In Memoriam

January

Janice Lynn Mora (Daniel), of Los Lunas, was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She died Nov. 30, 2024.

Joe E. Trujillo, of Belen, was a member of Our Lady of Belen Church. He had his own plumbing business for many years and retired from Belen Consolidated Schools after 20 years of service. He died Dec. 24, 2024.

Cruz F. Maes, a true New Mexico cowboy, was a truck driver from the age of 15 and proudly worked as a cross country and southwest regional truck driver for many decades at Yellow Freight System and retired from there. He died Dec. 26, 2024.

Rosemary Elaine Vaisa, of Los Lunas, a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. She was a Pre-K teacher at Kids Korner, where she taught for almost 23 years. She died Dec. 30, 2024.

James R. “Jim” Brown, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Vietnam, worked with BNSF Railroad as a locomotive engineer. He died Jan. 3.

Evangeline “Vangie” Tafoya, of Belen, worked at Belen Consolidated Schools for many years, and was actively involved in Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. She died Jan. 7.

Phillip “Phil” Cordova worked with his father and brother at ADC LTD NM, and went on as an entrepreneur, and started his construction company, PMC, which provided many years of varied construction services at Kirtland Air Force Base. He later rejoined his father and siblings in the company business. He died Jan. 8.

٭Johnny Galvan, a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, worked at Seton Medical Center Pharmacy. He died Jan. 9.

Roberto Norman Gabaldon, of Tomé, owned a successful welding business and was a journeyman iron worker in both New Mexico and Nevada. He also owned Southwest Emporium, and played the drums for The Top-Notch Band of Valencia County. He died Jan. 13.

Isabelle Albers, of Los Lunas, who was superintendent of her high school graduating class, retired as a training technician from the FBI after 26 years of service. She died Jan. 17.

Vondel Oliver, of Belen, had a successful business of packaging and selling Hillbilly Bean Soup. She also enjoyed her job, driving for Renzenberger, and was a member of New Life Fellowship Church. She died Jan. 19.

Anita F. Hendrix was active Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley in Belen. She died Jan. 20.

Allen Jay Mitchell, of Belen, had a lengthy career in construction, working in Virginia, Texas, Colorado and throughout New Mexico, then supported his company, Platinum Builders, alongside his brother, Wayne, since 2001. He died Jan. 21

Fidel A. Gabaldon, of Los Chavez, was a life-long member Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Los Chavez. He worked at Sandia National Labs for 30 years and retired in 1990. He died Jan. 22.

٭Liberato Baca, of Los Lunas, served in the Air National Guard during the Vietnam War. He owned and operated the Belen Sears Catalog Store for a decade. He died Jan. 24.

Christopher “Chris” Gallegos, of Belen, was a volunteer for several entities, such as city of Belen Fire Department, city of Belen Clean Up, city of Belen Veterans Memorial and a member of Quad Locos Racing. He died Jan. 26.

٭Michael “Buzz” Kirk Sawyer, of Los Lunas, served in the U.S. Navy before dedicating his career as a law enforcement officer with the Albuquerque Police Department. He died Jan. 29.

Sally S. Chavez, of Tomé, was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé for many years, where she served as Eucharistic Minister, taking communion to the sick and sang in the church choir. She was an active member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society and Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She was also a 4-H leader, was treasurer for the Valencia County Fair Board and an active member of the Tomé-Adelino Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She died Jan. 31.

February

٭Joe Castillo Garcia, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean War, was an active member in the Catholic Church, the Kiwanis, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Boy Scouts., He died Feb. 4.

Elsie Corina Chavez, of Valencia County, was a member of Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley. She worked for Los Lunas Schools. She died Feb. 5.

Nicholas A. Montano, of Los Lunas, was a member of San Clemente Catholic Church. He retired from the state of California Court of Appeals after 13 years of service as a legal clerk. He also worked for Fresno County as a clerk for 17 years. He died Feb. 6.

Gloria Flores (Reyes), 86, of Belen, was a devoted Catholic, who found comfort in reciting her rosary every night. She died Feb. 8.

Luella Foster, of Los Lunas, was a proud member of the LDS Church. She died Feb. 11.

