Obituaries (June 5, 2025)

Edenio S. Garcia

1932-2025

Edenio Sanchez Garcia, 93, a native of Belen, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in his home in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 29, 2025.

He was born to David and Carolina S. Garcia on April 5, 1932, in Belen. He joined the New Mexico Army National Guard at age 17 in 1950, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952. He was proud of his military service, leaving a patriotic legacy for his children and grandchildren.

When he returned home from serving his country, he married the love of his life, Corrine Lovato, on Oct. 29, 1955. Together, they built a life of love, of faith and commitment.

Edenio was a farmer at heart, but also worked for BNSF Railroad for 13 years before beginning his career at the U.S. Postal Service, where he retired after serving 18 years in May 1994.

He was a friend to everyone; he had a kind word for anyone he met and knew. He was a devoted family man, who was proud of each of his six children and their families.

He had a great faith in Christ, and instilled that in his family. He was a lifelong member of the Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, where he and Corrine were past padrinos of the Fiestas. He was also a former member of the Chavez-Curran VFW Post 2387.

He will always be remembered and cherished by his wife of 69 years, Corrine Garcia; his children and their spouses, Donald and Irene Garcia, Theresa and Rick Carbajal, Steven and Janet Garcia, Joseph and Georgia Garcia, David and Maria Garcia and Matthew and Clara Garcia; 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; siblings, Prescilla and Joe Tarin; Christina and Mike Gonzalez and Frank and Lupe Garcia; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Carolina Garcia; his siblings, Juanita, Dulcenia, Gilberto, Joseantonio, Agapito and Andrew.

Funeral services for Edenio Garcia will be held Wednesday, June 4, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a viewing at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary to be recited by Gene and Joann Carrillo at 10:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m. Edenio will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Carbajal, Christopher Garcia, Joseph Ryan Garcia, Jonathan Garcia, Elijah Carbajal and Rudy Jaramillo. The honorary pallbearers are Aaron Garcia and Ray Daniel Chavez.

The family wishes to thank High Desert Hospice staff for their support and care in Edenio’s last days.

Vaya con dios! We love you always.

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

Stella Ann Gomez

1958- 2025

Stella Ann Gomez, age 66, a resident of Belen, passed away on May 28, 2025.

Services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 10, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

She is survived by the love of her life for 35 years, Lawrence Carrillo; brothers, Andrew “Chano” Gomez (Lourella Jaramillo) and Marty Gomez (Lisa); and many loving nieces and nephews.

Stella is preceded in death by her parents, Jose Eliseo and Gabrilita Lucero Gomez; brothers, Julien (Dolores) and Joe (Marie) Gomez; and sisters, Emma Trujillo (Gabriel), Alice Bibiano, Kathy Sanchez, and Marcella Mendoza.

Pallbearers will be Troy Carrillo, Milo Carrillo, Aldofo Mendoza, Isaiah Mendoza, Jose Luna Garcia and Angel Luna Rocha.

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

Jo Anne Hinds

1935-2025

Jo Anne Hinds, 90, of Albuquerque, passed away on May 21, 2025.

She was born Jan. 7, 1935, in Detroit, MI., to Wilma Mae Elizabeth (Betty) Moorer (neé Vondette) and Charles Thomas Hendrix.

She leaves her daughters, Kristy Hinds and Lynda Hinds; granddaughter, Riley (Kai); extended family and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle Raymond Hinds Jr.; her parents, her brother, Jack Charles Hendrix; and her stepfather, Douglas Moorer.

Jo Anne graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1953 and from the College of St. Joseph in 1957. She attended the University of New Mexico and taught for Albuquerque Public Schools. After marrying Raymond in 1959, they settled in Bosque Farms, sharing many adventures during 59 years of marriage.

Jo Anne loved animals and cherished her dogs, cats and horses. She served as a substitute teacher for Los Lunas Schools for 22 years and had a passion for exploring new places, traveling often with family and friends.

Though she has departed this world, Jo Anne’s spirit lives on in the hearts and stories of those who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Jo Anne’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, June 9, at FRENCH-Wyoming.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Grace Edna Lopez

1957-2025

Grace Edna “Amazing Grace” Lopez, age 67, a resident of Belen, passed away on June 1, 2025. Private services have been held.

She is survived by her brothers, Eddie (Velma), LeRoy (Elena), and Pete (Michele); sisters, Becky and Melissa; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Grace is preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Margaret Baca Candelaria; and sister, Naomi.

