Obits (May 15, 2025)

Sarah Casias

1944-2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sarah Casias, a beloved mother, grandmother, friend and farmer, who passed away on May 9, at the age of 81.

She was a loving and compassionate person by all who knew her.

Services will take place on, Monday, May 19, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé, starting with a visitation at 9 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10 a.m., and Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at the Tomé Catholic Cemetery.

Sara was born in 1944 in Tomé, and has been part of the Tomé community her entire 81 years.

She attended Drauns Business College and then went on to work at the Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories and Kirtland Air Force Base. She was a dedicated homemaker and mother to her to children, Yvonne and William, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

She was known for her great character, loving ways, kind heart, support, strong spirit and most of all her love for God.

She is survived by her two loving children, Yvonne Casias-Young and William Casias and wife, Renee. Sara is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Devon Demetrius Young, Angelique Monet Amor Casias, Vanessa Montoya and husband, Nelson, Travis and Savannah Casias; great-grandchildren, Lilly, Landin, Gracie, Scarlett and Milayah.

Most of all, Sara was God-fearing, and a true inspiration to her family as well as her friends leaving behind a great legacy of love, praise, kindness, unwavering support for any person, a great Los Lunas Tiger, Los Lunas Homecoming Queen, fan and a pillar of the community!

Her memory will truly be missed by all and forever cherished to the end of our lives. She will be missed for generations to come and her dynamics will carry on through her family.

Though we are beyond heartbroken, saddened and traumatized by our loss, we are God’s soldiers and devout Christians and therefore we find solace, comfort and great happiness in knowing that her spirit will live on in our hearts forever. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten. A lady fit for a Queen, Ms. Sara Romero Casias.

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

Ernestine Chavez

1930-2025

Ernestine Chavez, age 94, a resident of Belen, passed away on May 6, 2025.

Services took place on Tuesday, May 13, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment followed at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

She is survived by her sons, Ray (Pauline), Ricky and Frankie Chavez; daughter, Ruth Baca (Jerry); grandchildren, Laura Baca, Kevin (Antoinette), Francine Bermudez (Marcus), Berna Miu (Vlade), Natalie Hess (John), Candice Fischer (Jamison), Bridget, Victoria, Leroy, Jessica (James) and Robert Chavez (Laura); great-grandchildren, Brandon Pinon, Joseph, Justin (Megan) and Adrian Baca (Nicole), Angelina, Ricky, Jose and Lexi Chavez, Anthony Roybal, Markayla and Samantha Bermudez, Jamison Raymond Fischer, Carla, Trey, Flor, Neveah and Ricky Chavez; great-great grandchildren, Imeira, Jayson and Zia, Milania and Antonia Baca; brother-in-law, George Chavez; sister-in-law, Alice Serrano; and many beloved nephews and nieces and all of her friends.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents, Blas and Sofia Chavez; loving husband, Fred Chavez; son, Louie Chavez; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Chavez; sisters, Marillita Sanchez, Beneeranda Urtiaga, Bessie Sanchez and Sophia Gutierrez; brothers, Remy, Martin, Sosteno and Leo Chavez; grandchildren, Frederico, Joseph and Kieanna Chavez; and many beloved nephews and nieces.

Ernestine will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Please sign Ernestine’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Steven Ray Magee

1958-2025

It is with great sadness to announce that Steve passed away on April 29, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his dad, Charles Magee.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Shery; her son, Adam Kennedy; and Steve’s son, Justin Magee; two grandchildren, Lewis Kennedy and Raven Magee; Steve’s brother, Ron, and wife, Zoe; and his “favorite nephew,” Reed, all of California; and Steve’s mother, Patricia Magee, who he cherished.

He will be missed by a large family of relatives in Louisiana and about. He had many faithful friends, who were there for him during his time of need.

Steve’s comfort in life was riding his Harley.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Sunday, May 18, at 1122 Green Valley Road, NW, Los Ranchos, 87107. Casual attire.

Anna Trujillo

1954-2025

Anna Trujillo, age 70, a resident of Los Lunas, was called home by our Lord and Savior on May 7, 2025, with her family by her side.