Jean Clyde Hamey worked as the bookkeeper for Auge’s Chrysler/Dodge Automotive Sales. Jean was a former member of the Episcopal Church in Belen. She died Feb. 13.

Emilia Baca, 99, of Tomé, earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from New Mexico Highlands University. She retired from the New Mexico Department of Health and Social Services in Las Cruces. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Valencia County Republican Party and served on the board for the New Mexico Department of Corrections under Gov. Gary Carruthers. She died Feb. 15.

Frank Saiz was known for his career in professional wrestling. He died Feb. 15.

Josie Dolores Chavez, of El Cerro, was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Tomé. She died Feb. 17.

Betty Rita Tapia, of Los Lunas, worked for the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School and Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment in Albuquerque until she retired. Betty was also a school bus driver for Los Lunas for many years. She was a member of Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church in Valencia, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta and most recently Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé. She died Feb. 20.

٭Richard “Rick” Gallegos, of Belen, was an honorably discharged veteran of the Air National Guard, former lieutenant of the city of Belen Fire Department, and member of the La Merced Moose Lodge 2550. Rick also spent several years as a law enforcement officer. He died Feb. 21.

٭Klaus Peterson, served his country with honor as a paratrooper and combat tracker in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart, dedicated years to mastering Goju-Ryu Karate, earning his black belt. He died Feb. 21.

٭Gilbert Chavez, of Los Chavez, was a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, having earned the rank of master sergeant. Along with his wife, he was awarded the St Francis Assisi award. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and served selflessly as a member of the Spanish choir for more than 50 years, a lector, a sacrastan and as a member homebound ministry. He played San Miguel for El Gran Pastorela, as well as other roles in the play. He was also an actor in the Death of the Messiah play. Gilbert was also a proud longtime member the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Knights of Columbus. He died Feb. 22.

Mark P. Gwinn, the first mayor of Rio Communities, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and retired as from BNSF Railway as the superintendent of operations on the Gallup substation in Belen. He was an active volunteer and organizer of Relay for Life. He died Feb. 22.

Lorraine Wells, of Los Chavez, worked as a medical technician at Lovelace Hospital, and then worked as a research technician in UNM Hospital’s neonatology department, retiring in 2001. She died Feb. 23.

Fulgencia Trujillo, of Tomé, was a member of Seventh Day Adventist Church in Belen. She died Feb. 24.

Stephen “Steve” Vane Shepherd, of Bosque Farms, was an automobile, airplane and motorcycle enthusiast, being able to operate, maintain and rebuild all. He died Feb. 25.

٭Demecio Perea, a U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II, died on Feb. 27.

March

Julianne Marie Stangel, of Los Lunas, worked as a nurse at St. Francis de Sales in Houston and specializing in neurology and geriatric care at the Houston VA. After moving to New Mexico, she served as the Valencia County Detention Center provider before her retirement in 2015. She volunteered with the Gabriel Project and St. Vincent de Paul. She died March 3.

Paul Griego, of Abeytes, retired after 25 years at Albuquerque Public Schools. He was a volunteer with the Abeytas Fire department and volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul food distribution program. He served as mayordomo for the Abeytas San Antonio Mission. He died March 5.

LeRoy Frank Sanchez, of Belen, was a respected mechanic and automotive high school teacher at Belen High School for 22 years. LeRoy served as a volunteer fire chief for the Tomé-Adelino Fire Department. He also served the Lord faithfully as a deacon at Calvary Chapel RGV. He died March 5.

Pelegrina Torres, of Peralta, was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta, and was previously a member of the Alter Society. She died March 5.

Felipe G. Trujillo, of Belen, retired from Sandia Base after 37 years. He was also a barber and gave friends and neighborhood kids free haircuts. He died March 6.

Chriselda “Chrissy” Padilla Garcia, of Belen, was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. She was a caregiver most of her adult. She died March 10.

٭Adrian Arthur Baca, a military veteran, He died March 10.

Virginia Perea Chavez, of Valencia, started a local business along with her late husband, Reuben Sanchez, which was the very first video rental store in Valencia County in 1985. She died March 10.

Theresa Alice Chavira, of Los Lunas, retired from Sandia National Laboratories after 35 years of dedicated service. In addition to her career, she was an active member of Calvary Chapel New Harvest. She died March 11.

