Obituaries (Feb. 27, 2025)

Emilia Baca

1925-2025

Emilia Baca, 99, of Tomé, passed away on Feb. 15, 2025.

Services will take place on Monday, March 3, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, beginning 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 will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 4, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Odelio Baca, of Tomé; her parents, Estevan and Aurelia Lopez; and her siblings Benito, Amalia, Lugarda, Lucia, Manuel, Espiridion, Filimon, Eluterio, Onesima and Eduardo.

She is survived by her brother, Estanislado; her daughters, Victoria Baca and Bernadette Pumper (Charlie); her granddaughter, Vanessa Callahan; as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to her devoted caregiver, Mary Sparks, who provided love and care for the last eight years of her life.

Emilia was born in Pueblitos, the second youngest of 12 children. She married Odelio in 1947 after he returned from World War II.

Emilia earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from New Mexico Highlands University. She began her career with the New Mexico Department of Health and Social Services in Las Cruces, and served as quality control manager upon her retirement.

Following retirement, Emilia and Odelio returned to the family home in Tomé, where she remained active in her community.

She was a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Emilia was also active in the Valencia County Republican Party and served on the board for the New Mexico Department of Corrections under Gov. Gary Carruthers.

Emilia’s heart was always centered in the Lopez family, where she provided constant support, love and inspiration. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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

Josie Dolores Chavez

1937-2025

Josie Dolores Chavez, age 87, a resident of El Cerro, went home to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Feb. 17, 2025.

Services will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, beginning with a visitation at 10 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 11 a.m. and Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery.

Josie was born in Adelino on March 19, 1937, and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Tomé. She was the daughter of Celedon and Elena Chavez.

Josie married Ramon A. Chavez in 1955. They were married for 42 years when Ramon passed away. Together, Ramon and Josie raised six children. Josie was a housewife who really enjoyed decorating her house for the holidays. She also enjoyed sewing, reading, family get-togethers, matanzas and going to the casino.

Josie was known for her delicious, homemade tamales, posole, beans and chile. It seemed that she always had something made as she would send her visitors home with containers of food.

Josie was a loving mom, nana, great-nana, sister and friend. Her family and friends will certainly miss her hospitality and gatherings.

Josie was preceded in death by her parents, Celedon and Elena Chavez; three sisters, Ramona Montoya, Rosie Hurbina and MaryLou Martinez; four grandsons, Anthony Chavez, Joseph Brandt, Gabriel Salazar and Wayne Salazar.

She is survived by her six children, Joseph (spouse, Cathy), Elaine Garcia, Yvonne Jones (spouse, Keith Jones), Celedon (spouse, Deborah), Roseanne Romero (spouse, Severo Romero) and Ramona Sanchez (spouse, Leroy Sanchez); and her sister, Dolores Gabaldon; 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Betty Spanglerl and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers are Ray Chavez, Lawrence Chavez, Anthony Chavez, Celedon Chavez Jr., Eric Salazar, Anthony Castillo, Carlos Castillo, Severo Romero and Melokei Chandler.

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

Gloria Flores (Reyes)

1938-2025

Gloria Flores (Reyes), 86, passed away on Feb. 8, 2025, in Albuquerque.

Born on Sept. 14, 1938, Gloria was a devoted Catholic, who found comfort in reciting her rosary every night. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a great friend and a woman of immense kindness and warmth. Her sweet and caring nature touched the lives of many, making her truly one of a kind.

Gloria leaves behind her son, Joe M. Saiz (Lissa); daughter, Melissa Saiz; grandchildren, Gabriel (Jaelyn), Serena, Jacob and Olivia; great-granddaughter, Scarlett; many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

A special thank you to Janelle, Arielle, and Diana for helping keep her healthy and making her laugh her last few months. Her presence brought joy to those around her, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, at Noblin Funeral Service Chapel in Belen. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by graveside service at 12 p.m. at Our Lady of Belen Cemetery.

May Gloria’s memory bring comfort to those who loved her and serve as a reminder of the kindness she shared with the world.

Frank Saiz

1931-2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Saiz on Feb. 15, 2025, at his home, with his family by his side.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, whose kindness, wisdom and love left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Born on Nov. 10, 1931, in Magdalena, Frank lived a life full of love, hard work and devotion to his family. He was known for his career in wrestling, building and his great sense of humor. Whether he was working on a project, sharing stories or guiding loved ones with his wisdom, his presence brought warmth and strength to those around him.

He is survived by his children, Francisco Saiz, David Saiz, Rudy Saiz and Rachel Romero; and his grandchildren, Francisco Saiz, Anastacio Saiz, Jerry Saiz, Timothy Saiz, Rita Saiz, Felicia Romero and Monique Romero, who will forever cherish his memory and carry on his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita Saiz; and his parents, Maximillano and Teresita Saiz.

A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at a private location, as requested by Frank.

Frank will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His love, wisdom, and the countless memories he leaves behind will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Betty Rita Tapia

1945-2025

Betty Rita Tapia, age 79, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Feb. 20, 2025.

For service times, please visit romerofuneralhomenm.com.

She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Orlando Tapia; daughters, Bernadette (Don) and Jolaine (David); son, Marc (Heidi); stepdaughter, Tabitha (Keith); nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Santos and Leonides Gonzales; daughter, Anna Lisa Sanchez; brother, Elfigo Gonzales (Sonny); and sister, Elaine Gonzales.

She worked for the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School and Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment in Albuquerque until she retired. Betty was also a school bus driver for Los Lunas for many years.

She was a member of Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church in Valencia, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta and most recently Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé.

The urn bearer will be Orlando Tapia, and the honorary urn bearers will be all of her grandchildren.

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