Obituaries (Aug. 7, 2025)

Imelda A. Baca

1935-2025

Imelda A. Baca, age 90 and a lifelong resident of Peralta, peacefully passed away on July 21, 2025.

She was a devout member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Imelda’s faith and family were most important to her and one of her true joys was spending time with her husband and family.

She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter and the comforting aroma of her cooking. She was known for her delicious tortillas, beans and hot chile. Her favorite hobby was going to the casinos.

She babysat most of the grandchildren throughout the years and was very proud of her appointment as Valencia County treasurer for one term.

Imelda was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie C. Baca; parents, Efren and Elena Apodaca; sisters, Laurence Otero and Linda Gabaldon; brothers, Frankie Apodaca and Melkie Apodaca; sisters-in-law, Gloria Baca, Penelopi Baca, Gina Padilla and Sara Gonzales; brothers-in-law, Manual Baca, Roosevelt Baca, Adam Baca, Neddie Baca, Marcelino Baca, Robert Longacre, Leroy Garcia and Nino Otero.

She is survived by sons, Ronnie Baca (Debbie), Roger Baca, Randy Baca (Karen) and Bennie Baca; daughters, Shirley Garcia (Kenny) and Jacquelyn Chavira (Anthony); 18 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, brothers, Efren Apodaca (Rosemary) and Robert Apodaca; and sisters, Connie Chavez (Henry), Patsy Jaramillo (Rudy); brothers-in-law, John Gabaldon, Nestor Baca (Nellie) and Marcelino Baca; sisters-in-law, Patsy Apodaca, Nancy Apodaca, Lita Longacre, Lity Garcia, Lina Roybal (Donald), Margaret Baca and Helen Baca.

Imelda’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to her godson, Phillip Baca; niece, Diana Cordova; and special relative, Alice Perea. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Kaseman Hospice for their compassion, support and care.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, in Peralta, on Friday Aug. 8. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m., Rosary at 11 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Interment will take place immediately following Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Cemetery in Peralta.

Please join us to celebrate her life at the Rio Event Center, 19513 N.M. 314, Belen, following interment.

Adolph Bachicha

1948-2025

Adolph “Kiki” Bachicha passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after a courageous journey — ending his time of suffering and entering eternal peace.

Born in Roswell, N.M., on Sept. 4, 1948, Adolph proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After his service, he went on to build a long and respected career at Sandia National Laboratories, retiring in 2015 after 27 years in procurement.

Adolph is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Mary Bachicha; his son, Fernando Bachicha; and his daughter, Sarah (Robert) Trujillo.

Nothing brought him more pride than being “Grandpa Kiki” to his four grandchildren, Quinn and Cash Bachicha, and Rocky and Roxy Trujillo. He is also survived by many loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Espiridion and Julianita Bachicha; his in-laws, Agapito and Juanita Cordova. He is also reunited with other dear loved ones who passed before him.

He lived his life for his family. He worked hard, loved deeply and gave endlessly. He was a strong provider, a loving husband, a dedicated father and a proud grandfather, who would do anything for those he loved. His presence will be missed, but the legacy of his devotion and sacrifice will live on in each of them.

Pallbearers will be his beloved grandchildren, Quinn Bachicha, Cash Bachicha, Rocky Trujillo and Roxy Trujillo. Honorary pallbearers are Luis Bachicha, Lupe Lopez, David Sanchez and David Spiers.

Services will be held on Friday, Aug. 8, at San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas, with a visitation at 9 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m.

Naomi Alejandra Benavidez

2025-2025

Naomi Alejandra Benavidez, a resident of Veguita, N.M., was born silently into the arms of her parents, Brandon Benavidez and Araceli Garcia-Galaviz on July 31, 2025.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Monday, Aug. 11, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

She is preceded in death by her grandpa Baca; auntie Silvia Garcia; and uncle, Mike Flores, who we believe were among the first to welcome her into Heaven.

Naomi is survived by her loving parents; big sister, Dalia; maternal grandparents, Jose Garcia and Leonor Galaviz; paternal grandparents, Pete and Cynthia Benavidez; great-grandparents, Christobal and Susan Baca, Pete Sr. and Mary Benavidez, Antonio and Raquel Garcia, and Margarita Solano, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Benavidez, Alfredo Garcia, Gian Carlos Garcia and Damian Chavez.

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

Tammy M. (Gomez) Bilberry

1959-2025

Tammy M. (Gomez) Bilberry, a devoted wife, cherished daughter, beloved sister, loving “auntie” and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the age of 65.

Born on Nov. 4, 1959, in Albuquerque, Tammy was a 1977 graduate of Los Lunas High School. In 2000, she earned an associate degree in AutoCAD from the University of New Mexico, combining her love of design with her strong work ethic.

