Obituaries (Jan. 30, 2025)

Isabelle Albers

1927-2025

Isabelle Albers, age 97, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully on Jan. 17, 2025.

Services took place at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Saturday, Jan. 25. Interment followed at our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery.

She is survived by her children, Ronnie (Mabel), Tobby, Benette and Jolene; and many nieces and nephews.

Isabelle is preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Benny; her parents, Anthony and Marie; siblings, James Schuckenbrock (Helen), Dan Schuckenbrock (Audrey), Fr. Harry Schuckenbrock, Rosie Garrison (Charles), Caroline MacManus (Jerry) and Rita Dunlap who passed away on Jan. 23, 2025 ( Jim Dunlap); in-laws, Walter and Josie Albers; son-in-law, Billy Dampier; sister-in-law, Mary Alice Thompson (Noah); brother-in-law, J.W. Thompson (Joy); nephews, Glenn Garrison, Tommy and Larry Schuckenbrock.

Isabelle was born as the second child of seven to Anthony and Marie Schuckenbrock. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Abilene, Texas, as valedictorian of her class. Isabelle attended college at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

She married Benny Albers in 1948. They moved to new Mexico in 1957. Isabelle retired as a training technician from the FBI after 26 years of service. After retirement, Benny and Isabelle enjoyed traveling and visiting relatives.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, canning and volunteering at her beloved Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. She enjoyed sharing her homemade treasurers with friends and family.

She was ‘Grandma Izzy’ to seven grandchildren, Leaman (Amy), Lisa (Bert), Tyler (Kristen), Dawnette, Marshal, Kelly and Jesse (Natalie). She was “GG” to seven great-grandchildren, Dace, Shaylee, Samantha, Isabella, Dakota, Lily and Ryder.

Pallbearers were Bert Rodriguez, Tyler, Jesse and Kelly Albers, Marshal Hanna and Dace Harmon.

In lieu of flower’s the family request donations be made in Isabelle’s name to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Building Fund, P.O. BOX 10, Peralta, NM, 87042.

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

Liberato Baca

1946-2025

Liberato Baca, age 78 passed away on Jan. 24, 2025, in Los Lunas.

Born on June 15, 1946, Liberato, affectionally known by all as “Libby,” dedicated his life to his family. He graduated from Belen High School in 1965 and, soon after, joined the Air National Guard, where he served his country with distinction during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Libby embarked on a diverse career path. He initially worked at the Zia drive-in and Oñate Theater. He then worked many years for the Belen Sears Catalog Store, eventually owning and operating it for a decade. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to customer service left a lasting impact on the community.

Libby’s life was grounded in his deep love for his family. He was married to his childhood sweetheart, Ruth, for 58 years, having first met her in the eighth grade. Together, they raised three children.

His family remembers him as a hardworking “Jack of all trades,” who cherished his time with his loved ones and enjoyed traveling.

Libby is survived by his loving wife Ruth Baca; three children, Carla (Vince), Norman (Tanya) and Nathan (David); four grandsons, one granddaughter and two great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Baca and Tillie (Aragon) Baca; and his brothers, Frank Baca and Joey Baca.

The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support during this 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.

Joe Angel Bermudez

Died 2025

Joe Angel Bermudez, age 80, a resident of Los Lunas, was born in Tahoka, Texas. Joe and Dora met at a young age in this small town. They married in 1965 and made their home in New Mexico.

They became members of Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church in the early 1970s after their daughter was born. Joe was a man of talent, skills, kindness, love, compassion and family. His wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren were his entire world. He loved his God children, nieces and nephews as they were his own.

Joe enjoyed being around neighbors, his friends, his daughter, friends who quickly became his extended family. Joe is one of the good ones and will be missed.

He was ready to be with his Lord and Savior. Joe’s faith is strong and will continue to live on through his family.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Dora; his son, Manuel; his parents, Faustino and Manuela Bermudez; his brother, Guadalupe; and his sister, Estella.

Joe is survived by his children, Faustino (Margaret) and Amanda; six grandkids, JoeRay, Ana, George (Natalie), Amy, Claye and Brian; his 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Maria Ellena; and many nieces and nephews.

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.

Intha Nell (Bone) Cox

1931-2025

Intha Nell Cox, affectionately known as Nell, was born in Porter, N.M., in 1931 to Burl and Rhoda Bone. Nell had two sisters and two brothers, and would always talk about “jerking broomcorn” with her daddy and sister, Ila Rea.

Nell moved to Bosque Farms with her family in the mid 1940s, where they farmed and raised milk cows. She talked about milking cows before heading to school in the morning. Nell went to Los Lunas High School until the middle of 12th grade when she got married to James L. Cox. They were married 76 years and raised four children, Richard (Rick) L., Burl H., Mary Ann and James (Jimmy) P. Cox on their own farm in Bosque Farms.

Nell was a loving wife, mother, granny and friend. She worked in the home and on the family farm and passionately worked on her beloved vegetable and flower garden. Nell was determined to the end that the weeds needed to go! There was no place for them in her yard.

