Obituaries (March 10)

Jayne Best

1935-2022

Jayne Best, age 86, a resident of Tierra Grande, passed away on March 6, 2022 in her home.

She was born in Bronx, N.Y. Jayne was an avid doll collector and ran a doll shop for about 10 years in Sonora and Manteca, Calif.

She is preceded in death by one son. Jayne is survived by her husband, John Best; sons, Rick and Glen (California); and daughter, Dawn (Washington state).

Services are currently pending.

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

 

Phillip Chavez

1990-2022

Phillip Chavez was born Aug. 7, 1990, in Albuquerque, and grew up in Belen. He was the eldest of two children, born to Robert and Michelle Chavez.

Phillip was an awesome son, brother and uncle. He loved his family and was the kindest person you could ever know. Phillip would do anything for his niece, Avery.

He had so many friends and would make new friends wherever he’d go. Phillip was a quiet soul but made a big impact on many peoples lives.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Chavez; grandpa, Joe Bonnie Chavez; nana and tata, Frank and Agapita Cordova; uncles, Michael Lucero and Anthony Cordova; aunt, Susan Chavez; nephews, Joseph, Jay Hamilton and Dominic Chavez.

Phillip is survived by his mother, Michelle Chavez; sisters, Kristi Montiel (Brandon) and Avery Montiel; grandma, Marcella Chavez; aunts and uncles, Frances Chavez, Sunday Cordova, Pauletta Lopez (Charles), Yolanda Holguin (Ruben), Bernice Lucero (Gabe) Chavez, Diane Castillo, Elaine Romer (Daniel) and Lori Ann Hamilton (Shaun). He is also survived by many loving cousins and friends.

Services, including a Rosary and Funeral Mass, were held on Feb. 18 at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment followed at Bosque Cemetery.

Arrangements were 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.

 

Eloy R. Duran

1934-2022

Eloy R. Duran, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and veteran, was born May 9, 1934, and deservingly took his place beside our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Feb. 28, 2022.

After a beautiful life spent in faithful duty to his family and God, he met his cherished bride of 61 earthly years, Gloria Duran, in paradise. They were devoted parishioners of Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church in Peralta, and took great honor in practicing the Catholic faith and instilling it in their children and grandchildren.

Eloy was known for his hard-working and strong-willed nature. He took great pride in his duty to our country and retired as a master sergeant of the Air National Guard after nearly 35 years of service as an aviation mechanic.

His undoubted greatest accomplishment were his children, and he was always proud to be among “His Girls,” the brightest lights of his life.

Eloy is preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria Duran; his parents, Maria Ramirez Duran and Ramon Duran; his siblings, Ramon Duran Jr. and Jose Duran; and his grandchildren, Paul and Monica Valencia.

He is survived by his sister, Martha Aguirre; brother-in-law, Manuel Rodriguez Jr.: children, Eloy Duran Jr. and his wife, Donna, Theresa Valencia and her husband, Louis, Debbie Baca and her husband, Philip, and Selma Lopez; his grandchildren, Christopher Valencia and wife, Mikki, Enrique Lopez and wife, Kim, Alexis Gurule and husband, Mark, and her father, Alex Lopez, Mariah Baca and husband, Joshua, Desiree Sanchez and husband, Daniel, Dominique Vaisa and husband, Zechariah, and Felipe Baca; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, and his faithful companions Tinker and Freckles.

A memorial will take place at Noblin Funeral Home in Los Lunas at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 15. A visitation in celebration of Eloy’s life will be held at 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2022, with the Rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church, 3466 Main St. NE Los Lunas. The Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the funeral mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery, Valencia Cemetery, 3674 N.M. 47 in Peralta.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Christopher Valencia, Enrique Lopez, Felipe Baca, Mark Rodriguez and Gilbert Rodriguez Jr.

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

 

Adelina Espinosa

1927-2022

Adelina Espinosa, age 94, a resident of Belen, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. She passed away after a short illness.

Adelina was a housewife who loved her family and doing things with them and for them. She was the best mom.

Adelina was preceded in death by her husband, Natividad Espinosa; and daughter, Geraldine Espinosa.