On Jan. 26, 1980, Tammy married the love of her life, Don W. Bilberry. Together, they built a beautiful life in Bosque Farms, where they remained lifelong residents. Tammy and Don shared a deep love for the outdoors, especially camping, fishing, and hunting in the Gila wilderness, their favorite escape. Wherever they went, their beloved little dogs were always by their side, lovingly spoiled by Tammy.

Professionally, Tammy worked in the architectural field as an AutoCAD designer, and had previously enjoyed her time working in the accounting field. At home, she was happiest in the kitchen, where she cooked and baked with heart. She shared her culinary talents with the community through her volunteer work as a Baking Project Leader for Valencia County 4-H, where she inspired and mentored countless young people.

As one of the oldest of nine children, Tammy was a natural caregiver — dependable, nurturing and filled with love. She was a second mother to her younger siblings and a guiding presence to her many nieces and nephews. Tammy never met a stranger; her bright smile, infectious laugh and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dan F. Gomez; stepfather, George F. Harris; stepson, John Bilberry; sister and brother-in-law, Vickie and Rick Jones; nephew, Joshua Jones; brothers, Brian and Greg Harris; and great-nephew, Dalton Malizia.

Tammy is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Don W. Bilberry; her mother, Juanita Crawley; brothers, Tom Renson, Ron Gomez (Becky) and Danny Joe Gomez (Kim); sister, Lisa Wade (Buster); and a host of nieces and nephews, who adored her, Charmaine Baca, Matt Jones, Rickie Jones, Ronda Sanchez, Madeline Gomez, Brody Wade, Garrett Wade-Sena, Caitlin Malizia, Marlene Scotten and Tommy Scotten.

A celebration of life will be held from 4-7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15, at the Bosque Farms Community Center.

Tammy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Paul E. Rockhold

1935-2025

Paul E. Rockhold was born Oct. 12, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio, to Earl S. Rockhold and Bonadine E. Dray. He received orders to report to Heaven on July 4, 2025.

In Columbus, Paul attended Crestview Junior High and graduated from North High School, where he remained a member of the Polar Bear Club. He was a member of BSA Troop 28 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1951.

After graduation, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1954 to 1956, followed by several years in the reserves. His primary MOS was 2511/wireman, but he was most proud of his service as a forward observer with Charlie battery, 1st Bn, 10th Marines.

Paul married Sarah Jane Shaeffer on Jan. 12, 1957. From that union, two sons were born, Greg and John. He and his wife, Sarah, traveled the entire state of New Mexico to cheer on their sons, who participated in sports at Belen High School.

Paul was a benefactor member of the National Rifle Association. He and Sarah became the New Mexico coordinators of the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program. During a 10-year run, they conveyed the simple four-point gun safety message, “Stop. Don’t Touch. Leave The Area, And Tell and Adult,” to nearly 300,000 elementary school children in the state. Paul and Sarah were instrumental in seeing concealed carry laws passed in the state and were staunch defenders of the Second Amendment.

Paul began college at Ohio State University and completed an associate degree at UNM-Valencia Campus.

He and Sarah enjoyed panning for gold on a claim in Arizona. The gold is still in Arizona. The family believes the only ones panning for gold were the landowners.

He retired as a salesman and small business owner, and if you ever encountered him, he would talk till you needed your next haircut.

Paul was a consummate patriot — he loved his country, the Marine Corps, the Boy Scouts, the Ohio Buckeyes, brownies, ice cream and would willingly engage in political debate.

In handwritten notes, one will find his testament of receiving Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In those same notes, a letter of love and devotion to his first love, his wife, Sarah.

Paul and Sarah were married for 46 years, and she passed away on July 25, 2003, preceding him in death.

He is survived by his sons, Greg (Debbie), of Nolensville, Tenn., and John (Judy), of Albuquerque; a sister, Judy Rockhold Davis (Tom), of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren, Tiffany, of Oceanside, Calif., Jenn (Kevin Miller), St. Petersburg, Fla., Jordan (Scarlett), La Vergne, Tenn., Zachary (April), of Albuquerque, Trevor, of Albuquerque; great-grandchildren, Emery, Adalyn and Haddon Miller, of St. Petersburg, Fla., London and Jack Rockhold, of La Vergne, Tenn., and a baby boy due in December in Albuquerque.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, at Monterey Baptist Church, 12501 Lomas Blvd., NE, Albuquerque. Pastor Dr. Bill Achilles will be officiating.

Just a few years ago, Paul became a volunteer with the New Mexico Baptist Disaster Relief and went to Iowa during an extreme flood. He thoroughly enjoyed serving, and in place of flowers, donations are suggested to be sent to NMBDR, 5325 Wyoming Blvd., NE, Albuquerque, N.M., 87109, 505-924-2315, nmbdrbcnm.org.

Another Marine is guarding the streets of heaven. Semper Fi, Dad.