Obituaries (Jan. 16, 2025)

Melquiadez F. Baldonado

1960-2025

Melquiadez F. Baldonado, age 64, a resident of Belen, passed away on Jan. 6, 2025.

Services will take place on Friday, Jan. 17, at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley beginning with a visitation at 9:30 a.m., and a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at the Tomé Catholic Cemetery.

He is survived by his mother, Selina “Sally” Baldonado; children, Michael Garcia, Ashley Pacheco, Nicolas and Junior Romero and Anastacia and Solomon Baldonado; grandchildren, Issac, Damiano, Josiah and Liam; brother, Leonard Chavez; sisters, Loretta and Shirley Baldonado; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.

Melquiadez is preceded in death by his father, Salomon Jr. Baldonado; sister, Odelia Baldonado; and grandmothers, Beatrice Chavez and Adelina Baldonado.

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

Evangeline “Vangie” Tafoya

1931-2025

In the early hours of Jan. 7, 2025, our mom went home to be with Jesus. Evangeline “Vangie” Tafoya, 93, was born on July 1, 1931. She lived most of her life in Belen, and moved to Albuquerque in August of 2020.

She was best known as “Mrs. Tafoya” as she worked in the administrative offices for the Belen Schools. She was a second mom to many who walked through the doors of Belen High School. To this day, she is remembered fondly by many students for her kindness and joy.

She was also known as an avid bowler, earning many awards and bowling patches for her bowling prowess, often bowling over 150 and several times over 200. She continued to bowl until she was 87 years old.

Mom was actively involved in Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and volunteered in many capacities through the years. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. But to us, she was Mom and Nana. She was a strong woman whose unwavering faith saw her through many difficult times.

Family was everything to her and she took great pride in her children and grandchildren. Mom and Dad (Eloy Tafoya†) were married for 47 years. Dad preceded her in death in 2004.

They have five children, Denise Braun (Gene Carrejo), Martha Cesarano (Joe), Pam Chavez (John), Donna Bernal (Randy Bernal†/Britt Crooks) and Eloy Tafoya (Deborah).

They were blessed with five grandchildren, Brad Cesarano, Kaylah Braun (Mike Puhi), Missy Braun, Luke Tafoya and Anna Cesarano. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she thrived when they came to visit her. She loved them so much.

Mom’s brother, Mike Barela† (Petrita), preceded her in death in 2021 at the age of 92; and her sister, Flora Trujillo (Jess†), is 97 years old.

Mom’s health began to decline in 2022 and she required more care. With the amazing team of Dr. Joy Lovette, Joan Molina, Maryann Quintana and Sabina Basham, she was doted on and loved and was given incredible care by this group who we lovingly named our Angel Team. Hospice de la Luz provided exceptional care and helped mom have the best quality of life until the very end. Mom loved her nurse, Roz, and chaplain Efren and all the nurses who gently helped her through some hard days. We will be forever grateful for their love, support and dedication.

Services are scheduled for Friday, Jan. 17, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A visitation will be at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 10 a.m., a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Belen Catholic Cemetery.

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

Ronald Louis Wald

Died 2024

Ronald Louis Wald passed away on June 19, 2024, in Albuquerque.

He was born in Herington, Kan. He was an avid collector of coins, Nascar and balloon festival memorabilia. He was a Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved Buchie Boy, his cat.

Ronald honorably served his country as an active-duty member of the United States Air Force from 1965 through 1969. His commitment to his nation will be forever remembered and honored.

He is survived by his sister, Marsha Carbonneau, of Destin, Fla.; his brother, Robert Wald, of Wichita, Kan.; and friend, Anita Brooks, of Farmington.

Interment took place at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as “Punchbowl,” a national shrine dedicated to commemorating veterans’ service to our country.

Ronald’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.