Obituaries (Oct. 28)

Jack Thomas Alexander

1941-2021

Jack Thomas Alexander, age 80, passed away on Oct. 22, 2021.

He was born in Seminole, Texas, but his family moved to New Mexico, where they lived in Hope and Artesia, where he grew up around ranching. After graduating from Artesia High School, he continued working on ranches, where he formed his first love of the cowboy way of life.

Jack would rodeo when he could. He went on to pursue truck driving and hauled everything from oil, feed and then livestock; eventually owning his own trucks for a time. In later years, he became a certified welder before returning to his first love — working and living on ranches.

Jack’s love of country and cowboy lifestyle led him to live in Colorado, Wyoming and finally settling in New Mexico again, where he was able to share his time between working on the ranch and enjoying his great-grandchildren. Jack will forever be remembered as the cowboy with the biggest smile, storytelling, his love of animals, and passion for the simple way of life.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kyle Alexander: wife, Becky Alexander; parents, Luke Alexander and Florence Evens Alexander; and brother, Leon Alexander.

He is survived by his daughter, Jackie Alexander Goodson and her husband, Kenneth Goodson; his son, Luke Wade Alexander; his grandchildren, Jo Goodson, Shawnae Goodson and Dustin Goodson; his great-grandchildren, Mariah Scherer, Kyle Goodson, Shawn Goodson, Taylor Goodson and Cooper Goodson.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date to be announced. He will be cremated and no public viewing or services will be held.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors at UNMH, all the staff at Romero Funeral Home, and to all the friends and family that have reached out with love, kind words and support.

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

 

Eugene Michael Barela

1963-2021

Eugene Michael Barela, better known as Geno, passed away on Oct. 23, 2021.

He was a resident of Tomé for 58 years, born to Wilfred and Tomacita Barela. The family is deeply saddened by his sudden passing. Geno was a loving son and brother.

He worked as a carpenter and did many odd jobs for all who needed help. Geno enjoyed being with his family and friends, and making animal figurines from bamboo roots. Most of all, he loved going to the casino with his mom. Geno loved his dog, Ginger. He was a kind, loving person.

Geno is preceded in death by his father, Wilfred “Willie” Barela; and brother, Leroy Barela.

He is survived by his loving mother, Tomacita; sisters, Lydia Castillo (Diego) and Alice Barela (Leonard); brothers, Marvin Barela (Beverly) and Jimmy Barela (Julie); he is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces, aunts, cousins and many friends.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 3, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at San Clemente Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

Urn bearers are Diego Jr., Michael, Carlos, Jerry and Joseph. The honorary urn bearer will be Rachael.

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

 

Juliette Diane Castillo

1948-2021

Juliette Diane Castillo, age 72, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021.

She was born and raised in Los Lunas, spending her entire life in New Mexico. After graduating from Los Lunas High School in 1966, she attended New Mexico State University and received her Bachelor of Science in education in 1970. After working a few years, she went on to receive a Master of Arts at New Mexico Highlands University in 1977.

Juliette spent her career of 40 years working for the Los Lunas Schools. She worked in different capacities, first as a physical education teacher at Bosque Farms Elementary, moving on to Los Lunas High School as the first female athletic director. At Los Lunas High School, she was a teacher, coach, principal and mentor.

Juliette then moved to the Los Lunas Central Office as associate superintendent of Human Resources. After retiring, Juliette continued to work for the Los Lunas Schools as a hearing officer. She put the entire force of her life in the Los Lunas Schools.  Juliette was also an avid supporter and patron of the traditional arts of New Mexico.

She is preceded in death by parents, Fred and Margaret Castillo; brother, Arthur Castillo; sister, Anita Medina; brother in-law, Felipe; and nephews, Marcos and Matthew Medina.

She is survived by her nephews, Chris Castillo (Jackie) and Carlos Castillo (Eileen); and their mother, Antoinette; nephews, Frank Medina (Laurie), Anthony Medina (Leslie) and John Medina (Kathy); nieces, Roberta Lawson (Allen) and Marta Bauman (Aaron); and many great nephews and nieces. Juliette is also survived by her mihita, Anastasia, and her husband, Adam Fults, and their son, Colton.

Juliette was a woman of faith and was very involved and dedicated to the Catholic Church community. She was one of the most giving, helpful, and selfless people you could ever meet.