Geneva Harrison, of Bosque Farms, owned and operated Corky’s Tractor Parts in Albuquerque with her husband for many years. She died March 13.

Lupe Perales Herrera, of Valencia County, was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. He died March 14.

Jennie Inez (Gallegos) Mascarena, of Belen, retired in 1998 after 33 years with Presbyterian and Belen General Hospital. She also worked with Valley Ambulance, and volunteered at Our Lady of Belen Fiestas for many years. She was also an award-winning chile champion. She died March 14.

٭Ellis “Gene” Fish Jr., of Los Lunas, was a member of the Caravan Amateur Radio Club and Valencia County Amateur Radio Association; his call sign was KI5BZI. Gene served in the U.S. Navy from 1971-74. He died March 14.

Deana Ruth (Horne) Kachelmyer, of Belen, established Christian Mission to Youth, Inc., with her husband, as an umbrella for their ministry. She died March 17.

Andrea Marie Melendrez-Jones, of Los Lunas, had a career in medical administration. She died March 18.

٭Lars J. Helgeson, Ph.D., of Rio Communities, served in the U.S. Navy. He was a lifelong learner and teaching science was what excited him throughout his long career. He died March 21.

٭Willard Dennis Storey, of Belen, served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict, and retired from the AT&SF Railway, after 43 years of service. He died March 21.

Steven Willis, of Los Lunas, was a big part of NM Special Orchestra and the Aktion Club. He worked at MyBank for many years and retired in January 2020. He died March 21.

JoAnn M. Chavez, of Peralta, had an in-home childcare and worked at the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School and Isleta Casino. She died March 25.

٭Ray Jaramillo, of Belen, was a U.S. Air Force veteran. After his service, he became the local mail carrier in Belen He died March 25.

Gilbert “Gil” Flores retired from the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility as a sergeant. He died March 26.

Olivia Garcia Pino, of Belen, was a member of our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Olivia was a bus driver for Belen Consolidated Schools for 33 years. She died March 28.

Rudy Ragon Pilar Espinoza, of Los Lunas, was a member of Christian Faith Chapel, where he faithfully played his drums with his dad for 30 years. He was also a member of the band, Reviva. He died March 31.

April

Pauline Ashby, of Belen, owned her own business, Pauline’s Premier Sweets. She died April 1.

Eva Carrillo Francisca Evangeline (Eva) Carrillo, worked at Sears and later APS, where she retired. She continued to serve as a member of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church as a member of the choir, Alter Society and Blue Army. Eva was an honorary member of the Ladies Sodality at San Ysidro Parish. She died April 1.

Doyle Uptain spent several years as a commercial diver and underwater welder, proudly served as a sheriff’s deputy for the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, and excelled in the oilfield, as a heavy equipment operator and over-the-road truck driver. He died April 2.

George Winters an educator and advisor, his wisdom and patience guided many students at Belen High School and the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus. He was also an apprentice director with the state of New Mexico Department of Education. He was an active member of the Belen and Carson City, Nev., Model Railroad Clubs. He died April 3.

Douglas Rae Richardson, of Belen, enjoyed making art, listening to music, making people laugh, going on outings with his housemates and staff of the Los Lunas Community Program. He died April 5.

٭Ruben E. Baca, of Belen, was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his retiring from General Electric, he returned to his roots to ranch in Belen. He died April 11.

Salomon Baca, of Belen, served on the DOE SWAT team, iron working, construction, carpentry, ranching and farming. He died April 11.

Alice Evelyn Gabaldon, of Los Lunas, as a member of the Legion of Mary at San Clemente Catholic Church. She died April 11.

٭James Buchanan Conner, of Los Lunas, a U.S. Army veteran, was a member of Boy’s State, and was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of Shriners International. He worked for the Santa Fe/BNSF railroads for 30 years. He died April 17.

Inez Murillo-Gonzales, of Los Lunas, was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and a member of the Catholic Daughters for over 10 years. She died April 18.

Michael “Mikey” Louis Flores, of Belen, was employed with Budding Bar and Dispensary. He died April 21.

Margaret Ann Costanza, of Belen, helped to establish, work and manage the family’s Costanza Apple Orchard. She died April 19.

