Obituaries (March 20, 2025)

Adrian Baca

1953-2025

Adrian Arthur Baca, born in Socorro on Dec. 6, 1953, passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of love, service and unwavering faith.

A true patriot, Adrian dedicated 20 years of his life to serving his country, embodying honor and commitment in all he did.

Beyond his military service, Adrian was the ultimate protector of his family, selflessly devoting his entire life to their well-being and happiness. His smile was a light to all who knew him, and his humor left an unforgettable mark on those fortunate enough to share in his joy.

Guided by his deep Catholic faith, Adrian walked the straight and narrow path, living a life of integrity, kindness and devotion. His strength, love and wisdom will forever be cherished by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, his “Weetie” of 48 years, Roseanna Baca; his daughters, Alicia, Katherine, Cheyanne and Michele; his sons, Robert, Adrian Jr. and Joey; his grandchildren, Ricardo, Isabella, Lillian and Axl; and his siblings, Boo, Nathan, Bert and Charlene; and his numerous nieces and nephews who considered him a father figure.

Although he’s no longer with us physically, his love and laughter live on in our hearts. He would want his legacy to be one of resilience, kindness, and unwavering strength — a reminder to us all: Illegitimi non carborundum.

A funeral was held March 13 at Out Lady of Belen Catholic Church.

Chriselda “Chrissy” Padilla Garcia

1955-2025

Chriselda “Chrissy” Padilla Garcia, age 70, a life-long resident of Belen, peacefully passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Services will take place at Romero Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, March 20, beginning with a visitation at 5 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 6 p.m. Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Friday, March 21, with a final visitation at 9 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Chrissy is survived by her four loving siblings, John Padilla (Angela), Lorraine Spradling, Tenci Torres (Pete) and Josephine Padilla; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eloy G. and Martina Diaz Padilla; brother, Eloy Padilla Jr.; nephews, Jonathan Spradling and Julian Torres; and her in-laws, John Spradling and Georgeanne Padilla.

Chrissy was a member of Our Lady Belen Catholic Church. She was a caregiver most of her adult life but her pride and joy was being the caregiver for her late parents. Chrissy was a free spirit who shared herself with everyone. Her generosity was unsurpassed and her love touched all who were around her.

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

Geneva Harrison

1928-2025

It is with both sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Geneva Lorene Harrison, 97, surrounded by the love of her cherished family.

“Grandmama” leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Geneva filled her days with joy, faith and creativity. She delighted in sewing, crafting, camping, boating, square-dancing and playing games with loved ones.

Her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her remarkable life.

Geneva was born on Jan. 20, 1928, in Elida, N.M., to Samuel “Max” and Lola (Dillard) Gibson. They eventually made their family home in Ft. Sumner, N.M., where they made many cherished, life-long friends.

On July 4, 1948, Geneva married Arthur “Corky” Harrison and soon moved to Tucumcari, N.M., where they welcomed their three children, Leona (1949), Roger (1952) and Troy (1954).

They eventually found their way to Albuquerque, where they owned and operated Corky’s Tractor Parts for many years. They have touched many lives through friendship in their business, square-dancing, quilting and camping activities.

Geneva was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur “Corky” Harrison; her parents, Max and Lola Gibson; two brothers, Dais “Bud” Gibson and Samuel “Maxie” Gibson; and two sisters, Mary Ellen “Shorty” Weston and Thelma “Bugs” Hutchinson.

Geneva is survived by her children and their spouses, Leona and Michael Henderson (Lubbock, Texas), Roger and LaNell Harrison (Tomé) and Troy and Diane Harrison (San Angelo, Texas); nine grandchildren, Karen, Lori, Josh (and Kristin), Clay (and Kyra) Henderson, Chris (and Colynn), Bradley (and Lisa) Harrison, Kelli (and Phillip) Cox, Trevor (and Karina), and Jerrod Harrison; and 15 great-grandchildren, Cobee (and Cinthia) Harrison, Caleb Cox, Cambree Harrison, Sagan Cox, Casey Harrison, Tyler Harrison, Samantha Cox, Bode Harrison, Cassi Cox, Kahri Harrison, Ezekiel, Blythe, Zephaniah, Jetty and Poppy Henderson.