She filled her life serving her family, friends and community. She also was a devoted member of her church, faithfully serving God by teaching children, assisting in the kitchen and fulfilling any other necessary role.

Nell is preceded in death by her parents, Burl and Rhoda Bone; siblings, Alyne, Ila Rea, Wilber and Henry; and her son, Burl H. Cox.

Nell is survived by her husband, James L. Cox; children, Rick, Mary Ann and Jimmy Cox; nine grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

A family viewing service was held on Monday, Jan. 20, at Noblin Funeral Service in Los Lunas, followed by a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park, Albuquerque.

Fidel A. Gabaldon

1938-2025

Fidel A. Gabaldon, age 86, a resident of Los Chavez, passed away on Jan. 22, 2025.

Fidel was a devout Catholic and a life-long member Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Los Chavez.

All services took place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 27-28, with interment at Our Lady of Belen Cemetery.

He spent 66 beautiful years with the love of his life, Lucy Gabaldon. They were high school sweethearts and married on Nov. 29, 1958. Fidel proudly served his country as part of the United States Army Division. When he returned home, he worked at Sandia National Labs for 30 years and retired in 1990.

Fidel and Lucy loved traveling in their RV. When he wasn’t traveling, he loved making a wide array of homemade crafts.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lucy Gabaldon, in-laws, Frank Sanchez, Sylvestre Baca, Orlando Mares, Roddy Silva and Evelyn Sanchez; and many nieces and nephews.

Fidel was preceded in death by parents, Vicente and Eulogia Gabaldon; mother- and father-in-law, Pablo and Manuelita Sanchez; siblings, Perfecto Gabaldon (Juana Maria), Victor Gabaldon (Ramona), Elias Gabaldon (Rumaldita), Floren Gabaldon (Pauline), Soledad Sanchez (Olojio), Nina Olguin (Adelino), Rose Turietta (Luciano), Dubie Vigil (Tony), Vincent Gabaldon Harold Gabaldon and Sammy Olguin. Also preceded in death are in-laws, Mary Sanchez (Herman), Jose Amado Sanchez (Charolette), Eloisa Sanchez (Celso), Lourdes Baca, Annie Carrillo (Pat), Cordilia Mares, Oralia Silva, Gilbert Sanchez and Nellie Sanchez.

Pallbearers were Steven Raniszewski, Debra Francis, Robert Sanchez, Patrick Sanchez, Betty Esquivel, Loretta Salas, Frances Silva and Ruthie Lopez.

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

Johnny Galvan

1949-2025

Johnny Galvan, beloved brother, uncle, friend and mentor, passed away peacefully in hospice on Jan. 9, 2025.

Johnny was born in Lordsburg, N.M., on Sept. 16, 1949. Johnny graduated from Lordsburg High School before serving in the U.S. Army, where he served in the Vietnam War and pharmacy technician.

After serving his country, Johnny moved to San Francisco, where he worked at Seton Medical Center Pharmacy for many years before retiring in 2015, and then moving to Las Vegas, Nev. Johnny later moved to Los Lunas to be closer to family.

An avid San Francisco Giants fan, Johnny had a kind heart and treated everyone in his life like family, so he naturally dedicated much of his life to mentoring others. Johnny’s mentorship had a huge impact on his community.

He helped countless others take steps to improve their lives and many people across the country credit him for being the inspiration that saved them — a legacy of compassion and hope that lives on in all who knew him.

Johnny is survived by his brother, Danny Galvan and sister-in-law, Renee Galvan; sisters, Becky Galvan, Gloria Martinez and Irene Galvan; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Domingo Galvan; and mother, Isabel Galvan; and grandparents, Benjamin and Flora Arambula and Ladislado and Refugio Galvan.

Johnny will be laid to rest in his hometown of Lordsburg, N.M.

Services for Johnny Galvan will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lordsburg. Visitation is at 9 a.m., with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Communion services are at 10 a.m. Interment following. Reception at Hampton Inn in the lobby following the burial.

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.

Dureese Dee Jackson

1977-2025

Dureese Dee Jackson, born Jan. 30, 1977, passed away at her home on Jan. 12, 2025, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Dureese was born to Robert Earl and Terri Jo Copsin, in Albuquerque. She married John Jackson, and the couple was transferred to many places due to John’s job. After they settled in Wichita Falls, Dureese worked for Dollar General and lastly, Kiowa Casino as a security guard.

She will truly be missed by her family and friends.

Dureese is survived by her parents; brother, Justin Copsin; husband, John; three sons, Dalton, Spencer and Joshua; four grandchildren, Wesley, Kyzier, Hayden and Silas.

Condolences may be sent to the family at owensandbrumley.com.

Allen Jay Mitchell

1962-2025

Allen Jay Mitchell, age 62, a resident of Belen, passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2025.

All services took place on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Romero Funeral Home Chapel.

Allen was born in Roswell, N.M., on April 10, 1962, son of Joe Mitchell and Lisa Monnet, and spent his childhood in Los Lunas. He married the love of his life, Juanita, in 1981, and raised his three children in Belen.