She is survived by her children, Pearl Urioste (Leroy), Yvonne and Lawrence Espinosa (Dorothy): and special nephew, Gene Espinosa (Rita); and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, March 10, with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Special thank you to Lawrence and Gene for their help in taking care of our mom. A very special thank you to Yvonne for the best care she gave mom for years.

Pallbearers will be Rudy Espinosa, Frank Ortega, Steve Gallegos, Daniel Aragon, Jessie Espinosa and Edward Molina.

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

 

Frank G. Hill

1930-2022

Frank G. Hill was the ripe old age of 91; he lived most of his life in Scholle, N.M. He loved living with the Rocky Mountains in his back yard! He passed from this world on March 1, 2022.

He was one of a dying breed — a true cowboy. He lived and breathed to be in the country — in wide-open spaces with New Mexico blue skies and clear starry nights — good, life-long friends and true neighbors.

He always had a smile on his face and looked on the bright side of every situation. He will be painfully missed. He was also no nonsense; would tell it to you straight and expected you to do the same!

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Nina Ona and Henry W. Hill Sr.; siblings, Crawford, Darrelle, Susie, Anna, Elenor, Marcia, Mildred and Henry W. Jr.; and his sons, Donald Lee Hill, David Allen; many close cousins and wonderful friends.

He is survived by his sister, Daisy; and his ex-wives and best “Pardners,” JoeAnn Moore and JoAnn Hill; children, Frank Dwayne (Darlene) Hill, Lester (Rachael) Hill, Rita (Robert) Koehler, Ron (Jenny) Hill, Randy (Angela) Hill, Mike (Liz) Allen and John (Charlotte) Allen; grandchildren, Wesley (Danya), Amanda (CJ), Joni (Doug), Stewart (Holly), Leslee (Karolyn), Crystal (Karl), Carla, Sammie, Sharie (Robert), Randa (Dustin), Kyle (Promise), Ryan (Ashley), Kaitlyn (Santiago), Maria, Jennifer, Justin, Tomas, Margie and Jessie; 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was loved by all!

A viewing was held Monday, March 7, at Noblin Funeral Service in Belen, and a funeral service was held Tuesday, March 8, at the First Baptist Church in Mountainair. Military honor interment services followed at the Hill Family Ranch in Scholle. Frank served in the 188th Fighter Intercepter Squadron (1951).

Pallbearers were Wesley Hill, CJ Gentile, Stewart Hill, Leslee Hill, Ryan Hill and Santiago Baca. Alternate pallbearers were Dustin Roper and Robert Koehler.

Arrangements were 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.

 

Mary Lou (Chavez) Martinez

1946-2022

Mary Lou (Chavez) Martinez entered into heaven on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022.

She was the youngest of five children, born on May 24, 1946, in Belen, to Elena and Celedon Chavez. Mary Lou graduated from Belen High School in 1964, and married Santiago Jimmy Martinez, who was her very own Elvis Presley. Together, they had three children, Doris, Jimmy and Brenda Lou.

She had many passions in life, but her most cherished passion was being a mother and grandmother. She had five grandchildren, Noah James, Louis, Myles and Alexander; and her most recent and first granddaughter, Mary Grace.

She loved music, singing, dancing and drawing. She loved butterflies, sweet treats and shopping, but most of all, she enjoyed being home watching her favorite black and white TV shows, which gave her the nostalgic comfort of her childhood days.

Her beauty was breathtaking — her smile could light up a room, and her eyes always twinkled, but her love and kindness was something everyone who met her will tell you was like no other. Her devotion to Jesus Christ was a beautiful sight to behold and her life was a reflection of God’s love and joy.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband, Santiago Jimmy Martinez; her parents, Elena (Aragon) and Celedon Chavez; and her sisters, Rosie (Chavez) Hurbina and Ramona (Chavez) Montoya.

She is survived by her loving children, Doris, Jimmy and Brenda (Louis); and her grandchildren, Noah (Paige), Louis, Myles, Alexander and Mary Grace. She is also survived by her sisters, Josie Chavez and Dolores (Chavez) Gavaldon; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

“We love you, Mama; we will always love you. Thank you for being our angel.”

All services took place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 1. Interment followed at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

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

 

Barbara H. Romero

1930-2022

Barbara H. Romero, age 91, a resident of Belen, passed away on March 8, 2022.

