Obituaries (Oct. 21)

Michael Stephen Baca

1949-2021

Michael Stephen Baca, age 72, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away suddenly in his home on Oct. 4, 2021.

He was born on July 28, 1949, to Herman and Andrea Baca.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents; his niece, Melissa Baca; and nephew, Jude Baca Jr.

He is survived by his five brothers and their wives, Lorenzo (Connie), of Belen, Joseph (Carla), of Albuquerque, Raymond (Leah), of Virginia, Anthony (Margaret), of Belen, and Jude (Sue), of Albuquerque. Michael is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was a friendly and charismatic person, who made friends everywhere he went. Michael attended Belen schools and graduated from Highland High School in Albuquerque. He attended the University of New Mexico, where he graduated with two degrees in accounting and business.

Michael worked at Kirtland AFB and retired after 30 years. He was a big fan of the Lobos and never missed a Lobo game. Michael also loved the Denver Broncos and would travel with friends to Denver to watch the Broncos play.

In Michael’s spare time, he enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casinos. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

Funeral services are pending and will be held at a later date.

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

 

William R. “Bill” Brown

April 11, 1939-Sept. 28, 2021

I am blessed to have had in my life many knowledgeable and educated acquaintances, close friends, a great family and many loved ones. And to each of you give my deepest appreciation for your having enriched my life and for the pleasure you have given me on my journey.

Some of you are blood family but most of you are not, but you are all of my family. You know who you are. And I love you all very deeply. I will forever cherish our togetherness.

My life has been rich with experiences, wonderment, fulfillment, and, with the passage of time, a deep realization of the meaning and pleasure of togetherness and love. I wish for each of you the same revelation.

I have been a volunteer all of my life from age 13. Heck, I even volunteered for the draft at age 18. My hope is that each of you volunteer some of your time on this earth to help others. Many of you have already done so, and continue to do so. To those of you have not, I encourage you to do so in the arena of your choice. I guarantee that you will receive far more than you give.

I am pleased to have been a friend, mentor, confidant, great-grandfather, grandfather, father, uncle, and a person who is and was proud and happy to be here to share our time and space together, and to do what I could to help make this a better place. And, yes, it has been fun and a good ride! Many thanks to all. God bless and God speed.

Pass it forward; none of us can get through this life without receiving help from others. Help others when and where you can, just as you know you received help when you were in need. We have all been there. With great love to all, from Bill Brown.

 

Gabriel “Chucky” Jaramillo

1966-2021

Gabriel “Chucky” Jaramillo, age 55, a resident of Belen, died unexpectedly on Oct. 4, 2021.

The loss of Gabriel was completely unexpected, and the family is shocked and deeply saddened. Gabriel was born on July 30, 1966, to Marcella and Robert Aragon in Albuquerque. Gabriel attended Belen High School.

Gabriel owned his own paint and body shop for a short amount of time and continued to be passionate about it throughout his life. He had an immense passion for working on vehicles in general, but most of all was a free spirit. Anyone who knew Gabriel knew that he truly had a big heart, he had friends from everywhere!

Gabriel is survived by his companion, Jessica Garcia; his mother, Marcella Aragon; his two sisters and their spouses, Jennifer and Elias Barba, Jessica and Shawn Ammons, his brother and spouse, Robert and Veronica Aragon; his goddaughter Haley Ammons, and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gabriel is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bernardita and Domingo Jaramillo; and his stepdad, Robert Aragon.

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.

 

D.L. “Bill” Martin

1929-2021

D.L. “Bill” Martin was born to E.E. and Edna (Brock) Martin on April 3, 1929, at home in Turkey, Texas. He went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Oct. 9, 2021, at his son’s home in Noble, Okla., at the age of 92 years old.

Mr. Martin grew up and graduated from high school at Hereford, Texas. He met the love of his life, Miss Bonnie Hicks, in high school and they were married on Oct. 21, 1949. Their marriage was for 52 years.

They operated a local diner for some time before relocating to Indianapolis, Ind., and later made their home in Belen. He was employed with the New York Central Railroad and later Penn Central Railroad and Santa Fe Railroad as a brakeman and later conductor for 42 years before his retirement.

He fulfilled his dream of being an owner and trainer of quarter horses, that he loved dearly. He enjoyed watching them race at several tracks in New Mexico.

Mr. Martin was very active in the Special Olympics Chapters in Belen and Yuma, Ariz., for more than 35 years while his daughter, Dana, was a participant.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie, on Oct. 23, 2001; brother, Dale Martin; and two sisters, Shirley and Dorothy.

Those who survive him include his son, Dennis Martin and wife, Debra, of Noble; daughters, Brenda Summers, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Dana Martin, of Noble; four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

 

Herman James Murillo Jr.

1960-2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Herman James Murillo Jr. announces the news of Herman’s passing on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at the age of 61, in Albuquerque.