Services were held on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas. Interment followed at San Clemente Catholic Cemetery.

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

 

Gerald D. Chavez

1944-2021

Gerald D. Chavez passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2021, at the age of 77. He was a life-long resident of Los Lunas.

Gerald was one of nine siblings, raised in the Catholic faith.  After graduating at Los Lunas High School, he enlisted in the Army and proudly served our country during the Vietnam War.

In 1967, he married the love of his life, Jane. They raised two children, Clarissa and Gerald Jr. A career in financing led him to real estate. He and Jane opened up Gerald Chavez Realty in 1975. He was very proud to be a Realtor and served as president of the Valencia County Board of Realtors.

Gerald worked with several organizations to promote affordable housing and to preserve property owner’s rights. He was instrumental in the creation of Casa Esperanza.

If you know “Riff-Raff,” then you were his friend. He enjoyed riding his horse, fishing, dancing, making people laugh, but most of all golfing. He was thrilled to share his passion of golf with his grandsons, John and Jake. Life with Parkinson’s was his biggest struggle. The brightest part of his last year was Tuesdays and Thursdays, when he would spend the day with his great-granddaughter, Emilia.

Gerald is preceded in death by his loving wife, Jane Chavez; his parents, Polidor and Sarafina Chavez; and his brother, Ernie Chavez.

He is survived by his daughter, Clarissa Chavez-Rivera and husband, Victor Rivera; son, Gerald “Chopper” Chavez Jr.; grandson, John Rivera and wife, Natalia Rivera; grandson, Jake Rivera; great-granddaughter, Emilia Ava Rivera; siblings, Pete Chavez, Pila Marquez and husband, Manuel, Roberta Archuleta, Ambrose Chavez and wife, Mildred, Ruben Chavez and wife Eileen, and Cordy Chavez; and several nieces and nephews who each was his favorite.

The family will have private funeral services and ask that you celebrate Gerald in the way that was special to just you two.  Thank you for all the love and support you showed him and his family throughout the years.

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

 

Juan A. Contreras

1958-2021

Juan A. Contreras, born Sept. 6, 1958, in Belen, a loving father and grandfather, was called by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into his kingdom of Heaven on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021.

Juan was preceded in death by his father, Refugio Contreras; and his mother, Rufina Contreras.

Juan was known for his love of fishing, camping and his contagious laughter and smile.

He is survived by his son, Christopher Contreras; his daughter, Sara Delgado and her husband, Adam; his granddaughters, Kendra and Krysta Delgado; brother, Baloy Contreras; sister, Connie Boyd; sister, Rosemarie Cordova and husband, Max; sister, Naria Maes and husband, Ralph; sister, Esperfia Mills; brother, Wilfred Contreras; sister, Maria Luz Contreras; sister, Ramona Pohl and husband, Lonnie; brother, Ramon Contreras and wife, Benita; and brother, Patrick Contreras and wife, Denise. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

There was a public viewing on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Noblin Funeral Home in Belen. There will be a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 4, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, followed by a funeral celebration mass the same day at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

 

Lynn Harper Davis

1956-2021

Lynn Harper Davis passed away at her home in Los Lunas on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, due to cancer and is now living her best life.

Lynn was born in Tucumcari on Oct. 27, 1956, to Rev. Adrian and Lila Harper. She was raised in Gallup, where her parents served as pastors of the Gallup First Assembly of God church. On Sept. 28, 1973, Lynn married Fred “Dee” Moss and they made their home in Albuquerque, where they raised two sons, Scott and Bill.

On Jan. 1, 1996, Lynn married Jim Davis and made their home in Los Lunas. Lynn was then blessed with two stepsons, Chris and Brian.

Lynn founded Desert Blossom Title Service, where she worked alongside her son, Scott, for several years. She had a heart to help the community and felt led to start a ministry. Lynn Davis Ministries was able to donate vehicles and assistance to those in need with support from the local community.

Lynn led the worship services at Hosanna Assembly of God in Los Lunas for many years, where her dad, Adrian was the pastor until his death in 2007. After her father’s death, she cared for her mother, Lila, until her death in 2014.

