Obituaries (May 22, 2025)

Hilda Christina Limas

1950-2025

Hilda Christina Limas, 74, a longtime resident of Belen, passed away Friday May, 9, 2025 in Albuquerque, with all her loving family beside her.

Hilda was born on Dec. 4, 1950, in El Paso, Texas, to Rafael and Beatrice (Del Valle) Gonzalez. On May 31, 1975, Hilda married Esteban “Steve” Limas in El Paso.

Hilda went on to do many great things through out her life. She received several associate degrees. Hilda’s passion was being a hospice CNA. Through out Hilda’s life, she was an entrepreneur, a wife, a mother, grandmother and a great friend. Hilda will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Hilda has been preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Rafael Gonzalez Jr.; and one sister, Sonia Lewis.

Hilda is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Esteban “Steve” Limas, of Belen; three sons, Steven “Jeff” Limas and his wife, Dyan, of Haslet, Texas, Adrian Limas and his wife, Eileen, of Los Lunas, and Nate Jones, also of Los Lunas; one daughter, Stephanie N. Limas and her husband, Eli Grado, of Albuquerque; five grandchildren, Savannah, Matthew, Kasen, Ruger and Daisy.

A viewing will be held from 2:30-3:30 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Chester T. French Memorial Chapel inside Sunset Memorial Park, followed by a memorial service at 3:30 p.m.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty.

Shaddon Lane Martinez

1995-2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Shaddon Lane Martinez on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Shaddon is preceded in death by grandparents, Sammy and Coco Jordan; grandmother, Irene Martinez; and daughter, Norah Martinez.

He is survived by his mother, Danielle Jordan; and stepfather, Robert Sanchez; father, Ralph Martinez; children, Avalene and Sawyer Martinez; brothers, Caleb Martinez, Trevor Martinez and partner, Brooke Snider, Kolby Martinez, Anthony Sanchez and his wife, Alexus Sanchez; sisters Kambri Martinez and Alivia Sanchez; grandfather, Albert Martinez; uncles, Sean Jordan, Ronald Martinez and his wife, Lorraine; Martin Martinez, Ray Martinez and his wife, Melissa, and Onesimo Martinez; aunt, Bernadette Martinez and husband, Gilbert; great-uncle and aunt, Paul and Belinda Smouse; great-aunt, Cleona Taylor, as well as many more nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Shaddon was raised in Los Lunas, and graduated from Los Lunas High School in 2013. He was living in Albuquerque with his fiancé, Maddie Guerra.

His hobbies included writing music, playing drums, building Legos, studying the scripture, and keeping in touch with friends from all over the globe.

Shaddon had a kind soul and made anyone he met feel special and cared about. He never judged anyone regardless of socioeconomic status or background. He never had a hurtful thing to say about anyone, and he touched so many lives and made an impression on everyone he met. He truly had a gift to connect with people and his absence will forever be missed.

A life taken too soon, a young father with limitless potential. This world will forever be void of someone who makes a profound difference in countless lives.

Services for Shaddon will be held on Friday, May 23, , at Calvary Chapel New Harvest in Los Lunas. A visitation will take place at 9 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 9:30 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Caleb Martinez, Trevor Martinez, Kolby Martinez, Anthony Sanchez, Seth Jordan and Juan Sandoval.

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

Johnathan Stewart Mason

2003-2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Johnathan Stewart Mason, age 21, who left this world on April 29, 2025.

He was born on Oct. 21, 2003 in Roswell, N.M. He lived in Ruidoso, Rio Rancho, Carlsbad and Bosque Farms. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 2022.

Johnathan was a loving son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin. He was known for his great smile and generous and caring nature. He loved his family and was a huge dog lover. He also loved gaming and listening to classic rock. He was a hard worker and enjoyed working at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Los Lunas.

He is survived by his parents James and Mary Jane Mason; siblings, Jeremy Mason, Louie Elfers, Delia Elfers, Queta Elfers and Jasmine Elfers; grandparents, Judy Beauchamp, Raymond and Lucy Baca; fiancé, Thallia Saiz; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by Donald Mason, grandfather; Pat Salazar and Onofra Salazar, great-grandparents; and Pat Salazar Jr., uncle.

Pallbearers are Jeremy “Jerry” Mason, Louie Elfers, Delia Elfers, Queta Elfers, Jasmine Elfers, Darren Lucero, Christina Cockburn, Anastasia Ament, Lance Ament and Sterling Ament.

A celebration of life services was be held at Calvary Chapel New Harvest, Los Lunas, on Saturday, May 10.

Arrangements were being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Carmen K. Montoya

1943-2025

Carmen K. Montoya, age 81, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Carmen was born in 1943 in McNary, Ariz., to Pasqual and Sofia Armijo Sr. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

Services will take place on Friday, June 6, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Carmen is preceded in death by her loving parents, Pasqual K. Sr. and Sofia Espinoza Armijo; her loving husband, Floyd Montoya; sons, Joey Garcia and Vance Montoya; granddaughter, Stephanie Garcia; brothers, Jake, Baby Pasqual and Pasqual Armijo Jr.; and close friend, Able Garcia.

She is survived by her two brothers, Ernest Armijo (Kathy) and Alfredo Armijo (Flora); daughters, Sofia Baca and Amanda Garcia, both of Belen; sons, Richard Montoya (Cathleen), of Belen, and Lee Montoya (Marcela), of El Paso, Texas; sisters-in-law, Emelda Armijo and Joannie Artiaga Armijo; dear friend, Lydia Abeita (Joe); and close friend, Ray Lucero. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, godsons and goddaughters, who loved her dearly!

