Barbara Ann Smith Embres

Barbara Ann Smith Embres

1945-2024

Barbara Ann Smith Embres, 79, a Belen resident, lost her battle with lung cancer on July 25, 2024. She passed away peacefully at her home with her daughters, Cheri and Tracy, and close friends, Judy Greer and Patsy Castillo, by her side.

Barbara graduated from high school in Oklahoma City and after that she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. She was stationed at the Air Force Base in Amarillo, Texas, where she met Rene J. Embres, who was also stationed there.

On March 10, 1965, they left Amarillo and drove to California. On their way, they stopped in Tucumcari, N.M., and got married at city hall. In California, she helped Rene at his dental laboratory business while raising her children. In 1976, they moved the family to Belen, where it was half-way between his and her families.

She worked for the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office for a few years as a dispatcher. After that, Barbara began working for the FBI until she retired. While working, she attended UNM-Valencia campus at night and earned her associate degree.

She always wanted to be a teacher, so after retiring she became a substitute for Belen Consolidated Schools for several years. She stopped subbing in October 2018 when Rene was diagnosed with cancer. Not to be left out, three months later she was diagnosed with cancer as well.

Barbara loved art and took many classes. She enjoyed painting and photography as well. Barbara loved reading and loved books. Barbara was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she made many life long friends.

She enjoyed bowling in leagues at Sugar Bowl Lanes. Barbara took up quilting and was a member of the Valencia Valley Quilters and the New Mexico Quilters Association. Barbara and Rene loved to go camping and were members of the Good Sam RV Club. They especially loved camping at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and did so for many years.

Barbara is survived by her three children, Tracy Embres Galligan, Cheri M. Embres and Nicolas R. Embres (wife, Lisa); grandchildren, Ezzie, Rhonnie, Devin, Megan, Delaney, Alec and Haven; great-grandsons, Warren, Raiden and Damian; and great granddaughter, Hazel.

A memorial service to celebrate her life is planned for Sunday, Sept. 1, at the New Life Fellowship Church, 1928 Fellowship Way, Belen, with visitation at 3:30 p.m. and the service at 4 p.m. A reception will follow the service at La Dos Gringas restaurant.

Barbara loved animals, so in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Humane Society, ASPCA, or the Valencia County Animal Shelter.

On Monday, Sept. 2, family and friends are invited to go to the Manzano Mountains to spread some of Barbara and Rene’s goodwill. There will be a picnic and time spent together to hike, play games or just visit with each other and enjoy nature, which is something the family often enjoyed together. Exact place and time TBD.

Military services will be held for both Barbara and Rene Embres at 2 and 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The family is requesting everyone wear clothing that sparks memories or represents how you knew Barbara, (quilting, Good Sam, Belen Eagles, FBI, etc.) or her favorite color, blue.

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.