Lynn connected with everyone she encountered, from employees at the post office, the bank, motor vehicle department and anyone else she crossed paths with. She had a way of making people feel like they were the only one in the room and nothing else mattered at that moment except for what that one person had to say. Lynn cared deeply and loved everyone unconditionally. She made everyone know they were special.

Survivors include her husband, Jim; two sons, Scott Moss, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Bill (Stephanie) Moss, of Rio Communities; two stepsons, Chris (Lorraine) Davis, of Albuquerque, and Brian Davis, of Phoenix, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren, Christopher (Taylor) Davis, Jordan Davis, Samantha (Charles) Williams, Ethan Moss, Alyssa Davis, Ashley Gonzales, Haley Moss, Jenna Moss, Brian Davis Jr. and Leilani Davis; two great-grandkids, Theodore Davis and Elijah Williams; two brothers, Rudy Harper, of Seattle, Wash., and Steve (Patti) Harper, of Gallup; one sister, Darlene (Karey) Stromberg, of Los Lunas; and brother-in-law, Johnny (Ruthann) Moss, of Bosque Farms. She also had many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who she loved dearly.

Proceeding her in death are her parents, Adrian and Lila Harper; sister, Norma Harper Moss; foster brother, Joe Salazar; and niece Carolyn Moss.

Visitation will be held at Noblin Funeral Service in Los Lunas from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29. The viewing will be at Grace Fellowship in Los Lunas at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 30, with services starting at 12 p.m. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park after the service.

Pallbearers will be Ethan Moss, Charles Williams, Christopher Davis, Josh Harvey, AJ Nelson and Caleb Clower. Honorary pallbearers are Jadon, Isaac and Noah Clower.

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

 

Tony Pat Garcia

Died 2021

Tony Pat Garcia, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

He was a member of San Clemente Catholic Parish in Los Lunas, and later a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is Peralta.

Tony was an avid sports fan, who closely followed the UNM Lobos, Los Lunas Tiger football and baseball, New York Yankees and the New York Giants. He will now be cheering them on from his heavenly home.

In his younger days, Tony played softball with the Oldtimers, where he made many friends. He had wonderful memories that he loved to reminisce about. He also coached many Little League teams, which later made him proud as they continued through high school playing for the Los Lunas Tigers.

Tony worked at the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School and later for Los Lunas Water Department. Once he retired, Tony spent his free time tending to his garden, which he loved sharing his plentiful crops with family and friends.

Tony is preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Margaret Garcia; parents, AK and Isabel Garcia; sister, Martha Aragon; father in-law, Joe R. Vaisa; brothers-in-law, Leroy Vaisa, Arlen Romero and Peter Garley; nephew, Arlen Clayton Romero; and sisters-in-law, Yvonne Sanchez and Martha Garley.

Tony is survived by his daughter, Sarah; and granddaughter, Aislynn Garcia, of the family home. He is also survived by his brothers, Jerry (wife, Sylvia) and Michael Garcia; sister, Barbara (husband, Archie) Daniels; brother-in-law, Alex Aragon; mother-in-law, Soila Moya; sisters-in-law, Lillian Romero and Betty (Jose) Lovato; brothers-in-law, Morris and Roland (Rosemary) Vaisa; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Tony’s godchildren, Bryan Miranda, Savannah Vaisa and Melissa Daniels. Honorary pallbearers will be his many friends from his Oldtimers baseball team.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta on Thursday, Nov. 4. Services will begin with a viewing from 10-10:30 a.m., a Rosary from 10:30-11 a.m., and Funeral Mass from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Interment will follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery in Valencia.

Thank you to Tony’s medical team, who tended to his medical needs as he battled diabetes for many years, and to the many friends of Tony’s, who have called and sent notes of condolences.

 

Kathleen Tabet Groman

1965-2021

Kathleen Tabet Groman, age 56, a resident of Valencia County, passed away on Oct. 20, 2021, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Belen, and is survived by her two children, John Kody (Jessica) Groman and Annemarie Groman; and grandson, Lorenzo Baca.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her father, Carlos “Chico” Tabet; mother, Rosemarie Bolz; and stepfather, Thomas Bolz.

