Obituaries (July 1)

Larry A. Dillion Jr.

Died 2021

Larry A. Dillion, Jr., passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, July 3, at FRENCH-University, with a service to follow.

Please visit the online guestbook for Larry at FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH – University, 1111 University Blvd. NE, 843-6333.

 

Faith Celina Griego

1976-2021

Faith Celina Griego, age 44, passed away on June 19, 2021.

She was a loving and generous person, who will be dearly missed because of the light she brought into everyone’s life.

Faith is survived by her partner, Mark Sanchez; children, Jenise, Deja and Jenae Griego, and Marquis Rendo; grandson, Elijah Gabriel Griego-Paquin; sisters, Charity Barreras-Griego, Starrs Archuleta Ortiz and Gabrielle Griego-Castillo.

Faith’s children would like to thank Mark Sanchez for everything he did for their mom and for them.

Services were held on Wednesday, June 30, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment will take place at a later date.

Pallbearers are Marquis Rendon, Cipriano Griego, Manuel Martinez Sr., Manuel Martinez Jr., Rene Baca, Joey Lopez and Jonathan Standlee.

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

 

Irene Montoya

1936-2021

Irene Montoya, age 85, a resident of Belen, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, surrounded by her sister, Tillie Gutierrez; brother, Richard Montoya; and all her loving nieces and nephews.

She was a faithful woman, who loved the Lord, her family and church.  Irene was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and was a member of the Sacred Heart League.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Vivian Montoya; nephew, Stanley Gutierrez; great-nephew, Fermin Gutierrez; great niece, Monica Montoya; and great-nephew, Matthew Montoya.

Irene is survived by her sister, Tillie Gutierrez; brothers, Richard “Dickie” Montoya and Percy Montoya; great-nieces, Terri (Dean) Chavez, Roxanne (Ralph) Fernandez, Janelle (Andrew) Otero and Michelle (Steve) Aragon; nephew, Michael Montoya; and many loving nieces and nephews, who loved her like a grandmother.

Irene lived with her sister, Tillie, her entire life. She was a beloved auntie and cared for all her nieces and nephews. Irene was unselfish with her time and never missed an opportunity to spoil her family.  She especially enjoyed spending time playing, singing and reading to the younger children.

“Surely all the goodness and love has followed her and she is now in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6.

Services will take place on Friday, July 2, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a public viewing at 9 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m., a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. and interment to follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Dean Chavez, Andrew Otero, Ralph Fernandez, Andres Otero, A.J. Romero, Arik Montoya, Brandon Carrejo, Koty Luna and Arthur Fernandez.

The family would like to thank Father Albert, Deacon Robert Sanchez and Deacon Manny Trujillo as well as the Catholic Daughters of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Special thanks to Presbyterian Hospice Care and AmberCare staff for being there for auntie Irene, and for making her and the family feel comfortable and cared for. Thank you also to Romero Funeral Home for their professionalism and kindness during this difficult time. A special thank you to Josefina Dozal and Rocio Contreras Bando for their exceptional love and care, and all Irene’s wonderful relatives, friends and neighbors.

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

 

Anna M. Candelaria Rios

1958-2021

Anna M. Candelaria Rios, age 63, was peacefully called home on June 24, 2021, at her residence in Veguita. She was born July 27, 1958, in Albuquerque.

Anna brought smiles and laughter to anyone who knew her. She was always giving and accepting to anyone who needed a helping hand. Anna will always be remembered for her crazy personality and wild sense of humor. Anna loved her children and grandchildren deeply. She will always be remembered and will forever be in our hearts.

Anna is being welcomed in heaven by her son, Jose Santana; and is survived by her husband, Victor Rios; and six remaining children, Anthony, Angelica, Issac, Sixta, Juanita and Victoria; 12 grandchildren, Jacob, Brianna, Eva, Eliel, Elena, Emiliano, Ahileene, Adriel, Lucas, Levi, Julian and Dylan.

Services will be held on Thursday, July 1, at Romero Funeral Home Chapel, beginning with a public viewing from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., a Rosary to be recited at 12 p.m., a celebration of life at 12:30 p.m. and interment at a later date.

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

 

Sandra Wells

1935-2021

Sandra Wells, 86, beloved mother and grandmother, was called to her eternal resting place on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

She entered this world on Monday, June 24, 1935, in Los Angeles, Calif., born to Laurence and Mable Wheeler. She spent most of her life living in Los Lunas. She was devoted to her family and the many friends she made throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wells; father, Laurence Wheeler; mother, Mable Wheeler; brother, Dale Wheeler; and son, Keith Gensen.

She is survived by her sister, Zana Halliday; her daughter, Janice Martin; son, Greg Gensen (Valerie Gensen); daughter, Annette Smith (Kevin Smith); grandchildren, Justin Stovall (Skye Stovall), Sabrina Owens (Holly Tyler), Gregory Gensen II, Brandi Gensen, Savannah Houston, Lacie Norris, Jennifer Otero, Daisy Patrick and Erika Conaway; great-grandchildren, Levi Hunter, Samantha Boling, Jaymie Boling, Riley Otero, Tyler Otero, Michael Patrick, Essynce Houston, Alexzander Otero, Harlie Nourse, Elliana Collazo and Haylea Conaway; great-great-grandchild, Hayden Thomas; and nieces and nephews.

There will a viewing at FRENCH-University from 1:30-3 p.m., Friday, July 2, followed by graveside services at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque. A reception to follow at 9 Night Shade Ct., Los Lunas.

Pallbearers will be Greg Gensen I, Lyle Halliday, Jerry Large, Kevin Smith, Riley Otero and Tyler Otero. Honorary pallbearers will be Clyde Gensen, Levi Hunter and Michael Patrick.

Please visit our online guestbook for Sandra at FrenchFunerals.com.

FRENCH – University, 1111 University Blvd. NE, 843-6333.