Obituaries (Aug. 21, 2025)

Ramona Chavez

1940-2025

Ramona Chavez, age 84, a resident of Peralta, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.

Services will take place at San Clemente Catholic Church on Tuesday, Aug. 26, beginning with visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at San Clemente Catholic Cemetery.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Refugio and Abrana Lopez Carrillo; brother, Tony Carrillo; sister, Reina Montano; and sons, Michael and Chris Talamante.

Ramona is survived by her son, Johnny Talamante and his wife, Eleanor; daughters, Julie Barela and her husband, James, and Kimberly Griego and her husband, Martin; daughter-in-law, Lorraine Talamante; grandchildren, Dion Talamante and his wife, Darlene, Joshua Talamante, Erik Talamante and his wife, Amanda, Carlos Griego, Marcos Griego and his fiancée, Mariya, and Jennifer Trujillo and her husband, Antonio; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

She was a member of San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas. Our mother, Ramona Chavez, was born in Socorro on Aug. 30, 1940, to Refugio and Abrana Carrillo.

She was one of three siblings, and is the last to pass away. Ramona was first married at the early age of 16 and had three sons with Cruz Talamante. She then got married for a second time and had two daughters with Tony Chavez. Ramona moved to Los Lunas to make her home and raise her five children. Unfortunately, within these last three years, our mother lost two of her beloved sons who she is now with in Heaven. She was a devout Catholic who attended mass regularly and who placed her faith in God.

Ramona was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, neighbor, and friend.

Our beautiful mother passed away peacefully, just short of reaching her 85th birthday, which would have been just 21 days later. Our mother will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. We love you mom and we look forward to the day we can see you again.

Urn bearers will be her son, Johnny Talamante and daughters, Julie Barela and Kimberly Griego.

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

Dolores Gabaldon

1948-2025

Dolores Gabaldon was born in Belen on Aug. 24, 1948, and ascended to heaven to join her husband of 54 years, Manuel Gabaldon, on Aug. 8, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Efren Pino; father, Juan Rey Pino, and younger brother, Fidel Pino.

She died peacefully in attendance with her children, grandchildren and extended family after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer.

Dolores’ life was that of a caretaker. Before starting her own family, Dolores worked at a training center for people with disabilities. After losing her mother to breast cancer, she raised her two younger brothers. She didn’t have to travel far before meeting the love of her life, Manuel.

She crossed the country raising her family, but ultimately spent the most time in New Mexico. She was 100 percent dedicated to raising her children.

After her children were grown, she cared for Manuel Sr. during his long and complicated illnesses while working as a clerk at the Albuquerque Evening Night School.

She is survived by her dearest brother, Donald, and his wife, Chris Pino.

Dolores will be missed by her children Lisa, Denise (Julio), Manuel, Jude (Diana), Christina “Tina” (John) and John (Linsey), as well as her 15 grandchildren.

Dolores will miss the time spent with “The Golden Girls.” She leaves behind an astonishing number of cousins and relatives all of whom she knew well and cherished. She will be missed by all those who her knew her.

Cremation has taken place with plans for a celebration of life at a later date. The family owes an unfillable debt of gratitude to Lisa Gabaldon, who cared so beautifully for Dolores and Manuel in their time of need.

Sally Estes

1934-2025

Sally Catherine Estes passed away Aug. 8, 2025. She was 91 years old and born in 1934.

She grew up in Panama had many adventures there, and graduated from Balboa High School. She went on to college in the United States and went on to be a teacher, librarian, book reviewer and finally an editor for American Library Association.

She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Rhonda Wood.

She leaves behind her only surviving daughter, Deborah Montoya and husband Marvin; two grandchildren, Robert and Catherine. She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren, Thea, Katelynne, Ethan, Calleigh, Elsie and Liam. She was a great-great grandmother to Anna Rose, Thea’s first child.

Sally was the rock of support for our whole family and she will be missed. Her greatest gifts were books, education and compassion. We will always love her.

Carlos R. Herrera

Died 2025

Carlos Ruben Herrera, age 75, resident of Belen, passed away at his home on Aug. 8, 2025.

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Anna Marie; daughters: Christine Akinduro of Washington, Andrea and Brian Nichols of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Elisha and Zack Lancellotti of Texas, Carlos Rocha of California, Alison Nichols of Oklahoma, Aylea Zupko of Washington; great-grandchildren, Margaret and Adelina Lancellotti; sisters, Lorena Herrera and Jerome Mills of Albuquerque, Cathy Chevalier of Española and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, band mates, and a special fur baby Abby.

Carlos was born and raised in Santa Fe. After graduating from Santa Fe High School, he joined the Army and then later worked for the state of New Mexico. He 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.

