Obituaries (April 10, 2025)

Pauline Ashby

1956-2025

Pauline Ashby, 69, a resident of Belen, passed away on Tuesday, April 1.

Pauline was a woman of many talents. She owned her own business, Pauline’s Premier Sweets, and would attend many local crafts fairs to share her passion and delicious treats with the world.

She was a strong woman, who overcame many obstacles and still managed to be a light in every life she entered.

Pauline is preceded in death by her mother, father sister and stepson.

She is survived by her husband, Randy Ashby; and sister and brother-in-law, Tish and Chris; as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She will be immensely missed.

Eva Carrillo Francisca Evangeline (Eva) Carrillo

1933-2025

Eva Carrillo Francisca Evangeline (Eva) Carrillo, 91, passed away in the hospital in Albuquerque on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Eva was born in Jarales on May 5, 1933, to parents Eustaquio and Trinidad Ulibarri.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Serafico D. Carrillo; grandson, Antonio Marcos Carrillo; granddaughter, Joanna M. Hyland; grandson, Justin E. Maes; sister, Margret Sanchez; brothers, Abelicio Ulibarri and Preme Ulibarri; and sister, Charlotte Torres.

Eva is survived by her six children, Antonio Mark Carrillo (Rose), Sandra C. Barry (Rick), Angela C. Maes (Edward), Carol J. Hyland (John), Evangeline D. Abeyta (Michael) and Armando M. Carrillo (Denise); her sister Priscilla Otero; brother, Richard Ulibarri, sisters-in-law, Marcella Chavira and Georgia Gonzales; grandchildren, Jennifer Ivey (Scott), Rebecca Carrillo, Alicia Whitman (Sean), Marcus Barry (Roxanne), EJ Maes (Taylor), Michael Hyland (Emma), Andrea Lucero (Angelo), Katarina Martinez (Marquez), Gina Hulsey, Armando Carrillo II and Diego Carrillo; 19 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Eva left Belen High School in 10th grade to care for her mother. Eva would later receive her GED in 1975. Above all, Eva was a wife and mother.

She 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.

Eva and Serafico were members of St. Joseph’s on the Rio Grande Catholic Church and, when Serafico became the Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Eva was by his side and volunteered at many events and activities.

Eva was also a member of the senior group at St. Joseph’s. She completed Cursillo No. 77 and participated with our dad in a weekly prayer group with five other couples. Eva and Serafico were very involved in the Marriage Enrichment Program.

Our mother was a loving, and devoted catholic woman. She loved her Catholic faith and her family. It was what guided her all her life. She was a strong example in how to practice our faith. Eva, a wife, our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, will be forever dearly missed.

Ragon Espinoza

1983-2025

Rudy Ragon Pilar Espinoza age 41, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on March 31, 2025.

He was a member of Christian Faith Chapel, where he faithfully played his drums with his dad for 30 years.

Ragon was one-in-a-billion in his personality. He loved every day and lived each day as his last. Since the day he was born, Ragon always had a smile and a contagious laugh. He was the consummate peace maker and a true gentleman. His accomplishments were many, but he would never speak of them.

He was known as the man with eight arms as he played his drums. How he loved to play drums; he never tired of playing and sharing his talents with others who wanted to learn to play.

He was a humble man and lived a simple life. He was a family man through and through, and a proud momma’s boy. He brought so much joy and laughter to so many people. You couldn’t help but love his smile, laughter and his wit.

He had a passion for everything, but mostly for his daughters, parents, sister and brother. He will forever be missed by all that knew and loved by all that knew him.

Ragon is preceded in death by his grandmother, Rebecca Espinoza; nephew, Eli Lopez; great-grandparents, Pilar and Perfie Sachs, M.C. and Angelina Baca, Rafael and Felipita Espinoza and Manuel and Anita Rodriguez.

He is survived by his precious daughters, Zoey Rhea and Emmi Lynh; parents, Rudy and Rhona Espinoza; brother, Ryan Espinoza; sister, Rachel Mathews and husband, Cody; grandparents, LeRoy and Sylvia Baca, Louie Espinoza; nieces, Gracie and Sadee; nephews, Jace and Rapha, and many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and Brittany Marquez, who he loved deeply and planned a beautiful future with.

Services will be held at Calvary Chapel of the Rio Grande Valley with a public visitation at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 12, and a celebration of Ragon’s Life at 10:30 a.m.

Pallbearers are Ryan Espinoza, Cody Mathews, Felix Espinoza, Jace Gabaldon, Rapha Espinoza, Steven Gutierrez, Ray Chavez, Michael Montoya, Glenn Benavidez, Keith Sanchez and Andre Franco.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of the band Reviva.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Ragon’s memory can be made to Christian Faith Chapel at www.cfcnm.org, or CFC, 843 M.C. Baca Lane, Belen, N.M., 87002.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Andrea Marie Melendrez-Jones

1979-2025

Andrea Marie Melendrez-Jones, of Los Lunas, passed away on March 18, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Andrea was born on Dec. 19, 1979, in Albuquerque to Mary Anne and Douglas Jones.

She grew up in Los Lunas, where she completed high school and later, she pursued a career in medical administration.

Andrea was known for always being the life of the party, always helping and being there for others. She was a very loving, kind and giving person. She loved making various crafts and was known for her beautiful DIY projects. She loved to collect rocks, stamps and coins or as she always said “antiques.” She treasured her family; she took great pride in being the best wife, mom, grandma and sister.

Andrea is survived by her husband, James Melendrez; her son, Jaime Melendrez (Destiny); grandson, Jacob Melendrez; her daughter, Alexandra Melendrez; and sisters Tanya Crispin (Johnny) and Carissa Medina.

Andrea is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Anne and Douglas Jones.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.