Edward Lawrence Hobbs, was a member of the fire service with Valencia and Socorro County for more than 20 years of Los Lunas. He died April 22.

Rene Marie Cande Zamora Gonzales, of Los Lunas, was a dedicated member of Immaculate Conception Church in Tomé. She inspired generations of students during her tenure at Rio Grande Elementary School in Belen and Central Elementary School. She died April 24.

Robert L. “Bobby” Buttram Sr., of Belen, was a faithful member of Los Chavez Baptist Church. Bobby worked as a dedicated engineer for the BNSF Railroad for 45 years. He was well-known in the music scene as the frontman of his country band, Bobby Buttram and the Trainmen. He died April 26.

Johnathan Stewart Mason, of Bosque Farms, worked at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Los Lunas. He died April 29.

May

Mary “Edna” Cordova Otero, of Jarales, helped open a kitchen to feed underprivileged people at Grace Fellowship, and inspired her daughter and son-in-law to start the School of Dreams Academy Charter School She died May 1.

Anna Trujillo, of Los Lunas, was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Anna was a proud retiree of Sandia National Laboratories. She died May 7.

Alice “Lauteria” Valenzuela, of Los Lunas, dedicated 26 years to Los Lunas Schools, where she served as cafeteria cook manager. She served as president of the School Food Service Association and advocating for improved standards in the Los Lunas Schools cafeterias. Alice also sang in the choir at San Clemente Catholic Church. She died May 8.

Hilda Christina Limas, of Belen, was passionate about being a hospice CNA. She died May 9.

Sarah Casias, of Tomé, worked at the Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories and Kirtland Air Force Base. She died May 9.

٭Norbert Torrez, of Los Lunas, was a member of San Clemente Church in Los Lunas. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He retired from employment with the state of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department after 26 years of service. Norbert was a 4th Degree Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He died May 12.

Dolores Josephine Padilla, of Belen, worked at Sandia National Laboratories, worked many years at Belen Consolidated Schools and co-owned Al’s Styling Salon in Belen. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, and served as a Catholic Daughter, lector and padrino. She died May 13.

٭Sisto Joseph Sanchez, of Los Lunas, served with both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. He worked for many years at General Electric as a supervisor. He died May 14.

Carmen K. Montoya, of Tomé, was a business owner of her own shop, Professional Image. She died May 15.

٭Thomas M. Caldwell was an EMT and fire chief of the Valencia County Volunteer Fire Station in Rio Communities from 1993-2001 and a first class petty officer in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. He died May 20.

٭Seferino Luciano Sanchez, of Jarales, joined the U.S. Navy in 1954 and received an honorable discharge in 1957. He was an avid farmer along with a full-time job at Sandia Base. He died May 20.

Jo Anne Hinds, of Bosque Farms, served as a substitute teacher for Los Lunas Schools for 22 years. She died May 21.

٭Michael Lewis Theiler, of Bosque Farms, served in the U.S. Army. He died May 23.

Sandra A. Moya, of Belen, worked for many dedicated years for Belen Consolidated Schools and retired from state of New Mexico Corrections Department. She died May 24.

Mark Allen Aragon, of Los Lunas, acquired his journeyman card as well as several apprenticeship awards. He died May 27.

٭Edenio Sanchez Garcia, of Belen, served in both the New Mexico Army National Guard and U.S. Navy. He worked for BNSF Railroad for 13 years before beginning his career at the U.S. Postal Service, where he retired after serving 18 years in May 1994. He was a lifelong member or Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, where he and his wife, Corrine, were past padrinos of the Fiestas. He died May 29.

Alex C. Romero, of Pueblitos, was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and Belen Sheriff’s Posse from the 1960s to 1970s. He died May 29.

June

Consuelo “Consie” Griego, of Veguita, was a member of the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in La Joya San Juan Mission for over 60 years, where she was a mayordomo many times and padrino for Baby Jesus. She was also a CCD teacher, and DRE for Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, and one of the first members of St. Vincent de Paul. She died June 2.

Kennie R. “Ken” Lunsford, of Belen, spent many fulfilling years working at Sonic and most recently, Bargain Square. He died June 5.

Angelia Tafoya, originally of La Joya, was a member of both Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in La Joya and Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Albuquerque. She worked with the Army Corps of Engineers in downtown Albuquerque, and later served as an executive secretary at Kirtland Air Force Base. She died June 7.

