Linda Barela Apodaca

1944-2021

Linda Barela Apodaca

Linda Barela Apodaca, 76, was a resident of Los Lunas from 2004 until March 15, 2021, and was a member of San Clemente Catholic Church.

Linda was a native of Clovis from 1944-1981. She presided in Roswell from 1981-2004.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, her dad, Juan Barela; and mom, Ruben Barela (Griego).

She is survived by her husband, Antonio Apodaca; they were joined in matrimony for 56 years.

She is survived by her children, AnnaMarie Apodaca, Lisa Apodaca (Frederick Archuleta), Antonio Apodaca Jr. (Kelly Griffin) and Julie Salcido (Frankie), seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

Linda enjoyed going to the casinos and playing her penny machines. She traveled occasionally to Laughlin, Nev., to give her luck a chance. Linda loved her family as well as her friends, she was active with the senior center and was always willing to lend a hand.

Linda was a foster grandparent with the Belen Schools for many years, assisting and working with children. Linda was a beautiful soul. Her love for children kept her busy in her retirement years.

She was the matriarch of the family and always kept her family in check while taking care of her beloved husband, Antonio.

Linda was a devout Catholic; her faith was her foundation that provided her strength for all who knew her. She loved praying the Rosary and attending Mass on Sundays and, if she could, she would walk the Tomé Hill. Her love for the Lord made her transition from Earth to heaven peacefully, she was welcomed by all her family that preceded her in death.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services will be held at a later date.

Please sign Linda’s online tribute at riversidefunerals.com of Los Lunas, 820 Main St. NE, Los Lunas, 87031.

Mari Jo Connelley

1932-2021

Mari Jo Connelley

Mari Jo Connelley, 89, beloved mother, was called to her eternal resting place on Friday, March 5, 2021, in Albuquerque.

She was born on Saturday, Jan. 30, 1932, in Lockney, Texas. Her parents were Edward Marion Thomas and Lucy Olive (Mathis). Both of Mari Jo’s brothers died as infants.

Mari Jo spent her childhood in Texas but had moved to Clovis by high school. She attended Clovis High until 1949.

Mari Jo was a 28-year employee of Mountain Bell, and a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. She was also a member of the Zia Drifters Family Campers.

Before she moved to residential care, she attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church in Peralta.

Mari Jo is survived by the only surviving child of her first marriage to Carlos Hall, Karla Gutierrez (Michael); grandchildren, Christopher (Becky), David and Manni; great-grandchildren, Devon, Jasmine, Emilio, Rene, Tony, Gabriel and Anthony, Virginia (Sena) Hall, wife of Carlos Jr. (deceased), and their daughter, Jamie; and grandson, Quentin.

Mari Jo’s children from her second marriage to Nelson Johnson are Jayson aka Maria (Tami) and Edward.

From her marriage of 47 years to Jack “Skip” B. Connelley, she is survived by Kelly Freeman (John); grandsons, Michael (Angelica), Jack, Edward “Tommy” Thomas; and great-grandson, Mason; daughter, Priscilla Baratta, and her children, Kevin, Tim and Katie; and granddaughter, Gracie.

She is predeceased by son, Paul E. Connelley.

Mari Jo loved all the babies in her family and gave the best hugs. She loved the Lord, and prayed, sometimes three times a day, for all of her loved ones. During her 47 years of marriage to Skip, they traveled all around America in their RV. Mom loved the color red, chocolate, apple fritters and Starbucks.

We love her and miss her, and we are sure she is praying for all of us from heaven, maybe more than three times a day.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 27, with a visitation at 9:30 a.m., a Rosary at 10 a.m., and a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Peralta. Interment will be at Mountain View Commentary in Capulin, N.M.

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

Michael L. Griego

1957-2021

Michael L. Griego

Michael L. Griego’s journey, this side of heaven, has come to an end. Michael was 63 at the time of his passing and was a resident of Los Lunas. He entered heaven on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

He was born and raised in Albuquerque, and moved to Peralta in 2000 and resided in Valencia County until his death.

Michael is preceded in death by his mother, Eduvigen Segura; his father, Alberto Griego; his maternal brothers, Andy and Larry Segura; and numerous paternal siblings and other family members.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Griego; two children, Vanessa Apodaca (Mario) and Michael L. Griego II (Hope); seven grandchildren, Jayce Griego, Tatum Griego, Zander Griego, Tucker Griego, Savannah Apodaca, Neeko Griego and Penelope Apodaca; brothers Richard Segura (Carla) and Donald Griego; sister, Laura Zamora; and other paternal siblings, brothers-in-law, Ed Archuleta (Betty) and Chris Romero; sisters-in-law, Patsy Guenther (Rod) and Albie Tidwell (Bill); special nieces, Alyssa Romero and Jennifer Segura; numerous other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews, cousins and friends.

Services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta on Tuesday, March 23. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 9:45 a.m., Thursday, March 25.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 10 people are allowed in the gazebo in Santa Fe. This will be reserved for family only. All others will need to participate from their vehicles and/or through Zoom. The meeting ID for Zoom guests is 7395928405.

Pallbearers include Michael L. Griego II, Alex Romero, Rod Guenther, Roger Garcia, Jerrell Warner and Mario Apodaca.

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.

Foch Romero

1947-2021

Foch Romero

Foch Romero, age 73, a lifelong resident of Los Lunas, was called home by God on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, after a long illness.

He was a member of Grace Fellowship Church and he was a devout Christian. Foch’s church family meant everything to him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Madero S. Romero and Genevieve Romero; and brother, Edward Anthony Romero.

Foch is survived by his only son, Larry Romero; and one grandson, Alexander Xavier Romero; sister, Mary Joy Romero; and brother, John F. Romero.

A service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 30, at Grace Fellowship Church in Los Lunas. There will be food and refreshments following the service. Interment will follow at Terrace Grove Cemetery.

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

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The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.