and tenderness of the love God graced her with. She could never be seen as a quitter, rather a “go-getter.”

Whether it be a trip to the commissary, volunteering at the local high school, doll classes or more recently, coffee with “the girls,” she always found ways to keep active and live her best life. She stayed busy and gave back to others any way she could.

Her hobbies became magic. Anything her hands created came out without flaw. Her crafts she sewed were perfect, her ceramics were beautiful, her dolls were award-winning, and her baking was delicious! Her chocolates, German chocolate cakes and bischochitos were some of the family’s favorites.

She was a woman of many talents. She was always willing to share her gift and help teach others. Her family and friends will forever treasure the life lessons she naturally gave. Her love, compassion and kindness cascaded to others. She will forever be cherished and deeply missed.

Estella was preceded in death by her father, Jose C. Moya; mother, Julianita Moya; her four sisters and two brothers, husband, Frank Berni; and son, Richard Berni.

She is survived by her loving daughter-in-law, Rosella Berni; son, Anthony Berni; son, William Berni and wife, Theresa Ulivarri-Berni; daughter, Karen and husband, Ernest Rodriguez; and son, Frankie Berni. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews and many grandchildren.

Services are pending.

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

Ernest Gallegos

Died 2021

Ernest Gallegos, of Peralta, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramona and Andres Carrasco and Rafael Gallegos; his siblings, Erlinda Hoselton, Margaret Martinez, Reina Sandoval and Pete Gallegos; and nephews, Adam Carrasco and Alan Sandoval.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 24 years, Linit; his daughter, Christina Gallegos; and sons, Matthew Gallegos (Candace) and Joshua Chavez. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughters, Laura Sandoval, and Emma and Elizabeth Gallegos; and his sister, Susan Carrasco.

Ernest was a veteran of the United States Air Force and the United States Air Force Reserve. He was employed at the Emergency Communications Center for the Albuquerque Police Department and was a corrections officer for the state of New Mexico. Along with his wife, Linit, he was the owner of Professional Process Service and Investigations.

Ernest loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, camping and horseback riding. He was a Boy Scout troop leader and Little League baseball coach for his sons. He was a great chef and enjoyed cooking and grilling for his family.

Ernest was a man of great faith. He is deeply loved by his family and friends and is leaving behind a lot of beautiful memories and a great legacy.

Our family is heartbroken; he was taken too soon but he would want everyone to know that he was more than prepared and eager to meet his Lord and Savior. We will never forget the strong, wise, courageous yet caring and loving man you were.

A graveside funeral service will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a date and time soon to be determined. A celebration of Ernest’s life will take place when occupancy restrictions are lifted.

Arrangements entrusted to Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas, N.M., 2211-D Main St.; 866-9992.

Martha Garley

1959-2021

Martha Garley, age 61, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, after bravely battling cancer. She was a member of San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas.

Besides her three sons, Martha loved spoiling her three grandbabies, whom she adored. Martha’s love of children eventually took her to her most loved occupation of being an educational assistant for Los Lunas Schools. She would say that this job allowed her to be childlike and still get paid. Martha was an advocate for her students, and always made sure they knew they were loved and cared for. She had so many funny school stories.

After leaving the schools, Martha worked for Rio Metro and later for the city of Albuquerque as a dispatcher. Her people skills allowed Martha to care for “big kids” now, making sure that they got to and from places on time.

Martha is preceded in death by her husband, Peter Garley; father, Joe R. Vaisa; sister, Margaret Garcia; brother, Leroy Vaisa; sister, Yvonne Sanchez; nephew, Arlen Clayton Romero; and brother-in-law, Arlen Romero.

She is survived by her three sons, Dominic, Derrick (Rebecca) and Jeremy Garley; grandchildren, Ariela, Geanna and Bentley Jude; mother, Soila Moya; sisters, Lillian Romero and Betty (Jose) Lovato; brothers, Morris and Roland (Rosemary) Vaisa; brother-in-law, Tony Garcia, and many nieces and nephews who knew her as their beloved Auntie Boo.

Martha had a special connection with each of her nephews and nieces, making them feel special. Her favorite thing was to tell each of them that they were her favorite! After she was done talking to them, they seemed to walk away with a huge smile on their face and a look like they had just won the lottery. Each one felt rich in their own way.

Pallbearers are her three sons, Dominic, Derrick and Jeremy Garley; nephews, Jacob Lovato, Bryan Miranda and Godson, Joshua Vaisa. Honorary pallbearers are her two brothers, Morris and Roland Vaisa.

A visitation will be held at Romero Funeral Home at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Wednesday, Jan. 20, at San Clemente Catholic Church, with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m., a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. and Interment to follow Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery in Valencia.

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

Jean Louise Rogers George

1924-2021

Jean Louise Rogers George, 96, passed into the loving arms of her Savior Jan. 8 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Water Mill, Suffolk County, N.Y., the daughter of Louis Du Bois Rogers and Rosina Christine Jones Rogers, she was raised in Bay Shore, Long Island, N.Y. After high school, she worked for New York Telephone Company, then with WWII, she joined the Cadet Nurse Corps. As a cadet nurse, she met Midshipman Earle E. George. They were married June of 1946 in Bay Shore, Long Island, at St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church.