She was a member of the New Mexico Funeral Association, NFDA, the Catholic Daughters of America and Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Nicanor Arno Romero II; sons, Ben and Nick Romero; daughter, Olivia Romero; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Romero; parents, Patrick and Lasarita Jiron Higgins; brothers, Al and Jake Jiron; and sister, Virginia Quillen.

She is survived by her son, Dicky Romero; daughter, Juliane Romero; brothers, Gilbert Baca, Robert, Sandy and Larry Higgins; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, March 12. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. and interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Bill Britton, Arno and Noah Dunstatter, Michael Romero and Tom Reeder. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Busch and Jeremy Bjorem.

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

 

Nicanor “Nick” Arno Romero

1952-2022

Nicanor “Nick” Arno Romero (always so proud of his name), age 69, a resident of Belen, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022, surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren.

He was a strong believer in faith, and loved his girls and grandchildren very much. Nick graduated high school from New Mexico Military Institute. Thereafter, received his degree in mortuary science and began his career at Romero Funeral Home. Nick loved caring for people and his involvement with community was one of his first priorities.

Grandpa wouldn’t miss one football, baseball or basketball game his grandsons (his pride) participated in; he was always so proud. Nick’s granddaughters were the apple of his eye. He loved fishing, camping, traveling and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Nick is preceded in death by his father, Nicanor Arno Romero II; brother, Ben Romero; sister, Olivia Romero; and sister-in-law, Suzanne Romero.

He is survived by his loving children, Jessica Romero Aragon (Jesse), Melissa (Claudia) and Nicole Romero (Eric); mother, Barbara H. Romero; brother, Dicky Romero; sister, Julianne “Julie” Romero; grandchildren, Nicholas “Nick” (Lindsey), Luke , Jesse and Alyssa Aragon, Ariel Fenstermacher (Alex), Jace, Bryce, Peyton and Cole Gabaldon; great-grandchildren, Raya Fenstermacher, and soon-to-be baby girl Aragon this coming May; and many loving nephews and nieces, whom he loved dearly.

A public viewing will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, March 12. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m., and interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens, where our father will be laid to rest next to his father and family.

Pallbearers will be his loving grandchildren, Nicholas, Luke and Jesse Aragon, Jace, Bryce and Cole Gabaldon, and his sons-in-law, Jesse Aragon and Eric Gabaldon.

A special thank you to his niece, Roxanne, for caring and loving our daddy so much. We would also like to give a special thank you for the support and prayers from family, friends and the community.

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

 

Connie Sue Sanchez

1948-2021

Connie Sue Sanchez was born in 1948 in Hutchinson, Kan. She died on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2021, in Rio Rancho.

Connie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Eulojio “Buddy” Sanchez, who passed away on Nov. 6, 2021; father, Joe L. Hogan; mother, H. Yvonne Hogan; and brother, Alan C. Hogan.

She is survived by her brother, Daniel; sister-in-law, Jean; brother, David; sister-in-law, Judy; brother, Tom; sister-in-law, Lori; brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, Larry and Dana Sanchez; Ruth and Bob Morris; 12 nieces and nephews and six great-nieces and nephews.

Connie grew up in Hutchinson, graduating from Hutchinson High School before going to college and obtaining her bachelor’s degree at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan. Later, she received her master’s degree at The University of New Mexico. In high school and during her undergraduate years, Connie was active in school drama programs, performing in several plays.

After graduation from Southwestern, Connie moved to Belen to teach high school. It was in Belen where she met her husband, Buddy. After several years, they moved to Colorado, where Connie worked in a stained glass store, and eventually went on to open her own stained glass business, The Glass Warehouse.

She not only sold merchandise, but created beautiful works of stained glass and fused glass art and, taught classes to others who wanted to learn the craft. Some pieces she created hang in churches and in celebrity homes. She also presented numerous times at national conferences.

After selling the business and retiring, Connie and Buddy moved back to New Mexico and settled in Corrales. Connie loved her two dogs, Koshi and Kasi, and her cockatiel, Pearl, as well as the birds she fed in her numerous bird feeders hanging in her yard. She would catch and relocate small creatures rather than harm an animal.

Connie and Buddy attended the Indian Market in Santa Fe every year, and were regulars at La Fonda Hotel there. They were known to almost every exhibitor due to their appreciation for Native American art, jewelry and pottery.