She is survived by her brother, Charles (Laura) Tabet; sisters, Anna Montoya, Karen (Mike) Landesss and Kelly (David) Donaldson; and many loving nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Friday, Oct. 29, beginning with a visitation at 10 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 10:30 a.m., Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., with burial to follow at 12 p.m. at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens, with a reception to follow.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.

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

 

Christian C. “Neil” Hartwigsen

1942-2021

Christian C. “Neil” Hartwigsen passed away on April 14, 2021, in Albuquerque, at age 78 after a short-lived battle with pancreatic cancer.

Neil was born on July 12, 1942, in Teaneck, N.J., to Christian W. and Rose (Gunther) Hartwigsen. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Valparaiso University in Indiana in 1964, and his master’s degree in the same discipline from the University of New Mexico in 1966.

After a short stint as an associate professor, he was hired at Sandia National Labs in 1967 where he spent his entire professional career of 33 years.

Neil had many passions and hobbies in life. Professionally, he was a dedicated member of the Sandia Labs staff and was proud of his accomplishments in the areas of national security and facilities management. He was well-known for his commitment to his team members and his dedication to their development and growth.

He served the Los Lunas Schools district for six years as a board of education member, including his role as president. Neil and his wife were committed to the education system of Valencia County, whether in this role or others. He was particularly known for helping his wife, Cheryll, an elementary school librarian, with the reading club themes in her library, building life-size trees, pirate ships, and race cars to bring her vision to life.

In his free time, Neil nurtured many interests. A son and a grandson of carpenters, he spent much of his time in his workshop, working on all sorts of projects. He and Cheryll shared a love of gardening and, for decades, the two of them grew flowers, vegetables and fruit at their homes in Los Lunas and later Peralta.

Living in the Rio Grande Valley also provided Neil a need to own and maintain his tractors — first an Allis-Chalmers followed by a Massey-Ferguson — which not only serviced the household but were also used to pull a few floats in local parades. And all the while, there was never a moment where Neil was not accompanied by one of his canine friends.

From an early age, he loved hound dogs, nurturing more than a dozen basset hounds and one lucky redbone coonhound during his lifetime.

Neil spent his final days with his family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryll Bolinger Hartwigsen, who passed away from multiple sclerosis in 2017; his father, Christian W.; his mother, Rose; and his sister, Gail.

He is survived by his brother, Gary; his two children, Kristen and Christian J. “C.J.”; his daughter-in-law, Lynn; many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and his basset hound, Scout.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, Nov. 5. Please contact the family at (505) 865-7836 for more information.

 

James Jaramillo

1967-2021

James Jaramillo, age 53, of Los Lunas, went to be with our heavenly father on Oct. 12, 2021.

He was a strong man and his faith was stronger. James was loved and respected by many because of his humor, character and huge heart. He was a proud papa to his grandkids.

James enjoyed “smokin” BBQ, and was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, and worked 26 dedicated years at ARA on Kirtland Air Force Base.

James is preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Jennie Briones and Ray and Romona Jaramillo; and father-in-law, Patrick Garcia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Tanya Jaramillo; children, Dustin, Brandon and Austin Jaramillo; grandkids, Colton and Kimber Jaramillo; mother, Mary Jaramillo; father, Nash (Jackie) Jaramillo; sisters, Debbie Sanchez and Connie (Vince) Garcia; mother-in-law, Margaret Garcia; brother-in-law, Robert (Sarah) Trujillo; and many loving nieces, nephews, godkids, cousins and family.

Services will be held on Friday, Nov. 5, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m. and a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.

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

 

Joyce D. Jolly

1932-2021

Joyce D. Jolly, a five-year resident of the Beehive Homes of Bosque Farms, died Sunday, Sept. 19, at the age of 89.

Joyce Doctor was born on May 14, 1932, in Wichita Kan. After high school, Joyce received a certification from the Wichita Business College. She then moved to Chicago, where she began working at NBC. It was there, in 1952, she met the love of her life, M. Russell Jolly. The two of them were married that year at the First Christian Church in Anthony, Kan. To this union were born three sons, Jeffrey Russell in 1953, Jay Patton in 1955, and Todd Bion in 1961.

Joyce was a devoted homemaker, wife and mother, who proudly supported Russ and her children in their many pursuits. She was active in the Presbyterian Church as an elder and committee member for the Presbytery of Southern Kansas. For almost 20 years, Joyce served as the official audio recorder of all proceedings at the annual general assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

Russ and Joyce retired to Jemez Springs in 2005. Joyce remained there until shortly after Russ’s death. She moved to Los Lunas in 2014 to be closer to family until her recent passing.

