Obituaries (Jan. 20)

John Richard Baser

1947-2022

John Richard Baser, 74, loving husband, father and grandfather, of Belen, passed peacefully from his earthly home to his heavenly home, on Jan. 6, 2022.

John was known as a hard worker and lifelong learner, but what really defined him as a man was his love of the Lord, his intelligence, sense of humor, kindness, and endless love for his family.

John was born in Albuquerque to Fredrick and Leona Baser on Nov. 16, 1947. It was here that he grew up with his older brother, Bill Baser, and his little sister, Laura (Baser) Monks. He was an active member of the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts as he grew up, ultimately achieving the Eagle Scout award.

John was an avid player of the alto saxophone, an excellent swimmer and a lifeguard. He also spent much of his youth riding and racing on motorcycles.

John was raised in a Christian family with strong values, traits that he carried with him his whole life. John began working in his father’s print shop laying type at age 16. After graduation from Rio Grande High School in Albuquerque, John went to work for the Albuquerque Fire and Rescue. He trained as a firefighter and became one of the first paramedics for the Albuquerque Fire Department.

Wanting more, he returned to study nursing at the University of New Mexico. While he was a student, he worked as a bartender and waiter at the Montana Mining Company Steakhouse, as well as working for the Albuquerque Produce Company.

While living close to campus, John met his soulmate and wife of 47 years, Rebecca (Larson) Baser. With a passion for travel, and a strong love for each other, John and Rebecca held a private vow exchanging ceremony in Mexico and returned to Albuquerque until Rebecca’s graduation.

The travel bug hit again after graduation, and John and Rebecca traveled for a short time before landing in Lake Tahoe, Calif. While living in Lake Tahoe, they worked at the casinos and restaurants, spent days in the vast outdoors hiking, skiing, living and adventuring with their dog, Bonnie, until they decided it was time to return to New Mexico and start a family.

Upon returning, John and Rebecca had a family wedding in Los Alamos, exchanging vows and celebrating with family and friends. Following their honeymoon, they settled down in Belen. Here they became an active part of the community, where John worked at Timberman Construction and Auge’s car dealership.

At home, John and Rebecca were blessed with two beautiful children, John’s pride, his son, Matthew Baser, and his baby girl, Elisabeth (Baser) Adamson. As a father, he was active in his children’s lives, volunteering for school events, being a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, and helping his daughter build and run a coffee stand.

Stopped by a series of unfortunate medical events, he was unable to continue working. Instead, he focused his energy on his family, his home and his community. In his retirement, John kept an active life. He was an avid gardener, kept his home warm by splitting and stacking wood, and was always up for a good “fat chewing session” with a beloved family member or good friend.

John is survived by his best friend, the love of his life, and wife, Rebecca Baser, of Belen; his children, Matthew Baser, of Aspen, Colo., and Elisabeth (Brian) Adamson, of Springfield, Ohio; his beautiful granddaughters, Penelope and Rae Adamson; his older brother, Bill Baser, of Albuquerque; his baby sister, Laura (Ralph) Monks, of Lompoc, Calif.; and multiple nieces and nephews.

John was welcomed home into heaven by his mother and father, Fredrick and Leona Baser; his older brother, Fritzy Baser; and his sister-in-law, Sandra Baser, of Albuquerque.

Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 19, at the Noblin Funeral Chapel in Belen.

Funeral arrangements are being handled with the loving care of Noblin Funeral Service in Belen.

 

Martin “Marty” Estrada

Died 2021

Martin “Marty” Estrada passed away on Dec. 26, 2021.

Marty was born and raised in Los Angeles, and moved to New Mexico with his family in 2000. He settled in Rio Communities and has resided there for more 20 years.

Marty enjoyed creating and playing music and jamming with his friends. He enjoyed his artistic talent and has been seen in numerous art shows and has won various awards. The most special to him was third place in the Los Angeles Cinco De Mayo Art Festival.