The family would like to share our thanks and appreciation to the staff and caregivers at the Bee Hive Homes of Bosque Farms, where Geneva has lived the past 7 years. Thank you for your care and love for our mom and Grandmama! She was blessed to call you part of her family.

Geneva has left a legacy of love, faithfulness and hard work to all of us who have been honored to know her and love her. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Geneva’s life will be celebrated on Friday, March 21, at First Baptist Church of Los Chavez, with a viewing at 10:30 a.m., service at 11 a.m. Interment following at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity that is dear to you to honor Geneva’s generous spirit.

Anita F. Hendrix

1946-2025

It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Anita F. Hendrix, a loving, caring, and courageous daughter, mother, sister, aunt, wife, and friend, unexpectedly went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Jan. 20, 2025. She was born a native New Mexican on Dec. 16, 1946.

One of Anita’s favorite Bible verses was Numbers 6:24-26 NLT

24: May the Lord bless you and protect you.

25: May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

26: May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

Heeding her life’s calling, Anita was our family shepherd as she thrived the most when she had someone to look after. Her gift of advocating for, caring for and protecting others was truly inspiring.

She dearly loved God, and was an active participant in influencing our culture and governance to ensure that God would continue to pour out His blessings upon the United States of America.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 24 years, John Juric; her parents, J.B. and Paula Hendrix; her sister, Sharalynn Rocha; and her stepmother, Florence Hendrix.

Anita is survived by her son, Michael McFarland and his children, Krystal, Austin, and Hannah; son, Mark McFarland and wife, Tanya, and their children, Tanner, Braden, and Kylar; her sister, Rhonda Hendrix and husband, Kevin; her niece and nephews, Jimmy, Kairen, Jeff and Jason; her bonus son, Gabe Juric and wife, Hollie, and their children, Alex and Christine; and her sister-in-law, Jeanette Civerolo.

Anita dearly loved and adored her many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Anita will always be remembered for her tenacity, strength and determination, as well as her wonderful smile, wit, contagious laughter and kindness.

Notably, “I cannot do this,” was not in her vocabulary. “Use your noggin, gal,” was one of her favorite pearls of wisdom that came from advice given by Anita’s father, which served her well.

Anita was an active and beloved member of Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley in Belen, and was able to travel with her church family to the Holy Lands, thus fulfilling a bucket list dream. In fact, she lived in Venezuela and many places throughout the United States, before coming back to New Mexico.

Anita is from a long line of New Mexican heritage as she was a descendant of the original homesteaders in eastern New Mexico in 1902.She had an endless capacity for loving, and with this love we will forever honor and love her.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 26, with a reception to follow, at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley, 19381 N.M. 314, Belen.

In lieu of flowers and if you wish to honor Anita, please donate to your favorite pet rescue center or Christian organization.

Please visit our online guest book for Anita at FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH – University, 1111 University Blvd. NE, 505.843.6333, FrenchFunerals.com.

Lupe Perales Herrera

1927-2025

Lupe Perales Herrera, age 97, a resident of Valencia County, passed away on March 14, 2025.

Services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 26, beginning with a visitation at 8:30 a.m., Rosary at 9:30 a.m.. with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will take place in Hondo, N.M.

He is survived by his wife, Maria D. Herrera; his children, Guadalupe, Joseph Herrera, Dina Bonilla, Maria Valenzuela and Anna Garcia; and his grandchildren.

Lupe is preceded in death by his parents, Filimon and Placita Perales Herrera.

He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church.

Pallbearers are Jesse Diaz, Jesse JR Diaz, Fidel Mirabal, Israel Diaz, Jose Hernandez and Francisco Lopez Chavira.

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

Jennie Inez (Gallegos) Mascarena

1946-2025

Jennie Inez (Gallegos) Mascarena, a lifelong resident of Belen, peacefully joined her loved ones in heaven on March 14, 2025.

Jennie is a graduate of Belen High School, class of 1965. She retired in 1998 after 33 years with Presbyterian and Belen General Hospital. She began working at Belen General Hospital in her senior year of high school. She began as an office assistant but decided she wanted to be a nurses’ assistant, where she tended to many local residents as her patients.