She was a member of “God’s Family.” Grace cherished being part of the Lopez family.

She is reunited with her mother who loved and cared for Grace until she passed. This reunification of spirits brings joy to our family. Pedro and Margarita were blessed with your birth and now can comfort you in death.

We will certainly miss our Amazing Grace.

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

Alex C. Romero

1927-2025

Alex C. Romero, age 98, a resident of Pueblitos, passed away on May 29, 2025.

Services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Thursday, June 5, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

He is survived by his loving wife, Emilia Garcia Romero; four children, Nellie Madrid (Gilbert), Carlos Romero, JoAnn Whitehall (Tom) and Carmen Mendoza (Robert); grandchildren, Steve Madrid, Judith Bacica, Laura Baer, Marty and Alicia Romero, Tommy and Stephanie Whitehall and Robert Mendoza; great-grandchildren, Michael and Ryan Bacica, Andrew and Bradley Baer, Dominic and Gemma Romero and Hannah Whitehall; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Alex is preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and Luz Chavez Romero; sisters, Barbara, Nica, Clorinda and Faustina; and brothers, Ernesto and Ignacio.

He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and Belen Sheriff’s Posse from the 1960s to 1970s. His loves were his home, his family, his farm and his animals.

The family would like to thank Maria De Chavarria for the amazing and tireless care she provided for Alex and Misty Anaya from Presbyterian Hospice Services for providing such personal medical care and going above and beyond the call of duty.

Pallbearers will be Robert, Jackie and Robert M. Mendoza, Carlos and Ernie Romero, and Larry Madrid.

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

Derek James Satterfield

1981-2025

Derek James Satterfield, born Oct. 16, 1981, in Albuquerque, passed away on May 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 43 years old.

Derek shared 20 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Bonnie. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter and unforgettable memories.

One of Derek’s greatest joys was spending time fishing, especially with his daughter, Becky, and his close group of friends. He never missed a moment to support Becky at all her band activities.

He also enjoyed working on cars with his buddies, sharing both his skills and his stories. An adventurer at heart, Derek loved road trips, discovering new restaurants and collecting unique firearms, fishing gear and rare spirits. His passions and hobbies reflected his curious spirit and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

Derek was preceded in death by his mother, Cheryl Satterfield, of Los Lunas; his stepfather, Billy Hunter, of Terre Haute, Ind.; his grandfathers, Tilman Satterfield, of Shiloh, Ga., and David Garcia, of Jarales; and his great-grandmother, Carmen Arellano, of Albuquerque.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; and daughter, Becky; his brother, Aaron Downing; sisters, Christian Satterfield (Martin) and Torie Greer (Dustin); grandmother Connie Garcia; great-grandmother, Linda “Nana” Williamson; aunts, Paula Jackson (Milo) and Judy Satterfield (Ricky); great-uncle, Jerry Arellano (Tina); and cousins, Jennifer Montoya, Stephan Montoya (Kristina), Brian Montoya, Kaitlynn Jackson, Ashley Hill (Ryan), Delaine Germain, Jeffery Satterfield (Beth), Connie Satterfield and Vincent Moore.

Derek’s memory will live on in the hearts of his nieces Cadence, Zoie and Lily and nephews, Tony, Marcus and Waylon, along with many other cherished family members and friends who were lucky enough to know him.

The family invites all who knew and loved Derek to join in a celebration of life at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 29, at Belen Eagle Park to honor and remember a man who brought light, laughter and love into so many lives.

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

Michael Kirk Sawyer

1947-2025

Michael ”Buzz” Kirk Sawyer, 78, of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2025.

Born in Alamosa, Colo., on Jan. 22, 1947, Michael grew up in Albuquerque’s South Valley and attended Rio Grande High School.

After high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy before dedicating his career to law enforcement. As a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department, he served as a detective in the bomb squad, demonstrating his commitment to justice and his community. After retiring from the force, he continued to serve by sharing his expertise as a firearms instructor at the police academy.

Outside of his career, Michael had a passion for building model airplanes, a hobby that brought him great joy and patience.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carol; his son, Christopher Sawyer (Mercy), of New York; his daughter, Jennifer Beachly (Matthew), of Oregon; his cherished grandchildren, Zane, Alec, Ona and Hart; and his great-granddaughter, Astrid.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be announced at a later date.

His dedication, service and love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service in Los Lunas.