Lugarda “Luge” Maria Gurule Aragon spent her 40+ year career working for the Los Lunas Schools. She died June 11.

٭Jack Aragon, of Los Lunas, was a proud veteran of the United States Army, a teacher and coach. He died June 15.

Lorraine E. Sanchez, of Peralta, was an educator with Taos Municipal Schools until retirement in 1993, and was a licensed massage therapist, opening The Gift of Touch Therapeutic Massage. She died June 15.

Carolyn Gail Hancock (Kelly), of Belen, worked for the Los Lunas Schools and Bosque Farms Elementary. She was an avid doll collector and was a member of the Desert Doll Club and the United Federation of Doll Collectors. She died June 16.

Joseph Morse ran “The Ragman” business for 38 years. He was a cantor at Adat Yeshua and Olive Tree Synagogues over a 15-year period and led the Kehila B’Midbar Fellowship for five years. He died June 16.

٭Mario Antonio Santiago, a U.S. Navy veteran, joined the Albuquerque Fire Department in 1982 and proudly served as a driver, firefighter and EMT. He retired in 2002 from his beloved Station No. 14. He was also a featured artist at Belen Art League. He died June 17.

٭Richard A. “Dick” Carbajal, a native of Belen, served honorably in the U.S. Army. He was a New Mexico state representative for Valencia County for eight years, and was a member of the Belen Board of Education. He was a State Farm insurance agent for 50 years. He died June 18.

•Edward Richard LaChioma Jr., of Los Chavez, served in the United States Navy. He dedicated himself to serving others as an EMT. He retired early due to a work-related injury but remained full of passion and spirit. He died June 26.

Donna Faye Haslett, of Los Chavez, was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She died June 28.

July

Tammy M. (Gomez) Bilberry, of Bosque Farms, worked in the architectural field as an AutoCAD designer, and had previously enjoyed her time working in the accounting field. She shared her culinary talents with the community through her volunteer work as a Baking Project Leader for Valencia County 4-H. She died July 1.

٭Paul E. Rockhold, of Rio Communities, was a member of the Polar Bear Club, an Eagle Scout and a U.S. Marine veteran. Paul was a benefactor member of the National Rifle Association. He and his wife, Sarah, became the New Mexico coordinators of the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program. He died July 4.

Tranquilino “Tante” Blea, of Peralta, retired from the Los Lunas Schools, where he was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. He was a gifted woodworker and a natural storyteller. He died July 10.

John Gareth Davies, of Los Lunas, devoted more than 50 years to teaching high school science, first in New Jersey and later in New Mexico, retiring from Los Lunas High School in 2020 at the age of 80. He died July 11.

Paul Montoya, age 54, of Belen, was a talented auto mechanic, and could fix just about anything that was broken. He enjoyed woodworking and canvas painting. He died July 12.

Michael “Mike” John Torres, of Belen, whose career primarily followed in the footsteps of his parents in the family business, Pete’s Café, where he held multiple roles. He will always be remembered for his infamous food truck, Mike’s Munchies. He died July 14.

٭Hastings Harold Hutchins Jr., who retired as the chief of police in Bosque Farms and served in the military, died July 17.

٭Harry “Uncle Harry” Kaneshiro, a native of Belen, served in the U.S. Air Force. He died July 17.

Imelda A. Baca, of Peralta, was a devout member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. She was appointed as Valencia County treasurer for one term. She died July 21.

٭David Padilla, of Los Lunas, was a member of the United States Army and worked at Los Lunas Hospital and Training School and at Sequoyah. He died on July 22.

٭Adolph Bachicha, a U.S. Navy veteran, worked at Sandia National Laboratories, retiring in 2015 after 27 years in procurement. He died July 23.

Nancy Eleanor Spear, of Los Lunas, was a member of the Albuquerque Sweet Adelines, and worked at Sandia National Laboratories. She died July 26.

•Michael S. Baca, of Belen, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-54. He later worked for the Farmers Home Administration in Valencia County. He died July 31.

Melanie Fay Briscoe (Summerlin) worked many years as a front desk administrator at Dr. Barkalow’s chiropractic office in Belen. She died July 31.