Marty worked hard to earn his nursing assistant certification and took a lot of pride in helping others. Marty was very friendly and enjoyed making you laugh and having a good time. Marty loved and valued his family and friends above all else, and will be fiercely missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his mother, Grace Estrada; wife, Pennie Estrada; daughter, Shawn and Jim Linhk; daughter, Suzanne and Gabriel Zamora; daughter, Amanda and Timothy Johnston; son, Eric Estrada and Ada Duran; son, Dylan Estrada; granddaughters, Juniper Linkh and Genesis Johnston; along with his brother and sisters, Andrew Estrada, Renee Cazarez, Lorraine Estrada, Theresa McCord, Vivian Mora, Anthony Estrada, Trisha Marquez and Roberta Becerra. He also has numerous nieces and nephews, and even more great-nieces and nephews.

The service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 28, at Noblin Funeral Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., Belen.

 

Terry Carrillo-Rynders

1965-2022

Terry Carrillo-Rynders, 56, a resident of Bosque, went with our Lord on Jan. 9, 2022.

Terry was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Rynders; her father, Maxwell Carrillo; stepmother, Grace Chavira; and her brother, Arnold Carrillo.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Clara and Nick Dimas; two sisters, Barbara Stubblefield and husband, Chris, and Diana Chavez and companion, Donald Dongess; two stepsisters, Sandy Olivas and husband, Emilio, and Debbie Matthews; three nieces, Francine Bermudez and husband, Marcos, Victoria Chavez and wife, Valarie, and DeeDee Griffin; two nephews, Leroy Chavez and Richard Carrillo and wife, Natalie; best friends, Andrew Romero and Stella Martinez; and several great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Terry had a very contagious laugh, and was the life of the party. She was a pet lover, and her pets, Bunny, Weda and Lucky, were her life.

She loved all her family and friends, was full of life, and she was always willing to help anyone in need. Terry was a little feisty sometimes, but she had the biggest heart and would do anything for her family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her cousin, Anthony Sedillo, whom she loved dearly.

Our love for her will carry on, and she will always be remembered and greatly missed.

 

Robert Michael Gallegos

1957-2021

Robert Michael Gallegos, age 64, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.

He was born in Camp Pendleton, Calif., on Dec. 1, 1957. Mike was an electrician by trade, and worked for several companies, including DKD Electric and the University of New Mexico. He went to college in Arizona for architecture, which helped him in his electrical trade.

He was a member of the San Clemente Catholic Church. His hobbies included softball, hunting, fishing, the UNM Lobos and Dallas Cowboys! He was the best salsa maker in the county, and his enchiladas were a family favorite, too.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maggie Gallegos; brothers, Randy and Rick Gallegos; and son-in-law, Alfred Fritts Jr.

He survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gallegos; daughters, Roberta Gallegos and Jennifer Fritts; sons, Robert Michael Gallegos and wife, Nicole, and Monico Lucero; eight grandchildren, Marron, Havyn, Nahara, Kyle, Kayla, Tristan, J and Trevor; great-granddaughter, Reyna Antal: father Robert Gallegos; five siblings, Dave and wife, Petra, Tanya, Jeannie, Tim and wife, Michelle, and Margaret; sister-in-law, Trish; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas, Monday, Jan. 24. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m., and Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at a later date.

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

 

Myrna Gordon

1937-2022

Myrna Gordon, 84, of Los Lunas, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2022.

She was born on May 12, 1937, to William and Lois Christofferson, of Postville, Iowa. Myrna attended Postville Schools and graduated in 1955.

She was married on Oct. 19, 1957, to Ronald Gordon. They had two children, Gweneth and Gregory. They lived in Luana, Iowa, for 28 years. They moved to Los Lunas in 1985.

Myrna owned and operated Ma’s Place beauty shop in Los Chavez from 1987-2000. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and knitting. Myrna also loved to cook and bake for her family. Her grandchildren and great-children were her joy, and she enjoyed spending as much time as she could with them.