Allen had a lengthy career in construction, working in Virginia, Texas, Colorado and throughout New Mexico, then tirelessly supported his company, Platinum Builders, alongside his brother, Wayne, since 2001.

He was a dedicated son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Allen was a hunter and a fisherman, an animal lover, the hardest worker we knew, and an incredibly loyal and reliable man. We will miss his smile and willingness to help anyone in need.

Allen was preceded in death by his father, Joe Mitchell; his sister, Yvonne Stadelmeyer; his nephew, Shane Mitchell; and his infant daughter, Krista Jayne Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Juanita Mitchell; his three children, Elisha Carcieri (spouse, John Carcieri), Andrea Mitchell (partner, Matthew Thrasher) and Joseph Mitchell (spouse, John Montano); his grandchildren, Michael and Henry Carcieri; his mother, Lisa Monnet; his siblings, Wayne Mitchell (spouse, Lorena Mitchell) and Juanita Gow (spouse, Randy Gow); and numerous beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

Pallbearers were Don Dougherty, Felix Espinoza, Clarence Lopez and Bobby McDougal. Honorary pallbearers were Michael and Henry Carcieri.

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

Maria Concepcion Phillips

1947-2025

Maria Concepcion Phillips, born Oct. 4, 1947, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2025, where she was met by her maternal grandparents, Adolpho and Concepcion Martinez; and paternal grandparents, Gregorita and Santiago Martinez.

In this heavenly reunion, her husband, William W. Phillips; mother, Senovia; and father, Arsenio Martinez; accepted their loved one back to our original home.

Also, preceding her in death is her son, William A. Phillips; infant brother, Adolpho; sister, Grace Gutierrez; nephews, Eugene Gutierrez and Michael Gutierrez; in-laws, Archie Phillips and Rosie (Trujillo) Phillips; many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Concepcion is survived by her sons, Rodney and Christopher (Dorothy); grandchildren, Rick Sisneros, Daniel Phillips, Alex Phillips, Stephanie Phillips, Brenda Phillips, Marlisah Kerbs (John Chavez) and Josh Phillips; and four great-grandchildren; siblings, David (Danette), from Butte, Mont., Norman, from Espanola, Estella (Alex) Trujillo, from Santa Fe, and Jose (Maryann), from San Francisco, Calif. Also surviving her are many nieces and nephews.

Extended in-law family includes Jackie Coon, Bertha Speaks (Glenn), Carol Robinson and David Phillips (Rebecca).

Connie was fourth in line of eight children, born in Youngsville, N.M., and raised in Espanola. She was adventuress, yet helped care for the younger children in the home. She went to school with her siblings, extended family and close friends. Many shared memories one cherishes as a sibling raised in Northern New Mexico.

Connie was beautiful, energetic, strong, resourceful, determined yet humble; a woman filled with gratitude. Our Lord Jesus, his word, kindness to others, mercy inspired and motivated her life. She enjoyed volunteering, working with the schools, church, served as a Eucharistic Minister, visiting the infirmed and various other capacities with community and church.

On Dec. 26, 1964, Connie married William W. Phillips through the Catholic Church in Espanola. She made a life with him, the U.S. Air Force and later the Los Lunas police. She took her vows, fully making sure Bill succeeded with his military commitments, work becoming a successful man others looked up to. They relocated numerous times, countless cities in the U.S. and in Guam.

Challenged by moving and travel, Connie found the strength to pack-up every time, accepting it setting up a new house. “Home” was always with her. She infused it into whatever house structure they occupied.

During these early years, she gave birth to three boys, whom she loves — Rodney, Christopher and William A. — protecting and guiding onto adulthood. She volunteered, participated with the various activities through their school years, sports and Boy Scouts.

Connie pursued a professional career, graduating from cosmetology in Texas. She enjoyed working outside the home; however, frequently moving with the military challenged her ability to build a clientele. Again, this did not stop her, rather opened other venues to share her talents by volunteering at nursing homes, church, school and other organizations.

Family was important to her. She steered her children to respect and help all who are in need. Connie, a domestic housewife, supported her family with love, stability and generosity. Her entire life was dedicated to our Lord through all her talents, family, generosity humility and humor. She was an advocate for children, women, elderly, neighbors, and anyone feeling at loss or in need of support.

Connie was a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin to many. She had many talents — a hair dresser, seamstress, interior decorator, arts and crafts, collector of art, dolls, teapots, vases all assembled in a tasteful, creative manner.

As we mourn our loss, we remember her with love as her one talent we all expected and laughed, sometimes running from was the spanking everyone got when she saw you coming. “Watch out Lord!”

We love you so much mom, sister, aunt, cousin and will miss your presence in the earthly world, yet know you will also welcome us in heaven when it is our time. Rest in peace beautiful.

Services for Connie will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé. A visitation will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, followed by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be recited immediately following at 11 a.m. Connie will then be laid to rest at 2 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Chris Phillips, Rick Sisneros, Tim Speaks, Matt Phillips, Alex Phillips and Alex Trujillo. Honorary pallbearers are Rodney Phillips, David Phillips and Josh Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to St. Vincent de Paul of Los Lunas at stvincentdepaulloslunas.org/donate.html.

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