August

٭Steven “Stokey” “Craig” Montano, of Los Lunas, was a U.S. Navy veteran. He died Aug. 1.

Calvin Kyle Toddy Jr., of Belen, attended Freedom Worship Center in Los Lunas, and attended Job Corps. He died Aug. 2.

Jack Leroy Wroten, of Los Lunas, was a talented musician, who loved playing his guitar. He died Aug. 6.

Dolores Gabaldon, of Belen, worked at a training center for people with disabilities. She died Aug. 8.

٭Jerry Harlan Faulkner, of Bosque Farms, a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. Jerry retired from ABF Trucking after 30 years. He died Aug. 13.

Carlos Ruben Herrera, of Belen, retired as a sergeant from the New Mexico Corrections Department in 2007. During his “retirement” he worked for Dayhab for seven years and then drove for Adaptive Medical Transportation for seven years. He died Aug. 8.

Ramona Chavez, of Peralta, was a member of San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas. She died Aug. 9.

Consuelo “Connie” Vallejos Luna, of Los Lunas, was a substitute teacher for Los Lunas Schools, and an arts teacher and timekeeper for the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School. She participated in the Altar Society. She died Aug. 13.

Nancy Jane Skinner Pettis, of Los Lunas, worked at the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School in 1965 and worked in different positions, ending her career after 30 years. She also used her talents contributing to the Crafty Ladies Group of Peralta Methodist Church. She died Aug. 15.

William LeRoy Giron, of Belen, pent most of his life as a Real Estate broker and developer. William also helped found the Bank of Belen, where he served as a chairman on the board. He was part owner and operator at Tierra del Sol Golf Course. He died Aug. 20.

Kelly Ruth Rierson, of Belen, was renowned for her breathtaking, specialty cakes. She died Aug. 21.

Lupita M, Montaño, of Adelino, was a long-time member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé. She died Aug. 28.

Joe “Jose” A. Arias, of Jarales and Los Lunas, dedicated his career to the craft of butchery, working at Furr’s, Adam’s and Mathew’s. He died Aug. 30.

September

Ticha “Eluticia” Vega, of Bosque Farms, was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and the Legion of Mary. She died Sept. 11.

Annette Aragon, of Peralta, was a devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. She died Sept. 15.

Ursula Sanchez, of Belen, established Hub Furniture and Carpet Co. with her husband, Bennie. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, where she was a member of Our Lady Catholic Daughters and supported St. Vincent de Paul, Joy Junction and the Boys’ Ranch of New Mexico. She died Sept. 19.

٭William Richard Herschler, of Peralta, was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was the proud owner and operator of River’s Bend Irrigation, installing irrigation systems throughout Valencia County. Will also owned River’s Bend Photography. He died Sept. 25.

٭Ronald R. Hodges, of Los Lunas, was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, teacher and wrestling coach and as the superintendent for Belen Public Schools; he later led both Menaul School and Ruidoso High School as principal. He died Sept. 25.

October

٭Gilfred Abeyta, of Valencia and northern Socorro County, was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was a skilled HVAC technician and plumber, but his true passion was farming. He was a 4-H leader and was a member of the Socorro Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees and founding member of Somos Unidos Veguita. He died Oct. 3.

Natalie Flores, of Las Nutrias, was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Her life passion was teaching. Natalie was the heart and soul of La Promesa Elementary for 14 years. She died Oct. 3.

Barbara Ann Marsh, formerly of Rio Communities, where she was a member of the Tierra Del Sol Golf Club and Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. She worked at Bank of Belen and My Bank for several years as a teller. She died Oct. 3.

Angelina Chavez, of Jarales, was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. She died Oct. 7.

Fran Carrion was an active member of the Belen Art League, selling her popular “Frani Bags.” She died Oct. 15.

Dolores “Lola” Torrez, of Adelino, worked at Tots Nursery in Belen, and also worked faithfully at Nino’s Lumber, Tabet Lumber and RAKS Lumber and Hardware. She died Oct. 10.

Milford Misener, of Los Lunas, served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Belen for 33 years. Later, he worked with churches throughout the region during their search for full-time pastors. He died Oct. 13.