She is survived by her children, Gweneth Gordon, of Los Lunas, and Gregory Gordon and wife, Jin, of Austin, Texas; her five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, Aaron Evarts and wife, Nancy, and their children, Weston, Aleina and Leighton, of Denver, Colo., Andrew Evarts and wife, Sara, and their daughters, Chole and Holly, of Joint Military Base Lewis McCord, in Washington, Adam Evarts and wife, Lisa, and their daughters, Bronwyn, Jacquieline and London, of Los Lunas, Amanda Chavez and fiancé, Charles Scott, and their daughter, Rhoswyn, of Albuquerque, and Allen Gordon, of Austin, Texas; sister, Ruth Walz, of Tucson, Ariz.; brothers, Walter Christofferson and wife, Mary, of Tucson, Ariz., and Mark Christofferson and wife, Lonnie, of Tampa Bay, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Gordon, of Postville, Iowa, and Janet Gordon, of Harrisburg, Penn.; brother-in-law, Merle Gordon and wife, Connie, of Rochester, Minn.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Myrna is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Leo and Roger; sister, Marion; and two nieces, Coleen Toenges and Melon Horns.

The family will have a celebration of life for Myrna at a later date.

 

John Holguin

1952-2021

On Saturday, Johnny Holguin passed away at his home in the small town of Jarales.

For a long time, his health had not been great, but his death came as a shock to the family. Out of all his 12 brothers and sisters, most of who grew up laboring on the Simpson farm in Las Cruces, he was the only one who continued to live close to the land, raising animals in rural New Mexico.

His home, which he shared with his wife, Cyndi Marquez Holguin, was always a favorite for family reunions. It was great for the kids who could explore along the ditches or “play” with the animals.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Cirlo and Maria Holguin; son, David Anthony; sister, Christina Claghorn; and brother, Ignacio Holguin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Cyndi Holguin; daughter, Pam (Shawn); son, Kris (Nichole); stepdaughters, Joyce and Norma; nine brothers and sisters, Jesus Holguin, Mel Holguin (Las Cruces), Nettie Finney (Marketplace, Ala.), Manuela Bunch (Texas), Tita Feltner (Texas), Lupe Holguin (Thousand Oak, Calif.), Rose Dominguez (Albuquerque), Ramona Neeley (Las Cruces) and Andy Hoguin (Las Cruces); and nine wonderful grandchildren. Johnny is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

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.

 

Linda “Kay” Jenkins

1943-2022

Linda “Kay” Jenkins was a caring wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Kay left this world, unexpectedly on Jan. 12, 2022, at age 78.

Kay was born to Lindsey and Velma Howell on Oct. 20, 1943.  She grew up in Brownfield, Texas, and after graduating high school, she attended West Texas University, where she met the love of her life, Ron Jenkins. Together, they had two children, Trym and Melissa.

Kay and Ron moved to Clayton, N.M., and started their life there. Kay was a stay-at-home mom, but she also was a substitute teacher at Clayton High School. She loved being around all the kids, and the way she would make them feel they soon referred to her as a “second mom.” She always had a way of making you feel special.

Ron and Kay eventually moved to Los Lunas to be close to their kids and grandchildren, and made that their forever home. Kay “Nana’s” life was always about her family and friends. She loved being able to always help people or family out with whatever they needed. She was always involved in her grandchildren’s lives and shared every tear and accomplishment they had. She would faithfully be at every game, event, talent show or whatever they were involved in to cheer them on.

Nana was a lady that you could always count on. She was the No. 1 cheerleader for her family. Her favorite thing when she had her grandkids around was to make chocolate chip cookies for them, and play “Old Maid” or “Go Fish.” She would always have fun with them, laughing, playing dress up, stick ponies, whatever the grandkids wanted to do, she did.