Surviving family include, Jeffrey R. Jolly and wife, Diane, of Los Lunas, Jay P. Jolly and wife, Carol, of Santa Fe, and Todd B. Jolly and wife, Judi Murio, of San Francisco, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Joshua (Christina) Jolly, Rebecca (Chad) Simons, Amber Jolly, Amanda Jolly (Nick Sisson), Nicole Jolly, Bryan (Elena) Jolly and Abigail Jolly (Cody Hutson); and eight great-grandchildren, Isabella, Jaron, Luke, and Phineas Jolly, Nyasha and Simba Jolly Takawira, Henry Russell Jolly-Sisson and Payten Mae Hutson.

Memorial services will be conducted at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Freeport Presbyterian Church in Freeport, Kan., at a later date, with interment at the Freeport Cemetery.

Memorials can be directed to the Freeport Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 194, Freeport, Kan., 67049, and/or Covenant Presbyterian Church, 9315 Candelaria, NE, Albuquerque, 87112.

 

Kay Donna Standbridge

1941-2021

 

Kay Donna Standbridge, 79, passed away peacefully in her home on Oct. 23, 2021. She was born to Thomas and Jennie Standbridge on Dec. 29, 1941.

She is survived by three daughters, Tammie Adkins, Jannine Johnson and Marsha Marcinko; son-in-law, Joseph Marcinko; four grandchildren, Curtis Jr., Ashley, Brittany and Logan; six great-grandchildren, Scott Jr., Anthony, Savvy, Jessie, Noah and Alina; two nieces and one nephew.

Kay grew up on Fox Lake in Illinois. She made lifelong friends and memories there. She loved her grandchildren, enjoyed fishing, gardening, family history and peace and quiet. She used to say “Silence is golden.” Her laugh was infectious and she found humor in anything. She was very loved and will be greatly missed.

Kay requested there be no memorial service. Rather, she wanted everyone to have an ice cream social in her honor.

 

Judy B. Thompson

1947-2021

Judy B. Thompson, of Belen/Rio Communities, passed away at the age of 73 on Oct. 15, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Judy was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Oct. 27, 1947, the daughter of business owner, Shannon P. Hamm and his wife, Audrie Bennett Hamm of Shawnee, Okla. She and her family relocated to Albuquerque in 1959, where, in 1965, she graduated from Highland High School.

Throughout her career, she held many administrative positions that included legal substructure and property management as well as owning and operating a very successful small screen-printing business throughout the 1980s. In April 1996, she met her soul mate, George Thompson, in Albuquerque. The couple instantly fell in love, were married in 1998 and, in 2001, relocated to Belen/Rio Communities.

They became very popular and active in the community, joining the Tierra Del Sol Country Club as well as the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 1680, and enjoyed a wonderful life together, full of love, laughter, adventure and fond memories. Judy was an avid golfer, member of the Tierra Del Sol Ladies Golf Club and a high-ranking constituent of the Women of the Moose.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Shannon P. Hamm; mother, Audrie Bennett Hamm; husband, George Thompson; grandson, Jerry Mathew Potts; and several aunts and uncles.

She is survived in life by her son, Jerry Michael Potts and his wife, Stephenie, of Albuquerque; daughter, Jennifer (Potts) Ross, of Taos; step-daughter, Jenny Thompson, of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Andrew Duran and his wife, Erin, of Albuquerque, Vanessa Montoya and her husband, Matthew, of Rio Rancho, Zachary L. Potts, of Albuquerque, Dustin Ross and his wife, Tara, of Los Lunas, Lauren Ross, of Albuquerque, and Jerome Nieto-Potts, of Albuquerque; as well as great-grandchildren, Robin Duran, Nathan Ross, Ella Duran and Maisie Ross.

A celebration of Judy’s life, officiated by Mr. Dean Brunkow, will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 5, at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., Belen. Immediately following the service, a reception will be hosted by the Women of the Moose Chapter 2210 at the La Merced Moose Lodge 1680 – 19482 N.M. 314, Belen.

Arrangements are being 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.