Dorothy Faye Duncan, of Los Lunas, helped to build Los Lunas Christian church, and the second Church was Mountain View Community Church. Both were in Los Lunas. Los Lunas Christian Church evolved into Grace Fellowship, in Los Lunas. She was once titled the fastest knitter in Valencia County with the Valencia County Extension Club. She died Oct. 15.

Susan Diane Brandt, of Tomé, as a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta. She died Oct. 24.

٭Gilbert Juan Romero, of Los Lunas, was a U.S. Air Force and Army National Guard veteran. He went on to serve as a reserve sheriff’s deputy for Valencia County. He most recently finished his career with the New Mexico Corrections Department as addictions program manager. He died Oct. 24.

Steven Sanchez, of Belen, was also head of security at Al’s Mini Mart for many years. He died Oct. 26.

November

Tonya Colene Burson Ivory, of Belen, was a graduate of Belen High School, and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNM. She was a senior nutritionist for the New Mexico Department of Health before her passing. She died Nov. 16.

Dolores Maria Garcia-Zamora, of Los Lunas, retired as an electric technician from Singer Electric Company. She died Nov. 17.

Frances Ida Gallegos, of Belen, was a member of our Catholic Daughters, the Servites of Mary, St. Vincent de Paul and Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. She died Nov. 18.

Laurence Paul Guggino Sr., of Los Lunas, purchased Los Lunas Pharmacy from Helen Lucas in 1965, and the family moved into the open arms of the Village. During the time Larry purchased the store, he also was employed as head pharmacist at the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School. The whole family worked at the store where Larry was the pharmacist for more than 50 years. He died Nov. 19.

Sheila Maria Sanchez, age 65, resident of Tomé, served 18 years as a director of religious education for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe S.W. Deanery. She served as the office manager and director of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was an enthusiastic mentor and religious educator to children and adults. She died on Nov. 20.

Catherine Anne Estrada taught elementary music to thousands of students in Los Lunas. She loved performing with the Albuquerque Concert Band. She died Nov. 24.

Frank Rivera, of Los Lunas, was involved in several major construction projects in the Texas panhandle. As a member of the Tomé Catholic Church, Frank served as a construction consultant on the first addition to the parish hall. Later, he established Frank’s Concrete. He died Nov. 27.

Joshua Ambrose Burns II, of Belen, developed and implemented energy use monitoring and conservation computer software that was applied in more than 1,000 schools in California and Canada. As a partner in his own firm, he assisted educational and institutional clients across the country including the U. S. Department of Energy and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (San Francisco) in making significant energy use and cost reductions. He died Nov. 29.

Jose Cristobal “Cris” Baca, of Adelino, was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé and for more than 40 years proudly strummed his guitar with the choir. He retired from General Electric in 2006 as a plumber/pipefitter after 21 years and following a 16-year career with Lindy Gas Services. He died Nov. 30.

December

Bobby Gutierrez, of Los Lunas, started his own business, Bobby’s Automotive, which has remained open for 25 years. His shop has been voted Best Mechanic in Valencia County for the sixth year. He died Dec. 2.

Eleanor Theresa Aragon, of Tomé, spent many years working as a bus driver for the Tomé-Adelino Head Start program. She faithfully volunteered as the financial secretary for the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the Immaculate Conception Church in Tomé She died Dec. 9.

Cecilia Ann Castro, of Los Lunas, spent more than two decades at JC Penney, followed by 17 years at Walmart in Belen. She died Dec. 13.

Dylan Thomas Collins, of Tomé, was a member of the 2026 senior class of Valencia High School and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He died Dec. 17.

Salomon Griego Jr., of Las Nutrias, retired from GE Avionics. He was a member of Calvary Chapel New Harvest in Los Lunas. He died Dec. 20.

Virgie August, of Rio Communities, worked for Belen Consolidated Schools for 17 years as an educational assistant and bus aide, and volunteered as a foster grandparent at St. Mary’s Catholic School. She died Dec. 27.

٭Linda J. Gonzalez Gabaldon, of Los Lunas, was a nurse at the VA Hospital and Lovelace Hospitals. She died Dec. 30.

Rosabeth Garcia-Sais, of Belen, devoted 36 years of service to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, where she served as assistant state conservationist for Management and Strategy. She died Dec. 31.