She loved playing the piano and painting when family or grandkids were around. The grandkids would sit for hours and listen to her. She had a way when playing the piano she would makeup a funny story about something and before you know it you would be giggling, laughing and dancing with her.

Kay also had a passion for the Lord, and was very active in her church at First Baptist Church of Bosque Farms. She would help serve in the Children’s Ministry along with helping bring doughnuts to her Sunday school class.

Kay was the type of person if you were new to the church or didn’t know you, she would pull you aside and find out your life story. If you were not plugged into the ministry somewhere, she would make sure you got involved.

She had so many friends that she loved and that loved her.  Kay lived a full life, she was the most caring, loving and happiest person I knew. She always made you feel loved, no matter who you were, she would meet you where you were at in life, with no judgement. She would sit and talk for hours to you but that’s just who she was, that is what made her “Ms. K” and nana.

Mom had a way of always making you feel loved. She would always tell us, “You are special.” When she would speak those words the gleam in her eyes, the sweet, soft-spoken words that came out of her mouth, you knew without a doubt you were special.

Kay never met a stranger, because she would talk to you so long by the end you were her friend. When she walked into a room, she lit it up with her smile, her laughter and true sincere love and warmth for people. Everywhere she went, everyone knew her by name and, if you did not, you soon would.

Mom’s right-hand partner in crime was her beloved dog, Bootsie. That dog did not want for anything. She was loved and cared for like a child. Bootsie would take rides in the car, they would sit and watch “Little House on the Prairie,” and eat treats together. Wherever Mom was, there was Bootsie until the very end.

Mom used to always preach to us kids that if people are not being nice, if they’re rude or whatever, just “kill them with kindness.” Being kids, we never understood that but as we grew older, we now know what she meant. Mom never had a bad thing to say about anyone; she never sat around and talked about people. She would always say, “Find the positive, find the good in that person.”

Her life was a living example of her favorite Golden Rule Bible verse, Matthew 7:12. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law of the prophets.”

Kay was preceded by her loving husband, Ron Jenkins, in 2013.

She is survived by her two children, son, Trym Jenkins, of Los Lunas, and wife, Jige, and daughter, Melissa Fenstermacher, of Bosque Farms, and husband, Ron; numerous grandchildren, Chelsey, Chance, Abby, Kylee, Halei, Jaycee and Brynlee; and three great-grandchildren. Kay is also survived by her brother, Billy Howell, of Lubbock, Texas, and wife, Judy; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and many friends.

A memorial service for Linda will be held at the First Baptist Church in Bosque Farms at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 22.

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.

 

Carlita Berlinda Peña

1946-2021

Carlita Berlinda Peña, 75, a resident of Los Lunas and longtime resident of Belen, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021.

She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Belen, where she faithfully worshipped and served. She retired from the state, working as a nurse at the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jose R. Peña; her father, Pablo Hernandez; her mother-in-law, Soledad Peña; and father-in-law, Frank Peña.

She is survived by her mother, Floralipa Hernandez; her brothers, George (Christine) Hernandez, Michael (Lucille) Hernandez and Ed (Cora) Hernandez; her sons, Kenneth (Victoria) Peña, Ronald (Pamela) Peña and Dwayne (Judy) Peña; her daughter, Francine (Christopher) Baca; her grandchildren, Kameo, Korriah, Tesa, Jason, Kenneth “KJ”, Cheyanne, Kira, Joshua, Dakota, Cody and Demi; five great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.

Carla lovingly cared for both her parents and her husband when he was ill. She loved her family with her whole heart and was always helping those in need. She is greatly loved by her family and those who knew her and she will be greatly missed.

Services were held on Monday, Dec. 27, at First Assembly of God Church in Belen.