A memorial rosary was recited on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Albuquerque. The Funeral Mass immediately followed.

Herman was born on June 30, 1960, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Herman Murillo Sr. and Inez Murillo Gonzales. He served and retired as a sergeant first class in the United States Army and New Mexico Army National Guard, retiring after 23 years of service, with the majority of his time in the Hawk and Patriot Air Defense unit.

Shortly after retirement, Herman became a small business owner along with his business partner, Salvador Chavez, where they owned and operated Noble Automotive Services.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law.

Herman is preceded in death by his daughter, Conception (Connie) Marie Murillo.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Elvira Murillo; and his children, Barbara Rentner (Bill), Ricky Murillo and Michael Murillo (Kimberly). Together they had 13 grandchildren, Brooke, Anya, Madison, Orion, Rosie, Tabitha, Elsie Mae, Watson, Matthew, Emma and Gabriel, Nicolai Erwin and Cohen. He is also survived by his mother, Inez; father, Herman; brothers, Ruben (Diane), Albert (Monica) and Bruce (Diane); and sisters, Lisa (Johnny), Lena (Anthony), Christa (David) and Becky; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 

Lorraine Romero

1946-2021

Lorraine Romero, age 74, a resident of Los Lunas, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Oct. 10, 2021.

Lorraine, a retired massage therapist, loved spending time with family and friends, but most of all, spending time with her grandsons and great-grandchildren.

She was part of the Calvary Chapel family. Lorraine had a smile that could light up a room. She was the most compassionate, kind, loving and generous individual.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her father, Tommy Garcia; mother, Helen Garcia, daughter, Stephanie Romero; and sisters, Odelia Pacheco, Corrine Garcia and Priscilla Barela.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Gilbert Romero; son, Gilbert Romero Jr.; daughter, Kathleen Lopez and husband, Adolph; daughter, Melanie Heyborne and husband, Jeff; grandson, Justin Romero and wife, Megan; grandson, Bryant Tafoya and wife, Shawnta; grandsons, Armani Lopez, Zac Lopez, Tanner Heyborne, Nathan Heyborne and Jace Heyborne; greatgrandson, Zayden Lopez; great-granddaughters, Emma Tafoya, Brooklynn Tafoya, Riley Romero and Brynlee Romero; and many siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 3.

The family would like to thank all those who shared in Lorraine’s journey, emotionally and spiritually.

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

 

Daisy (Chavez) Sanchez

1935-2021

Daisy (Chavez) Sanchez, age 86, from Scholle, N.M., passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2021.

She was born on July 3, 1935, to Bonifacio and Mary Chavez, of Belen. Daisy met the love of her life, Juan, at the famous Tabet Hall. Juan and Daisy were married July 18, 1953. From their love came six children that Daisy raised at home, while Juan worked hard to provide.

Daisy was a great woman of faith and faithfully prayed her rosary every night. She attended Sunday Mass, making sure all of her children received their sacraments. Daisy was known for her famous beans and chile, and made sure no one left her house with an empty stomach.

There was nothing she couldn’t do at the ranch, working side by side with Juan, branding, gathering cattle, feeding, hauling hay and whatever it took to run a successful ranch. Daisy loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Juan; daughter, Gail; parents, Bonifacio and Mary Chavez; brother, Leo Chavez; sister, Ida Anita Chavez; father- and mother-in-law, Antonio and Marianita Sanchez; sisters-in-law, Mary Armijo, Janie Hargis and Melva Sanchez; brother-in-law, Tony Sanchez; and great-granddaughter, Charolette Walker.

Daisy is survived by her children, Russell Sanchez, Catherine Walker (Donald Chavez), Yvonne Sanchez, Marilyn Sanchez-Kaneshiro (Robert) and John Sanchez (Denise); brother, Willie Chavez (Margaret); sisters-in-law, Theresa Trahan and Eloisa Campbell; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many loving nephews and nieces; and special friends, Rose Sanchez, Kay Fitzpatrick and Vergie Chavez.

A public viewing will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 21, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, with a Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. A final visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 22, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Ricoh Sanchez, Jasper Walker, Amber Spargo, Juan Sanchez, Thomas Kaneshiro, Nicolle Sanchez and Leandra Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers will be Sheree Sanchez, Zachary Chavez, Eli Chavez, Mark Spargo, Trebor Kaneshiro, Karly Aragon, Vicky Romero-Kaneshiro and Barbara Haywood.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Adolfo Sanchez and his wonderful staff, and also the team of doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Hospital. And lastly, Romero Funeral Home and their wonderful staff.

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

 

David Robert Wheeler

1958-2021

David Wheeler, age 62, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away Oct. 7, 2021.

David loved NASCAR and drag racing. David loved woodworking, and put his heart into everything he did. He was always there to help with a smile on his face. He is loved and missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held at at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 11, at Calvary Chapel New Harvest, 701 Main St. NE, Los Lunas.