Services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Thursday, May 22, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 10 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

She is survived by her fiancé, Edwin Padilla; loving daughter, Roxanne Trujillo Shiplet (Joseph “Joey”); granddaughters, Jaelyn and Lauren Shiplet; siblings, Joe Sanchez (Linda “Micky”), Charles Sanchez, Isabel, Bernadette (Manuel) and Corrine; brother-in-law, Jerry; sister-in-law, Cindy; former husband, Joseph Richard Trujillo; and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Anna was preceded in death by her son, Lawrence Richard Trujillo; parents, Joe and Lucy Sanchez; brother, Alex Sanchez; sisters, Frances Jaramillo and Mary Lucy Sanchez; and niece, Lauren Carol Silva.

She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Anna’s faith remained a constant source of strength throughout her life and especially during her courageous battle with cancer.

She was born and raised in Belen, and is the eldest of eight siblings. Anna was a proud retiree of Sandia National Laboratories. She was known for her kind heart, selflessness and unwavering generosity. Anna never judged, always loved deeply and had a way of making everyone feel like family.

Her quick wit and joyful sense of humor brought laughter and comfort to all who knew her. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Carey and Geneva Carter for their loving care and support of Anna during her final journey.

Urn bearers will be Jaelyn and Lauren Shiplet. Honorary urn bearers will be Julian Silva, Frances Chavez, Dominic Silva, Jennah Payne, Kristie Bailey, Jose, Richard, Michael, Alex, Nathan, Carlos and Joanne Sanchez. Please sign Anna’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Alice “Lauteria”Valenzuela

1943-2025

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved Alice Valenzuela, who left this world peacefully on May 8, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply.

Services will take place at San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas on Friday, May 16, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 10 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Los Lentes Catholic Cemetery in Los Lunas.

A lifelong resident of New Mexico, Alice brought warmth, laughter and grace to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Born on May 7, 1943, in the small community of San Mateo, N.M., Alice was the daughter of Evaristo and Sofia Gonzales. From her earliest days, she embodied generosity, strength and compassion — qualities that would define her life.

Her faith and family were her foundation, and her kitchen was the heart of her home, filled with the aroma of homemade meals and the sounds of love and conversation.

Alice dedicated 26 years to Los Lunas Schools, where she served as cafeteria cook manager. Her meals nourished not only the bodies but the spirits of countless students. Beyond her kitchen, she took her passion for child nutrition nationwide, serving as president of the School Food Service Association and advocating for improved standards in the Los Lunas Schools cafeterias.

In addition to her professional achievements, Alice was a steadfast servant of her faith. For 45 years, she sang in the choir at San Clemente Catholic Church, rising early each Sunday to help open its doors. Her joyful spirit also found expression in the simple pleasures of life — whether it was gathering with loved ones or enjoying a lucky streak at the casino.

Alice’s greatest devotion was to her family. She was married for 59 wonderful years to her loving husband, David F. Valenzuela, with whom she was preparing to celebrate their 60th anniversary this June. Together, they proudly raised two wonderful children, Rudy and Delilah, and built a life rooted in faith, service and enduring love.

She is survived by her husband, David F. Valenzuela; her daughter, Delilah Sanchez and her husband, David Sanchez; her brother, Gilbert Gonzales and his wife, Pauline; her sisters-in-law and her adored grandchildren, Jordan Moody and his wife, Krystal, Gabby Moody and her sweet Leño, Mykayla Moody and her boyfriend, Sean, Aaron Valenzuela and his wife, Danielle, Marisa Sanchez and David Sanchez. Her love lives on in her great-grandchildren, Amaya, Zayden and Lilliana Moody, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

She now joins in eternal rest those she loved and missed dearly, her parents, Evaristo and Sofia Gonzales; her in-laws, Senobio and Susie Valenzuela; her brothers, Lauriano Gonzales and Zacarias Romero; her son, Rudy Valenzuela; and two infant sons, both named Joseph. Their memories were treasured always, and we find comfort in knowing they are reunited.

Pallbearers will be Jordan Moody, Gabby Moody, Mykayla Moody, Aaron Valenzuela, Marisa Sanchez and David F. Sanchez.

Honorary pallbearers include her nieces and nephews from both sides of the family, the Sanchez foster children, and Isaac Romero.

Alice’s legacy is one of compassion, joy, and unshakable love. She gave of herself freely to her family, her community and the generations of children she nourished and inspired.

Though we grieve her loss deeply, we will continue to celebrate her life in the stories we share, the meals we prepare, and the love we pass on. May she rest in eternal peace, and may her memory forever be a blessing.

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