Pallbearers were Jason Peña, Joshua Peña, Dakota Peña, Cody Baca, Elias Barela and Jesse Griego. Honorary pallbearers were Lance Corporal Kenneth “KJ” Peña, Kameo Rodriguez, Korriah Peña, Tesa Mast, Kira Mast, Cheyanne Peña, Demi Baca, Ariana Barela, Saevyn Rodriguez, Sevynee Rodriguez and Symfoni Rodriguez.

 

Christopher Pino

1975-2022

Christopher Pino, age 46, a resident of Belen, and native of Bosque, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Jan. 7, 2022.

He was a member of the Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church.  Christopher was full of faith in God, constant in prayer, and would rarely go anywhere without a rosary in his pocket or his scapular around his neck.

He was a proud graduate of Belen High School, and an even prouder graduate of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy and New Mexico Corrections Academy.  Christopher’s career was filled with excitement, adventure and adrenaline rushes. He loved to recap his exploits to his family, and give detailed accounts of the most interesting encounters he had while in the line of duty.

Christopher worked with several law enforcement agencies throughout New Mexico over the years, and always had a special story to tell about each one.

While he was passionate about law enforcement, there was something he was even more enamored with — his love of Harley Davidson motorcycles, specifically his pristine Ultra Classic, is something that all who knew Chris were very well aware of. Chris loved going on bike rides, whether they be a day trip to Thunderbird or a weekend trip to a local run or rally. He enjoyed showing off his bike, and never left the house without giving it a good shine.

Chris was a member of the Los Carnales Motorcycle Club, and more recently, the American Legion Riders.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Premetivo Pino and Elfida Salas Pino; his grandparents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Chris is survived by his sister, Annie Sanchez; brother-in-law, Delbert Sanchez; and his niece and goddaughter, DeeAnn Sanchez, who he bragged about constantly to anyone he came across. He is also survived by many loving aunts, cousins, and friends.

Christopher epitomized the Harley Davidson slogan, “Live to Ride, Ride to Live,” and so in true Chris Pino fashion, he will be honored with a “Last Ride” of his motorcycle on the morning of Jan. 24, 2022. All who would like to participate in Chris’ last ride are encouraged to meet at 8 a.m. at the Cristo Rey Church in Bosque for a line up, and be prepared to begin the ride/procession to the Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church at 8:30 a.m. All family and friends are invited to come on their motorcycles or in their vehicles to ride behind Chris and his bike on the way to the services to celebrate his life.

A visitation will be held at 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 24, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, followed by a Rosary to be recited at 10 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date.

The urn bearer will be DeeAnn Sanchez. Honorary urn bearers will be cousins, Joseph Baca and Leon Baca.

The family would like to thank everyone who has and continues to reach out with love, support and prayers during this time, and especially for the wonderful (and many funny) stories about Chris.

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

 

Antonio “Tony” Rivera

1950-2022

Antonio “Tony” Rivera, age 71, a resident of Belen, passed away on Jan. 12, 2022.

He was a role model, beloved father and brother, doting grandfather, and a loving husband for 52 years. Tony enjoyed bowling and especially spending time with his grandchildren, never missing a chance to build a wooden railway or treat them to snow cones after school.

He attended St. Mary’s, and graduated from Belen High School (Class of 1968) and continued to UNM. Tony served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces. He was a highly-respected manager at many of the local grocery stores, and served in the Air National Guard and Civil Service as a network administrator, where he retired in 2002.

Tony spent his retirement enjoying time with his grandkids and family. He is fondly remembered by his sisters as their hero and protector. Tony often made up silly songs about anything, no matter how exciting or mundane. Stepping on a frog would be cause for a Tony original.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Angela “Angie” and Guillermo “Willie” Rivera.