Carlos lived his life full of passion! His No. 1 was his love for the Lord and his love for Anna Marie. Carlos loved his church family so much and took pleasure in working in children’s ministry and playing and singing with his senior praise and worship band.

A celebration of life for Carlos will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley in Belen. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m., and a reception will follow the service.

Consuelo “Connie” Vallejos Luna

1931-2025

Consuelo “Connie” Vallejos Luna, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Los Lunas on Aug. 13, 2025.

Services will take place at San Clemente Catholic Church on Thursday, Aug. 28, beginning with visitation at 8:30 a.m., a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10a.m. Interment will follow at San Clemente Catholic Cemetery.

She was a busy homemaker, raising three daughters and three sons. Later she was employed as a substitute teacher for Los Lunas Schools, and an arts teacher and timekeeper for the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School.

Connie was a faithful Catholic who attended daily mass; it was her place of prayer and comfort. She participated in the Altar Society and together with her mother, Cecilia, her daughter, Evelyn, and several other ladies from the parish, they took care of all the linens, candles, and brass adornments. Connie and Cecilia grew flowers in their gardens and provided flower bouquets for display in church.

As matriarch of her family of five generations, Connie organized celebrations for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. She was an excellent cook, preparing the finest meals. She enjoyed the presence of every grandchild, always confirming her love with a smile, hug, and kiss.

Connie was preceded in death by her sons, Fred Jr. and Lloyd Luna; her husband of 60 years. N.M. Representative Fred Luna; parents, Solomon and Cecilia Vallejos; sisters, Nina Vialpando and Mila Boehler and son-in-law, Gary Fauteck.

She is survived by her daughters, Evelyn Otero (Frank), Rebecca Sanchez (Remy), Marietta Luna Fauteck, and son, Paul T. Luna; her grandchildren, Victoria and Valerie Otero; Raelene Lundsford (Vance), Regina Sanchez Kimminau (Randall), Rene Valenzuela (Lawrence), Nicole Bingham, Gabriel, Carlos and Marcos Luna (Kristin), and 10 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

She is also survived by sister, Nathalie Gallagher, and sister-in-law, Marylou Luna and many numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Harmony Health, nurse Ramona, health aide Sabrina, social worker, Jan and chaplain Chris. Our heartfelt thanks to Ricky Luna, who was her constant, loyal and long visitor.

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

Jerry Harlan Faulkner

1941-2025

Jerry Harlan Faulkner, 83, of Bosque Farms passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2025.

Jerry was born on Nov. 3, 1941 in Mena, Ark. He was a devoted husband to Joyce for 52 years, an amazing dad to Conrad, Laura, Jerry Jr. (deceased 2018), Carollee and Daniel and a loving grandpa and great-grandpa.

Jerry is a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He enlisted at the age of 18 and served on the USS Kitty Hawk.

Jerry retired from ABF Trucking after 30 years where he won numerous awards and participated in many Truck Rodeos across the U.S. He enjoyed boxing, fishing, hunting, playing poker, wrangling cattle and caring for his family farm. Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service was held at Noblin Funeral Home Chapel in Belen on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

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

Edward Richard LaChioma Jr.

1954-2025

Edward Richard LaChioma Jr., 71, of Los Chavez, passed away on June 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Bridgeport, Conn., Edward was the son of Joanne “Tootsie” and Edward LaChioma Sr. After graduating high school, he proudly joined the United States Navy, a commitment he carried with pride throughout his life.

Over the years, Edward held many roles, ultimately dedicating himself to serving others as an EMT. He retired early due to a work-related injury but remained full of passion and spirit.

Edward was a lifelong drummer whose rhythms echoed through every part of his life. He loved music, the outdoors, fishing, working on cars and cheering on his favorite sports teams. Above all, he cherished time with his family and close friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Joy LaChioma; their five children and his son, Jesse LaChioma and his spouse Trish, along with their children Eric and Eli Jason LaChioma and his spouse, Jessie, Amber Martinez and her spouse, Eric, along with their children Cassius, Zeke, Hunter, Colin, Jada,and Isaiah, Josh LaChioma and his daughter, Aspen, Chelsea Vicenti and her spouse, Vic, along with their children Odyssey and Zaida, Joseph LaChioma and his spouse, Amy, along with their children Bryden and Max.

Edward is also survived by his brother, Mark LaChioma, of Florida, and was preceded in death by his brother, Michael “Mickey” LaChioma.

He will be fondly remembered by his lifelong best friends, Gary Soltesz and Paul Cohen.

Edward will be remembered for his kind spirit, deep love for his family and the steady beat of his drum — a reflection of a life lived with heart, humor and resilience.

A private service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery, where Edward will be laid to rest with military honors.

“See you on the other side.” – Ozzy Osbourne