Obituaries (July 30)

Christina Barron

1983 -2020

Christina Barron, age 37, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on July 17, 2020.

She is the oldest of seven siblings, and everyone had a special name for her. The most popular ones were Cheesy, Cheese Balls, Cheena, Holla Girl and Girl. From the time when she was a little girl, all the way up to the time of her passing, Christina brought light into the room. From being loud and being the life of the party, Christina had friends wherever she was.

She loved to cook and bake, and there wasn’t an occasion she missed. Her family and friends were always her No. 1. Christina was protective and sensitive, and when you think of Christina, you instantly picture her hair, nails and makeup done on point. She will always be remembered as the one who is loud, fun, smart and to the point, but most of all, she will always be loved.

Christina is preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents, Salvador and Alexandra Garcia and Andres and AnaMaria Barron; and uncle, Salvador Garcia.

She is survived by her parents, John and Nancy Garcia Barron; brothers and sisters, Johnny (Ashley), Frank, Krystal, Carlos, Vincent (Amanda) and Renee; nephews, Vicente, Daniel and Santina; nieces, Azalia, Cienna and Alyssum; goddaughters, Analicia and Marisela; also an unborn nephew, uncles, aunts and godparents.

Services will take place on Friday, July 31, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 10 a.m., a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. and interment to follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be dad, John; brothers, Johnny, Frank, Carlos and Vincent; and her nino, David. Honorary pallbearers will be cousins, Jesse and Andres.

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

Colton Hall

1995-2020

Colton Hall, an intellectual being, was born Dec. 4, 1995.

Colton lived a beautiful childhood, full of laughter and joy. Colton would spend most of his childhood running, swimming and riding his dirt bike along the Rio Grande with his sister, smiles and laughter along the way.

Colton had a passion for football and baseball that would bring a different brightness out of him on the field. Colton achieved many accomplishments, from graduating with highest honors to creating his own website in college. Colton was the most caring, loving, devoted and thoughtful brother, son, grandson and friend.

He cared about the feelings, thoughts, experiences and words his loved ones had to feel, think, experience and say. Colton was loved and cared for so deeply by his mother, as she was always there to support him through his toughest journeys.

Colton adored his grandmother and the unconditional love she had to offer him. Colton thought of his grandfather as his hero and loved him as a father. Colton is loved so very much, and he will be missed deeply within the hearts of everyone he touched.

He is survived by his mother, Eileen Hall; sister, Shelby Hall; brother, Shae Garcia; grandparents, Dallas and Lila Banghart; and uncle, Michael Banghart. Colton is also survived by many loving great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.

Services will be held at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley on Saturday, Aug. 1. A public viewing will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a celebration of life to begin at 11 a.m.

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.

Angelina Olguin Sanchez

1940-2020

Angelina Olguin Sanchez, age 79, passed into everlasting life on April 7, 2020.

Services will be held on Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 10 a.m., a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. and interment to follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

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

Tomas Trujillo

1923-2020

Tomas Trujillo, age 97, a resident of Belen, passed away peacefully at his home on July 21, 2020.

He was a member of Belen Seventh Day Adventist Church. Tomas was a proud World War II veteran. He worked for the railroad and retired after 35 years of service.

Tomas loved spending time with family and friends, and enjoyed taking his wife to the casino and going to Belen football games. He was a very proud and supportive of his small home town of Belen.

Tomas was preceded in death by his parents, Justiano and Vecenta Baca Trujillo; siblings, Nora Chavez and Valeria Beverly; and son, Jerry Trujillo.

He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Fulgencia Gurule Trujillo; children, Johnny (Nora) Trujillo, Laura (Tommy) Castillo, Kathy Padilla, Marty (Patricia) Trujillo and Bessie Torres; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Pallbearers are Marilyn Melza, Mark Castillo, Matthew Castillo, D.J. Trujillo, Dale Serna and Jacob Padilla. Honorary pallbearers are John and Jerry Trujillo.

Services were held Wednesday, July 29, at Belen Seventh Day Adventist Church. Interment was held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

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

Thomas Frederick Upton

1950-2020

Tom Upton passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020, at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque.

He was born on May 8, 1950, adopted and raised by Doris and Frederick Upton, both deceased. His childhood years were spent in northern New Jersey, where he made many friends, engaged in numerous sports and in high school met, dated and married Sandy Tyler. With his senior year to finish at The University of Tulsa, they settled in Oklahoma, where they both lived for many years, divorcing after a while.

“One person CAN make an impact,” he wrote, and he believed one person can help change the course of events. He certainly did.

Moving to Belen to care for his mom, he devoted his time to the Valencia Center and the Presbyterian Church baseball league. He became an ordained elder of his church, managed the church softball team, implemented the Communities in Schools Project in Valencia County, was treasurer for the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Chair of the Mission, Outreach & Evangelism Committee of his church, editor of the church newsletter, Valley Improvement Association newsletter, Valencia Shelter newsletter, New Mexico Coalition newsletter, member of the Safety Committee dealing with alcohol related issues in the county, The Valencia County Coalition for Families, Children and Community, an umbrella group overseeing issues related to children and families, co-organizer, and the Valencia Shelter administrator.

His wish was to “affect significant change in society.” He celebrated the opportunity he had been given to do just that.

After suffering since last December’s surgery, leaving him paralyzed and in a wheelchair, Tom relied on others to see him through his days. And the help he received was certainly appreciated.

As his former wife, I am so grateful for those who were with him in his time of need. He was always there for so many others. Thank you.