Tony is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lois Rivera; four children, Antonio Rivera (Jennifer Brown), Alycia Gallegos (Sam Gallegos), Annette Marquez (Mario Marquez) and Andrew Rivera (Allison Rivera); 13 grandchildren, Meagan Gallegos (Carlos Castanon), Adrian De La Cruz (Paige Shovelton), Mikey Brown, James Rivera, John Rivera, Noah Rivera, Samantha Gallegos, Elena Gallegos, Luke Gallegos, Elijah

Marquez, Samuel Gallegos, Ezekiel Rivera and Lucilla Rivera; great-grandson, Gabe Castanon; sisters, Nancy Griego (Gene Griego) and Donna Trujillo (Daniel Trujillo), and numerous sisters/brothers-in-laws, nieces, nephews and godchildren.

The Rivera family thanks everyone for their prayers and kind words during this time. In honor of his memory, we ask you do a random act of kindness or beep somebody’s nose.

A visitation will be held at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 20, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, followed by a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., and interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

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

 

Christopher James Romero

1971-2021

Our beloved father, life partner, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Christopher James Romero, received his last and most important call on Jan. 11, 2022, when he was called to his eternal home.

He was born in Raton on Aug. 2, and entered the loving arms of his Lord and Savior at the tender age of 50. He graduated from Raton High School in 1989 and, shortly thereafter, moved to and made Albuquerque his home. He met the mother of his children, Gina Massaroni, in 1994 and they married in 1995 and made their home in Los Lunas.

In 1999, they welcomed their first born daughter, Alyssa Nicole Romero, and 17 months later, their son, Alex Kenneth Romero. His children became his most prized blessings and greatest accomplishments.

He lived a lifetime in his short 50 years. His professions included security and detention officer, commissioned deputy, state of New Mexico apprenticeship director, EMT, OMI investigator, firefighter with Districts 1 and 2, and most recently, he was employed by the Department of Health, Los Lunas Community Program, as a psych tech, assisting the developmentally challenged.

Subsequent to his divorce, he met his girlfriend, Berna Lovato, in 2014, and theirs was a union filled with love, laughter and adventure.

Chris was an avid wild game hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed camping, food catering and later in life, coin collecting.

He is survived by his children and life partner as well as siblings, Ed (Betty) Archuleta, Patsy (Rodney) Guenther, Albinita (Bill) Tidwell and Lori Griego; godmother, Dolores Marquez, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and treasured friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Archuleta; his grandmother, Adelaida Ortega; his uncles, Jose Guadalupe Ortega and Daniel Romero; and his brother-in-law, Michael L. Griego, as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

His presence this side of heaven will surely be missed but we look forward to our reunion with him when we are called home. Until then, be blessed, be well, and be grateful.

A memorial service to honor Chris will be held at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley, 19381 N.M. 314, Belen, on Friday, Feb. 4, with visitation at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10 a.m.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where service information an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

 

Senaida Dorotea Maes Silva

1939-2022

Senaida Dorotea Maes Silva passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022.

She is survived by four daughters, Debra Luna, Kathy Sandoval, Jessica Vela and Kristina Perez. She had 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her family and many friends.

Senaida was a Jehovah’s Witness and an active member of the Los Lunas congregation.

 

 

 

Gary “Papa” Nicholas Snyder

1948-2021

As a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and recent great-grandfather, Papa could often be found enjoying time with his family around the dinner table or on family game nights.

He worked in the automotive industry for more than 30 years before retiring. Papa was a man of faith and had many pursuits, including private pilot instructor, avid outdoorsman, history buff, and was a fervent reader.

Gary is survived by his wife, Tammy Snyder; daughters, Kimberly Albrecht (Chris) and Amanda Pasten; sons, Trevor Hodges (Judy) and Joshua Snyder (Nikki); grandchildren, Christian (Tara), Kelsey, Kate and Cameron Albrecht, Kendrick (Leanna), Hollister and Hamilton Hodges, and Ella and Maxx Pasten; great-grandchildren, Travis and Caleb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Martha Snyder; son, Travis Hodges; and granddaughter, Chloe Albrecht.

Gary’s memorial service was hosted by the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses over Zoom on Saturday, Jan. 15.