She also worked with Valley Ambulance for two years. She worked in physical therapy for Presbyterian and was known for her special massages and exceptional people skills.

Jennie enjoyed volunteering at Our Lady of Belen Fiestas as a member of the fiesta committee for many years. She did the decorating of booths and music stage. She was named “Fiesta Queen” by her brother, Lawrence. She never missed the fiestas, even in 2024 after her stroke, she was there for one day. Fiestas will not be the same without her.

Jennie was an award-winning chile champion. She won numerous awards throughout the years. She was especially proud of her fiesta awards for her chile recipes and winning a chile contest over Salo Garcia as well as other numerous awards throughout the county. Her last award was Best of Show at the 2024 Valencia County Fair.

Jennie was known for baking her famous delicious breads for receptions, fundraisers and gifts. She never expected anything in return. She always said God gave her a gift and she wanted everyone to enjoy it.

Jennie was the best cook and could make anything. She was known to taste any restaurant’s specialty dish and quickly prepare it at home, which many times tasted the same or better. She was especially proud of her pineapple recipe being featured in a national magazine “American Profile.”

She traveled around the state with her son, Bryan, and husband, Artie, to music award festivals. She was well known to many New Mexican musicians.

In December 2017, Jennie received the greatest gift when her precious grandson, Chris, was born. She struggled with numerous health issues throughout the last 15 years, however, when Chris was born, her life had new meaning. She devoted her life to making him happy. They enjoyed a special bond that many people don’t experience in their lifetime. Her last words to Bryan as he left the hospital were, “Please make sure to take care of Chris for me.” As ill as she was, she would tell friends and family, I need to continue fighting this for Chris.

Jennie was a warrior, strong in spirit until the end when one of the biggest hearts around stopped beating.

Jennie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur “Artie” Mascarena; her parents, Jose and Mercedes Gallegos; her brother, Lawrence Gallegos; and sister, Shirley Baca. She was also preceded by special in-laws, Eddie Baca, Gertrude Gallegos and Mabel Torres. She had a special daughter-like relationship with her niece, Brenda Montoya, as well as a special great niece, Danielle Baldonado.

She is survived by her loving son, Bryan Mascarena; daughter-in-law, Stephanie; and the apple of her eye, her precious hijito and grandson, Chris. She had a special place in her heart for her four nieces, who she considered daughters, Josephine Gallegos, Carolyn Jaramillo, Crystal Zamora and Melissa Baca. She is also survived by one sister, Helen Baca.

She was respected and loved by her brothers- and sisters-in-laws, Tino (Betty) Mascarena, Boni (Lucy) Mascarena, Leroy (Sylvia) Mascarena, Joseph Mascarena, Ramona Torres, Kathy (J.R.) Cordova and David Torres; along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins, in particular Wayne Gallegos, who she considered to be her guardian angel.

Many family members and friends also considered her to be a guardian angel because of her loving nature and wisdom.

Pallbearers will be Paul “Wimpy” Gallegos, Wayne Gallegos, Ernesto Zamora, Matthew Jaramillo, Isaiah Zamora and Martin Dominguez. Honorary pallbearers will be her precious hijito Chris, along with her close friends, Rosie Garley, Brenda Cordova-Busick and Marcella Maldonado.

Jennie, you will never be forgotten.

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

Klaus Peterson

1949-2025

Klaus Peterson, born on Sept. 3, 1949, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and his faithful dog, Coco. He was 75 years old.

Klaus was a man of deep love and unwavering loyalty, a devoted husband to his late wife, Barbara, whom he cherished until his last breath. Her presence remained with him always and, in his final moments, her urn rested beside him as a testament to their enduring bond.

He is survived by his son, Peter Peterson and his daughter-in-law, April Peterson; his son, Josh Peterson; and his beloved granddaughters, Kylie, Alyssa, Payton and Bravely. He also leaves behind his sister, Heidi Davison, her husband, Scott Davison, and their daughter, Asella Davison.

His family was his pride and joy, and he carried their love with him through every chapter of his life.

Klaus was a man of many passions. He found joy in the roar of a Harley-Davidson, both building and riding motorcycles with a craftsman’s touch. Music was in his soul, and he played guitar in various bands, filling rooms with the sound of his talent. He also dedicated years to mastering Goju-Ryu Karate, earning his black belt through discipline and perseverance.

