Obituaries (Jan. 9, 2025)

Benita Montaño

1940-2024

Benita Montaño, age 84, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Nov. 25, 2024.

Benita is survived by her children, Adelle Montaño, Sandra Cleveland (Matthew), Polly Montaño and Rosanne Montaño Gallegos (Thomas); grandchildren, Felicia Montaño (Ejmin Khosrovian), Jonathan Rice (Carmen), Erich Montaño, Stephen Montaño (Gabriela), Brandon Montaño (Rebekah), Sam Cleveland (Joseph Marquez) and Jessica Cleveland; and great-grandchildren, Damian, Jason and Morgan.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Livy Montaño; son, Richard Montaño; grandson, Nickolas Herrington; parents, Ted and Julia Baca; and sister, Josephine Garcia.

Benita is succeeded in death by her son, Ted Montaño.

Services will take place on Friday, Jan. 17, at San Clemente Catholic Church. A visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Inurnment will follow the services at San Clemente Catholic Cemetery.

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.

Janice Mora

1951-2024

Ms. Janice Lynn Mora (Daniel), 73, of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2024, at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque.

Janice was born on March 2, 1951, in Quantico, Va., to Walter Elbert and Dorothy Grace (Schmidt) Daniel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Bill (Julie) Daniel.

She is survived by her two brothers, Scott (Lela) Daniel and Robert (Mary) Daniel; her three children, Shandy (Craig) Johnson, Jody (Denise) Rigdon and James (Desri) Rigdon; nephews and nieces, Tim Daniel, Christine Kirk, Chris Daniel, Mike Daniel, Dustin Daniel and Donovan Daniel; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Janice was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was especially known for her baking and her ability to create elaborate cakes for weddings and other special events. She loved her dogs and was never without her little long-haired chihuahuas.

She was also known for her ability to grow beautiful roses, and her children remember while growing up, her amazing guitar playing during worship services.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 160 James St. NW, Los Lunas. Bishop Jeremy Pearson will coordinate the services.

Marcella Pandazis

Died 2025

Marcella Pandazis, a woman of extraordinary strength, grace and selflessness, passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2025.

Known for her unwavering compassion and her ability to put others before herself, Marcella was a guiding light to her family and friends, a true embodiment of resilience and love.

Throughout her life, Marcella faced challenges with courage and perseverance, always putting her loved ones first. Her thoughtfulness and dedication to family and friends left a lasting legacy of kindness and devotion.

Marcella spent her later years at the Neighborhood in Rio Rancho, where she was surrounded by a caring and supportive community. We are deeply grateful to the staff who took such good care of her, providing her with love and safety in her final chapter. Truly, we were blessed to have her in such a nurturing environment.

Marcella is survived by her beloved children, Michael, Joanne and Ashley; her cherished niece, Delora, whom she loved as a daughter; her sister, Loretta Dew; five grandchildren, nieces, cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by Miguel Silva, Margarita Rose Ochoa, Mike F. Silva and Maria Delores (Auntie Dodo).

“Her children arise and call her blessed; Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’”– Proverbs 31:28-29

Marcella’s life was a testament to love, faith and determination. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all whose lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.

Ruthalene V. Stelzer (Pritchard)

1946-2024

Ruthalene V. Stelzer (Pritchard), 78, a resident of Belen for more than 25 years, passed away on Dec. 4, 2024.

Ruthalene was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on Nov. 8, 1946, to Blake and Iris Pritchard.

She was a beautiful, warm and loving wife and mother. She loved traveling and viewing new sites and places.

She struggled with colon cancer and diabetes for 22 years, but was always upbeat and had a smile for everyone.

She is survived by her husband, Robert D. Stelzer; daughter, Leslie D. Sizemore, of Phoenix, Ariz.; granddaughters, Aubrey, Amber, Amittee and Alana, of Moriarty; great-grandsons, Tucker and James; sisters, Linda Stull, of Bellville, Ohio, and Nancy Ronevich, of Winterville, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her son, Bryan E. Stelzer; parents, Blake and Iris Pritchard; and brother, Dale Pritchard.

Special thank you to Presbyterian Hospice nurse Misty Aragon and special home care provider, Tina Bibiano.

A private memorial and interment will be held.

Ernest Trujillo Jr.

1957-2024

Ernest Trujillo Jr., age 67, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Dec. 19, 2024.

Services will take place on Friday, Jan. 24, at San Clemente Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., and interment to follow at Los Lentes Catholic Cemetery.

He is survived by his daughter, Cammaron Trujillo; grandchildren, Esteban, Aaliyah and Emiliano; and sibling, Glenn.

Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Sr. and Dollie Tapia Trujillo; son, Marcos; and siblings, Phillip, Gary and Leticia.

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

Rosemary Elaine Vaisa

1963-2024

Rosemary Elaine Vaisa, age 61, a resident of Los Lunas, a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta, gained her angel wings on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.

Services took place on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment followed at Our lady of Guadalupe Cemetery.

Rosemary was born to Andy and Julia Vallejos, of Belen, on Nov. 29, 1963. Rosemary had a deep love for children and teaching. She was a Pre-K teacher at Kids Korner, where she taught for almost 23 years. She loved all of her kids, and she took pride in her work. She loved watching them grow and progress throughout the years.

Rosemary had a beautiful smile and the best warm hugs. She always made everyone who visited feel welcome. She loved spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was very proud of her family, and was a proud Nana. She was a huge Minnesota Viking fan and loved watching them play.

Rosemary is survived by her loving husband, of 42 years Roland Vaisa; her children, Kassie Mays (Joshua), Loreen Adams (Brock), Joshua Vaisa (Cecilia) and Savannah Vaisa (Rick); grandchildren, Antonio and Andres Gutierrez, Arianna Cordova, Ana Vaisa, Connor, Bella and Bentley Adams, and Elaina and Caysen Mays; sister, Denise Kline (Jimmy); mother in-law, Soila Moya; sisters-in-law, Lillian Romero and Betty Lovato (Jose); and by numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Julia Vallejos; father-in-law, Joe Vaisa; brothers, Tony and Danny Vallejos; brothers-in-law, Leroy and Morris Vaisa, Arlen Romero, Peter Garley and Tony Garcia; sisters-in-law, Margaret Garcia, Yvonne Sanchez and Martha Garley; nephews, Arlen Clayton Romero and Dominic Garley.

Pallbearers are Rick Garcia, Brock Adams, Joshua Mays, Ryan Kline, Derrick Garley and Jermey Garley.

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