Obituaries (Feb. 13, 2025)

Nathaniel Checchio Adair

1998-2024

Nathaniel Checchio Adair was born in Albuquerque on Sept. 12, 1998. He passed away at his home in Los Lunas on Dec. 19, 2024.

He was dearly loved by his large family, his friends and coworkers. His family extends coast to coast, across the country and though too numerous to name, all his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear grandparents embraced him and deeply loved him.

Childhood vacations in South Jersey, with time spent at the beach and boardwalk, were especially meaningful to him. In elementary school, he won medals for Irish dance and trophies for bowling league champion and high scorer. Nathaniel had a talent for music and played multiple wind instruments as well as violin and saxophone.

He did well when he participated in New Mexico Music Educators Association competitions. He was in Honor Band and marching band at Valencia High School. He also played with the New Mexico Youth Orchestra. As an adult, he connected with Musical Theatre Southwest and played in their orchestra for a few of the theatre productions.

Nathaniel enjoyed traveling. He embraced the world and wanted to see all of it! He had a flair for preparing gourmet dishes, but his true passion was creating intricate cocktails from infusions of fresh ingredients that he would concoct in the kitchen. Not content with mere taste, his artistic eye produced drinks with a variety of appealing colors and garnishes. Each new drink was a work of art.

This talent led to his career as a bartender and mixologist. At Mission Wine Bar in Nob Hill, Albuquerque, he found a place for all this creativity. Most importantly, he found true friendship and happiness among his coworkers. These friends meant the world to him.

Nathaniel had a very kind heart. From a young age, he loved giving gifts and would share whatever he had with you. He was the ultimate gift-giver because he paid attention to what each person liked. A gift from Nathaniel hit the mark because it showed he really cared. His bright spirit now resides in the Pure Land of Bliss, where his heart of kindness and compassion continues to thrive.

Prayers for the deceased were held at Kadampa Meditation Center New Mexico. A celebration of life was held at Mission Wine Bar.

The family would like to thank the Albuquerque Center for Spiritual Living for their generous support.

Nickolous Armstrong

1984-2025

Nickolous Armstrong passed away Feb. 9, 2025, in Grand Junction, Colo. He was 40 years old.

Nickolous was born on Sept. 1, 1984, in Albuquerque, from the union of Scott Garcia and Ruby Armstrong. He graduated with his GED from Valencia Campus in New Mexico and resided in Moriarty before moving to Tucson, Ariz., for the past three years.

Nickolous worked as a truck driver and in his free time, and enjoyed working on cars, making memories with his loved ones. He would always tell everyone to be happy, and was the glue of the family.

Nickolous leaves behind his beloved fiancé, Jennifer Fimbres, of Tucson, Ariz.; his father, Scott Garcia, of Albuquerque; his mother, Ruby Armstrong (Manny Trujillo), of Moriarty; his three sons, Noah, Joseph and Nick Armstrong; a daughter, Nelly Urruitia; three brothers, Thomas and Chris Armstong and Billy Haskew; and two sisters, Monique and Mercedes Haskew.

As Nickolous would always say, “A la ve”

He will be missed forever, he was our sunshine.

Lola Calles

Died 2025

Lola Calles, beloved wife and mother, passed away peacefully in her home at Rio Communities on Feb. 6, 2025, at the age of 91.

She married Adolfo Calles on Nov. 27, 1948, and celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary. Lola was a devoted homemaker, who cherished spending time with her family. Family and friends enjoyed her cooking, and she was an avid baker, famous for her own jam cookie recipe.

Lola was born in El Cerro to Alberto and Dulcinea Gallegos.

Lola is survived by her husband, Adolfo (97); children, Rosa and her husband, Ray John deAragon, Petra and her husband, Dave Gallegos, Cecilia, David and his wife, Lettie. Also, by her grandchildren, Rosalia and her husband, Carlos, Ramon and his wife, Marisa, Mario, Carlos, Geraldo, Marlene, Juanito, Margarita, Leon, Patrick, Marcella and Christopher; and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Lola was preceded in death by her sons, John and Charles; granddaughters, Lucia and Linda deAragon; daughter-in-law, Rosie Calles; and her siblings, Irene, Edwin, Adolfo and Jerry.

A memorial service will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Tomé, beginning with a Rosary at 11 a.m. and Mass at 11:30 a.m.

Elsie Corina Chavez

1937-2025

Elsie spent her life in Valencia County, where she was born and raised. She married her sweetheart, Alex, in 1954.

Elsie was a member of Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley Church. Elsie was a believer in Jesus Christ. She taught her family how to live and love like Jesus through her example. She imparted her friends and family a very valuable life lesson that they will carry with them — It’s more blessed to give than to receive.

Elsie loved to garden. She grew many different vegetables and shared her crop with everyone! Elsie was very adventurous. She loved to go camping, fishing, hunting and traveling.

She worked for Los Lunas Schools. Many people remember her as their school bus driver on Bus No. 10. She also spent many years working in the school cafeteria department. She retired from Los Lunas Schools in the early 1990s

Elsie lived out her faith by praying for her family every day. She had a compassion for people and was very generous to everyone. She spent many years cooking meals to feed the homeless.

Elsie will be remembered by her loving children, Faye Padilla (Mario), Eilene Sultemeier (Karl), Emily Trujillo (Michael), Martin Chavez (Andrea); 10 grandchildren, Anna, Olivia, Denise, Daniel, Gabriel, Corinna, Miguel, Martin Jr., Naomi and Derryke; and 16 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her father, Luis Jaramillo; mother, Beatrice Torres; husband, Eloy Alex Chavez; and siblings, Willie Jaramillo and Erlinda Lujan.