A proud veteran, Klaus served his country with honor as a paratrooper and combat tracker in Vietnam. His bravery and sacrifice earned him a Purple Heart, a reflection of his courage and dedication to his fellow soldiers.

Klaus’s legacy is one of love, adventure and steadfast dedication to the things that mattered most. He will be remembered as a warrior, an artist, a devoted family man and a free spirit who lived life on his own terms.

Julianne Marie Stangel

1943-2025

Julianne Marie “Julie, Aunt July, Abuela” Stangel passed away on March 3, 2025, in Los Lunas.

Born on May 17, 1943, in Berea, Ohio, Julie dedicated her life to service, both professionally and within her community. Julie pursued a career in nursing, beginning with her education at St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, graduating in 1961. She continued her studies at the Sisters of Charity Nursing School, earning her nursing degree in 1964.

Her passion for health care led her to further her education at the University of Texas Houston, where she earned a Master of Science in Nursing to be licensed as a nurse practioner.

Throughout her career, Julie made a profound impact on the lives of many. At St .Francis de Sales in Houston, she spent many Sundays providing medical screenings for fellow parishioners, advising on preventive medicine. She specialized in neurology and geriatric care at the Houston VA and local hospitals until relocating in 2006.

After moving to New Mexico, she served as the Valencia County Detention Center provider in Los Lunas before her retirement in 2015. Even after retiring, Julie remained committed to helping others by volunteering and running the Gabriel Project for Valencia County.

A devout Catholic, Julie lived by the principles of service, community, sacrament and prayer. She attended daily Mass and often assisted others in getting to church. Her faith was central to her life; she was an active member of the church choir and volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul.

Her dedication to giving and aiding those around her was evident in all that she did.

Julie is survived by her three sons, Matthew, Jeremy (Angel) and Paul (Craig); five grandchildren: Benjamin, Katie, Kale, Seth and Elizabeth; sisters, Ruth Rodgers and Rosemarie Stangel; brother Ed Stangel (Vicki); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, including Jude, Stacy, Billy, Maggie, Jimmy, Charlie, Kassie, Joe and Sally.

Julie is proceeded in death by parents, Edward and Margaret Stangel; brother, Bill Stangel, and ex-husband and father of her sons, Paul Gruenenwald.

A Rosary will be held the morning of March 25, at San Clemente Catholic Church, 244 Luna Ave., NE, in Los Lunas. A Funeral Mass will follow.

Julie’s unwavering commitment to caring for others leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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.

Pelegrina Torres

1934-2025

Pelegrina Torres, age 90, a resident of Peralta, passed away on March 5, 2025.

Services will take place at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta on Friday, March 28, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., Rosary at 10 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery.

She is survived by her children, Dan Torres, Chris Torres (Eileen), Theresa Lockhart (Randy), Barbara Griego (Ron) and Milton Torres (Denise); 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Pelegrina is preceded in death by her loving husband, Adenago Torres; parents, Elfigo and Louisa Otero Carbajal; daughter, Lorraine Torres; grandson, Lewis Lockhart; brothers, Joe, Elfigo and Lorenzo Carbajal; and sister, Elizabeth Olguin.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend. Pelegrina was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta, and was previously a member of the Alter Society.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Torres, Dominic Griego, Matthew Celente, Ronnie Griego, Nicholas Sanchez and Brian Watts.

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

Bobby Jane Whiting

1942-2025

Bobby Jane Whiting, age 82, of Bosque Farms, went home to be with our Lord on Feb. 27, 2025.

She was full of life and could always bring a smile to others!

Bobby is preceded in death by her father, John Whiting; mother, Missouri Avaletta (Bob) Whiting; and six brothers and sisters.

She is survived by nine nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

Bobby was born on June 25, 1942, in Roy, N.M. She was the youngest of seven children, and was known for her mischievous pranks. We all love and miss her dearly!

There was a graveside service March 17 at the Mosquero Cemetery, followed by a gathering at the Mosquero Community Church.

Visit DirectFuneralServicesABQ.com to view the full obituary.