Jean and Earle moved to New Mexico in 1948, where Jean, always active with the four children and her own volunteering interests, worked for Mountain Bell for several years, got her cosmetology degree, and worked for UNM Student Director for 17 years.

A member of a number of civic and fraternal organizations, her greatest joy was being a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was a past matron of Albuquerque #67, then a member of Hot Springs #58, serving as treasurer and on several committees.

When they moved to Belen, she transferred her membership to Jessamine Chapter #45. She served on several grand chapter state committees, most notably assisting to change the education loans into a scholarship program. Over several years, she received grand representative commissions to Quebec, South Carolina, New York and Pennsylvania. Besides being a regular at the New Mexico Grand Chapter, she attended 15 Grand Chapters in jurisdictions around the United States.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, Earle Emmett George; her parents, Louis and Rosina Rogers; and her brother, Charles A. Rogers.

She is survived by her children, William and wife, Nancy, Georgia Kitt and husband, Larry McKown, James and wife, Karen, and Linda and husband, Hollis Wilson; grandchildren, Michelle, Elizabeth, Hollyanna and husband, Ron Hooks, Hollis III (Skipper) and wife, Julie, Seth and wife, Marisa, Michael and Jacob; great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, EmmaRae, Logan, Ella, Arlo, Eve, Bayla and Solomon; her sister, Joan Wyatt-Cox; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was an inspiration and a guide, a mentor and a friend to everyone she met.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Grand Chapter of NM, OES, Education Fund.

Services will be held at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel on Thursday, Jan. 14. A viewing will begin at 10 a.m. A graveside service will begin at 12 p.m. at Terrace Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Larry McKown, Hollis Wilson II, Josh Good, Peter Werner, Chris Dempsey, Chad Good, MacKenzie McKown and Elizabeth McKown. Honorary pallbearers will be William George, James George, Michael George, Jacob George, Hollis Wilson III and Seth Wilson.

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.

Leo Montaño Jr.

1924-2021

Leo Montaño Jr., age 96, a resident of Los Chavez, born May 14, 1924, loving husband, father, grandfather, passed away on Jan. 8, 2021.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Montaño; sons, Michael and Victor Montaño; brothers, Paul, Florencio, Pat and Tito Montaño; and granddaughters, Stephanie Baca and Monique Montaño.

Leo is survived by his children, Leonard Montaño and wife, Rosemarie, Theresa Lucero and husband, LeeRoy, and daughter, Emily Montaño; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Due to COVID-19, private services will be held at San Clemente Catholic Church with burial following at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

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

Nora Vialpando Moya

1934-2021

Nora Vialpando Moya, age 86, a resident of Peralta, passed away last Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, after a brief battle with COVID-19.

She was a very active and dedicated member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta.

Nora is preceded in death, most recently, by her husband of 67 years, Claudio Moya Sr.; her youngest son, Danny Moya; and both her parents, Horacio and Vicentita (Marquez) Vialpando.

She is survived by her two children, Claudio Moya Jr. and his wife, Judith, and Lupita Moya and her husband, Gary Zedalis; seven grandchildren, Margo Jiron (Mike), Andres Barros, Lucas Barros (Jeanette) Patrick Zedalis, Joseph Moya (Patty), Danielle Armijo (Mike) and Mario Sanchez; several great-grandchildren, two sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Nora worked for Los Lunas Schools as a cook and also at Benny’s in Bosque Farms for several years until she retired. She was very devoted to her family, who were the joy of her life! She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, a great listener and very non-judgmental. She was a beacon of light, strength and spirituality; she prayed daily and always asked for the Lord’s guidance and peace.

Nora was a person of kindness and had a huge heart with so much love to share with everyone and anyone. Nora had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and spent endless hours singing with Claudio and their friends when they played guitar.

She was a fantastic cook, a great baker and always had plenty of food to share with everyone. Nora completely enjoyed social family events and gatherings. She will be so sadly missing in the Moya family, and is leaving an incredible, rich legacy.

Per Nora’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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

Bobbie Nadine Paynter

1960-2021

On Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Belen, Bobbie Nadine Paynter, age 60, rode the wings of a dove to heaven. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.

Bobbie was born Nov. 25, 1960, to Robert Vardy and Beverley Ann Yowell. She grew up in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Bobbie moved from the Albuquerque area in 1970 when she was 10 years old to Los Chavez, where, as a young adult, she finally settled back.

Bobbie was a jack-of-all-trades. She worked in many different service industries, such as hotel management, convenience stores, trucking, storage facilities and, in her final years, home health care.

Bobbie lived her life on her own terms, never backing down or giving in. She loved hard and fought fierce. Bobbie didn’t make friends, just adopted new family members. She maintained these relationships with her unconditional love, her total lack of judgement and her undying ability to forgive the wrongs done to her in life.

Bobbie wasn’t rich, but what she had she shared. She gave of herself, and if you needed a ride, food or were sick with not a friend in the world, there would be good ole Bobbie with her big heart and helping hand extended. If only we all could be so kind and benevolent, what a better place the world would be.