Ray Garcia

1947-2025

Ray Garcia, aged 78, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2025, in San Diego, Calif. Born on April 21, 1947, Ray proudly served as a Marine in Vietnam, with full military honors for his service.

After his military career, Ray settled in Meadow Lake, dedicating himself to his profession as a carpenter. He was known for his skillful woodworking and carving, often creating personalized projects for his family, which were cherished by all who received them.

Ray was a man of quiet demeanor but had a deep passion for collecting cowboy-related memorabilia, which he displayed around his yard. His love for exploring auctions and yard sales was well-known among his friends and community.

He is survived by his daughter, Manuelita Tina Chamberlin (Melvin); grandsons, Joshua and Mathew Lyons; great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Penelope Lyons; sisters, Margaret Trujillo, Dorella Skremeta, Mary Lillian Garcia and Lorena Montono (Celso); and brother, Leonard Garcia (Lorraine).

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Manuelia Garcia; sister, Lupe Chavez; and brother, Juan Garcia, brother-in-law, Richard Chavez, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Garcia.

Ray’s life and service will be honored at a memorial service to be held at the Santa Fe Veterans Mortuary at a future date. He will be remembered for his service, his quiet strength, and his enduring love for his family.

Nicholas A. Montano

Died 2025

It is with saddened hearts, we share the news of Nicholas A. Montano’s passing on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at the age of 76.

After a 6 1/2 year battle with cancer, the Lord called his angels to take Nick to his eternal home, where he will join many loved ones who passed before him.

Nick was a resident of Los Lunas, and a member of San Clemente Catholic Church. He was born in Belen, spent his childhood and much of his adult years in California. In his later years, he returned to New Mexico.

Nick 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.

Nick especially loved spending time with his family and friends; traveling the U.S. and abroad, and going to casinos. He will deeply miss those family gatherings and barbecues.

He dedicated a couple decades to creating and maintaining his family ancestry website. He also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins.

He is preceded in death by parents, Arturo W. Montano and Lola Montano; adopted parents, Estanislada and Hershel Grigsby; son, Nicholas A. Montano Jr.; brothers, Paul and Livy Montano; and grandson, Kenny Cipolla.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Yolanda Montano; daughter, Annette Robles Montano; son, Matthew Benavidez; stepsons, Eddie and Paul Rodriguez; stepdaughter, Theresa Rodriguez; sisters, Veronica Chavez, Alice Gabaldon and Rosemary Marquez.

He is also survived by grandsons, Jheremy Grigsby, Nicholas A.J. Montano and Vincent Cipolla, Andres Montano; granddaughters, Gabrielle Yanez and Nicole Montano; and six great-grandchildren. In addition, Nick is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rosary, viewing and mass services will be at San Clemente Church in Los Lunas. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local food bank in Nick’s memory. The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time.

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.

Vondel Oliver

1934-2025

Vondel Oliver passed away peacefully on Jan. 19, 2025.

She was born on June 29, 1934, in St. Vrain, N.M., to K.L. and Stella Oliver. Vondel was raised and lived in Belen until 1959 when she and her three young children moved to San Diego, where her parents and older sister lived.

After raising her children, she moved to Missouri in 1980 and had a successful business of packaging and selling Hillbilly Bean Soup. In 1995, she returned to Belen, where she lived until her passing.

Vondel was a great seamstress and awesome quilter. She also loved creating her beautiful ceramics. She also enjoyed her job, driving for Renzenberger (shuttle for the railroad crews). She cherished all of the friendships that were made.

Vondel was a long-time member of New Life Fellowship Church. She cherished all the loving and kind friendships that were made. They were all a big part of her life.

Vondel is survived by her daughters, Georgetta and Melody Shupe; sister, Yvonne (who succeeded her in death about 10 days after Vondel’s passing); nieces, Dolly Wallace and Cindy Houghton; daughter-in-law, Rose Shupe; grandchildren, Paulita, Jori, Jessi, Stella, Christina, Charlotte, Anessa and Whitney; 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She is proceeded in death by her son, Lee Shupe; grandson, Bradley Dillard; great-grandson Seth Pearson; father and mother, four sisters and four brothers.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, at New Life Fellowship, 1928 Fellowship Way, Belen. A visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., with services starting at 2 p.m. and a dessert reception following.

Donations can be made to Belen Police Fund.

Angela Wade

1943-2025

Angela “Angel” Wade, 81, died on Feb. 4, 2025, at her home in Artesia surrounded by family.

Angel was born in Abernathy, Texas, to Leonard “Slim” Brooks and Evelyn Lorraine King Brooks. The family moved to Los Lunas when she was 3 years of age.

Angel graduated from Los Lunas High School in 1961. After graduation, she went to work at KRZY radio as “Pete the Weather Girl,” a nickname that stayed with her for the rest of her life.

On Feb. 29, 1964, she met the love of her life, Michael D. Wade, at a KRZY-sponsored dance. Six weeks later, on April 11, 1964, they were married and enjoyed nearly 61 years together.

Among her many talents, Angel was an avid bowler, participating in the sport for more than seven decades, a voracious reader, an accomplished seamstress and a master quilter. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Darrel; and her parents.

Those left behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Michael; son, Terrill and wife, Lisa; son, Austin and wife, Antonia; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and her brother, Lafayette Brooks and wife, Donna.

No services are scheduled at this time for Angel.