Connie was loved by all who knew her, family and friends alike. She was part of a close-knit group of neighbors, who care about and always watch out for each other. In addition, her numerous friends and customers at her stained glass store remember her fondly. She will be missed by all.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

 

Eulojio “Buddy” G. Sanchez

1937-2021

Eulojio “Buddy” G. Sanchez was born in Belen on Oct. 19, 1937, and passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, at the age of 84, going on 50.

He kept himself in excellent health throughout his life, and was a three-year letterman in football, basketball and track at Belen High School, where he graduated in 1955. Buddy was also the vice-president of his sophomore class, treasurer of his senior class and participated in the Varsity Club, Spanish Club and Leathercraft Club.

After graduation, he worked various jobs in California, then joined the U.S. Army. While stationed in Berlin, along with the help of his Army buddies, they kept the German beer industry in business. During his time in the Army, he was awarded two distinguished medals, the Occupational Berlin Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

After an honorable discharge, Buddy moved back to Belen and found employment at Sandia Base. He enrolled in The University of New Mexico, where he received a bachelor’s degree.

While living in Belen, he met the love of his life, Connie Sue. They were married Dec. 25, 1984. They eventually moved to Englewood, Colo., where Buddy worked for Martin Marietta, and Connie taught high school English.

Connie left the teaching profession, and took a job at a stained glass company. No one knowing her would be surprised to know she went from new employee to owner of the business. Even today, people talk about Buddy and Connie and The Glass Warehouse.

Both Buddy and Connie had the innate ability to make people happy, and continuously added to their “best” friends list.

Buddy was preceded in death by his loving parents, father, Fernandez, and mother, Amada Garley Sanchez; brother, Sonny; and sister, Theresa.

He is survived by his sister, Ruth Morris and her husband, Bob; brother, Larry Sanchez and his wife, Dana; eight nephews and nieces, and 10 great-nephews and nieces. There are too many “best” friends to name, especially those in Belen and Corrales and other parts of New Mexico, Colorado and in the Native communities.

Buddy and Connie are together forever; interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

 

Janice Lynn Sanchez

1965-2022

Janice Lynn Sanchez passed from this life into eternal rest on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022.

She was born Friday, July 16, 1965, to Roland Ray and Margaret Jane Pyle. She married the love of her life, John P. Sanchez, and they made their home in Los Lunas. Janice became the mother of two children who she loved with all her heart, Marlysa Marie and David Ray Sanchez.

Janice was preceded in death by both her parents; daughter, Marlysa; and husband, John.

She is survived by her son, David Ray Sanchez; and her two grandsons, Eliohn Torres and David Ray Sanchez II (DJ). She is also survived by her siblings, Paula Williams, John Pyle, Denise Pyle-Ortiz, Carla Castillo and Dennis Ray Pyle; as well as many nephews and nieces, all of whom she loved deeply.

As a wife and mother, Janice treasured and embraced every moment with her family, which extended to her role as “Mima.” As a “Mima,” Janice doted on her grandchildren, Eliohn and DJ. Janice’s time spent with her family and grandchildren always gave her a sense of pride and joy that filled her heart with a kind and generous spirit only a wife, mother and grandmother can possess.

Our beautiful sister, mother and grandmother Janice; her daughter, Marlysa; and husband, John are all gone from this world but are together forever in the next.

It is said that “God takes the best first.” To our family and to all who knew her, Janice was the kindest, most caring, compassionate, giving and loving person. She always gave every person the benefit of the doubt, was never judgmental, nor treated anyone in a condescending manner. She was often the first to apologize and would always strive to heal what was broken.

She loved her entire family, rooted for them, protected them, and always put her family first. Janice was simply the best. When you think of Janice, celebrate the memories you had with her. She is gone now but our memories of her will live on forever.

Janice will be deeply missed by those she left behind. Our hearts are broken from her loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.

Please join us in celebrating Janice’s life at 9:30 a.m., Monday, March 14, at Calvary Chapel New Harvest, 701 Main St. NE A, Los Lunas. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m.

She will be buried with her husband in Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.

Please visit our online guestbook for Janice at FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH – University, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, 505-843-6333.