You will be missed more than you will ever know. Now sister, fly high on the wings of doves, back to heaven where you belong.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Vardy and Ann Loranca; husband, Dale Cox; brother, Kirk Downing; brothers-in-law, Brian Orr and Grady Wimberly; daughter, Elena Portillo; and grandson, Brooklyn Vallejos.

Bobbie is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Donald and Georgia Miller, of Portales; sister, Patricia Wimberly, of Belen; long-time companion, Steven Paynter; heart sister, Bonnie Graham, of Belen; son and daughter-in-law, Lakyeemo and Missy Granger, of Carlsbad; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial held for Bobbie at a later date when all her friends and family can gather in her honor.

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

Patrick Victor Roha

1964-2021

Patrick Victor Roha, age 56, a resident of Belen, passed away on Jan. 4, 2021.

He was a one-armed pool champion, and Dallas Cowboy lover. Patrick had a substantial impact on all who met him and those that were gifted with the opportunity to love him and be loved by him. He would lend a hand to anyone who needed it.

Patrick always had an open arm for his loved ones, and he had the ability to make anyone smile and laugh, which was a talent he perfected. He was a proud father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and loved one to many. Patrick was a man with the biggest heart and of the fewest words.

We will forever be blessed by the love he filled us with, and we will forever long for his presence.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Roha; brother, Rodney Roha; his best friend, Tommy; and many friends he considered family.

Patrick is survived by his mother, Sally Roha; his children, Michael, Thomas, Danielle and Sierra Roha; his grandchildren, Mitchell, Arielle, Maxx and Lilo Roha; his brothers, Robert, Kelly and Garret Roha; his sister, Shari Roha; many nieces and nephews, friends he considered family and his two golden retrievers, Bear and Freddy.

Due to COVID-19, a private celebration of his life will be held. Please contact Thomas or Sierra Roha for further information.

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

Edward Romero

Died 2021

Eduardo “Edward/Ed” Romero, 77, of Tomé, passed away just as he lived — peacefully — on Jan. 8 from a brief and unexpected fight with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Vicente Romero and Dolores/Lola (Maez) Romero, of Tomé; his brother, Clemente Romero; and his sisters, Luciana Garcia and Margarita Romero.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Tina (Chavez) Romero; his daughters, Clarissa Romero-Flores (Mike Flores) and Carolyn Romero (Dennis Mosqueda); his grandsons, Austin Bridger and Omar Flores; his sister, Marta (Romero) Artiaga; his brothers, Jacobo Romero and Domingo Irenio “Blinky” Romero; his life-long best friend and brother, Richard Marquez; along with countless nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Services were on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé. Burial followed at the Tomé Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Austin Bridger, Omar Flores, Martín Romero, Ricky Romero, Clem Romero Jr., Manuel Artiaga and Joshua Garcia.

The Romero family is respectful and understanding of safe and healthy social practices as necessary by all who may choose to keep their distance at this time. We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming love and support received. We know how much of a loss this is to everyone who knew and loved Ed, Big Red, Dino Ed, compadre, gentle giant of a man, nino, the Gas Man, uncle Ed, cowboy, partner, Evardo, viejo, tata and dad. He loved and enjoyed life with us all and we thank you for being a part of his joy.

Riverside Funeral Home in Los Lunas is in charge of arrangements.

Leticia Rene Trujillo

1963-2021

Leticia Rene Trujillo, age 57, went to be with the Lord surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 2, 2021.

She was born in Los Lunas, where she graduated from Los Lunas High School. She made her home in Albuquerque.

Leticia was the most generous and giving person. She loved the Lord and she was willing to share the love for the Lord to anyone that wanted to listen. Her family meant everything to her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Trujillo Sr.; brothers, Phillip and Gary Trujillo; nephew, Marcus Trujillo; maternal grandparents, Lydia and Bennie Tapia; paternal grandparents, Felipe and Manulita Trujillo; uncles, Steve Tapia and Bennie Ray; and aunt, Viola.

Leticia is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Trujillo; her precious son, Isaac Trujillo; loving mother, Dolores “Dollie” Trujillo, of Los Lunas; brothers, Ernest Jr. and Glenn Trujillo; in-laws, Dolores and Tony Biletto, and Fred and Maria Trujillo, of Albuquerque; sisters-in-law, Liz Trujillo and Silvia Trujillo (Robb); brother-in-law, Bryan (Tammy) Trujillo, of Albuquerque; and many wonderful aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Leticia would want you to know, “We have no understanding of death. Please do not grieve for me. I have accomplished my mission here on Earth. I am in my final home in the arms of my Lord Jesus, and am reunited with loved ones that have gone before me. Be strong and ask God for strength. I love you all and goodbye for now, until we meet again. Please hold on to the beautiful memories and times we shared. My spirit will surround you at the most difficult times. I will await you at the gate of Heaven.”

Services will be held at Calvary Chapel in Albuquerque, 4001 Osuna NE, on Tuesday, Jan. 19, with a visitation at 10 a.m., and a celebration of life at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are being handled by the compassionate and caring professionals at Romero Funeral Home. Please sign Leticia’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.