Carmen was not only a resident of the community but an affectionately-known beautician. She was a business owner of her own shop, Professional Image. Carmen always threw herself into taking care of her “ladies” and made them feel as beautiful as she always saw them to be. Her customers were not only customers but became a part of her extended family. She always took pride in her work and always took care of anyone in need.

Carmen was a person who would always take care of others before herself and would never have it any other way. Her passing will leave a void in many lives she touched throughout her amazing 81 years of life.

Those who knew Carmen would tell you that she was such a caring person and her children were never surprised if she came home with extra children, friends, or anyone in need. She would never say no to those who needed a place to lie their head as they got back on their feet. She found joy in helping those who needed someone to tell them “I got you!” Words cannot express how caring and compassionate of a person she was. She truly loved putting a smile on peoples’ faces!

Carmen loved to crochet and just about everyone she knew probably has something she has made for them. She loved to spoil her brothers, children and family members. Carmen had a gift in her arms, which always made anyone she hugged feel like the most important person in that very moment.

She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Although her physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to give us all inspiration and hope to live our very best life. May her memory be a blessing and take the example of compassion that she has shown so many people and continue to spread to every life we touch.

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

Dolores Josephine Padilla

1937-2025

Dolores Josephine Padilla, 87, passed away in Belen, surrounded by her loving family on May 13, 2025.

Born in Albuquerque on Sept. 29, 1937, she graduated third in her class from Belen High School. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and grandmother, who poured love into everything she did.

Dolores began her career at Sandia National Laboratories, worked many years at Belen Consolidated Schools and co-owned Al’s Styling Salon in Belen.

A lifelong member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, she served as a Catholic Daughter, lector and padrino. She loved to travel, but her heart always brought her home to Belen, where she found joy in her faith, friendships and family.

Dolores is preceded in death by her mother, Alicia Gurule; her father, Serapio “Samuel” Perez; her brother, Antonio “Tony” Tafoya; sister-in-law, Lois Tafoya; and nephew, Frank Tafoya.

She is survived by her husband, Aurelio “Al” H. Padilla; daughter, Maria Alicia Cordova (Robert S. Cordova); son, Raul Padilla; and son, Carlo Padilla (Pamela Padilla); grandchildren, Micah Cordova (Andromyda Cordova), Jerah R. Cordova (Megan Malcom-Morgan), Trey Cordova (Kristina Hjertberg Cordova), Brianna Padilla, Joshua Padilla (Alexa Padilla), Damian “Shapes” Padilla, Alexandria Bailey (Patrick Bailey), Milagros Padilla and Diego Padilla; great-grandchildren, Liza Elena Cordova, Nico Serna, Valentino Aurelio Padilla, Antonio Padilla, Liam Bailey and Colton Bailey; nephew, Richard Tafoya; and niece, Alana Taylor.

Pallbearers are Micah Cordova, Jerah R. Cordova, Trey Cordova, Joshua Padilla, Damian “Shapes” Padilla and Diego Padilla. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Tafoya and Tomas Padilla.

Services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Monday, June 2, 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.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mary’s Catholic School, Belen, N.M.

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

Sisto Joseph Sanchez

1944-2025

Sisto Joseph Sanchez, 81, of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, just days after celebrating his 81st birthday. He was born on May 10, 1944, in Belen, and was surrounded by his loving family in his final moments.

Sisto was a man of many interests and hobbies. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, always enjoying time spent in nature. His love for motors and engines was a big part of his life, especially when it came to motorcycles, dirt bikes, Harleys and four-wheelers. He also loved the water — riding boats, jet skiing and taking his family out for fun-filled days by the lake.

He also had a passion for music and was a talented drummer. Sisto played in a band for many years and found great joy performing and spending time with close friends through music.

Above all, Sisto was a devoted family man. His love for his son, daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family was very clear in everything he did. Family was at the center of his life, and the memories made with them were what he cherished most.

Sisto was incredibly proud of his time in the military, having served with both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. His service was a significant part of his identity, and he carried that pride throughout his life.

After his military service, Sisto worked for many years at General Electric as a supervisor, where his skills and dedication were highly valued.

He was also known for being a remarkable handyman. There was nothing he couldn’t build, fix or make himself. Whether it was a personal project or something his family needed, Sisto could always be counted on to get the job done, no matter the challenge.

Sisto was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Frances; his beloved son, Dean; his parents, Timoteo and Emilia Sanchez; and his siblings, Serito Sanchez, Phillip Sanchez, Martin Sanchez, Sally Gonzales and Daniel Sanchez.

He is survived by his daughter, Francine (Albert Peña); his grandchildren, Gabriel (Rachael Stemple), Desiree (Sam Luera), Nathan (Naomi DeBlassie), Makayla (Reyes Moreno) and Kage; and his great-grandchildren, Sammy and Kai. He is also survived by his siblings, Tim (Rose Sanchez) and Christina Telles, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Services for Sisto will take place on Wednesday, May 28, at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley. A visitation will be held followed by a memorial service at 10 a.m. A reception will follow. Sisto will then be placed to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2 p.m.

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.

Patsy Tedford-Keeney

1949-2025

Surrounded by her family, Patsy “Pat” Keeney passed away on April 12, 2025.

Pat was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, who will be forever missed.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jim Keeney; daughter, Sherri Powell (Clay); son, Jimmy Langston (Denise); bonus daughters, Sheila Wilmeth (Jim) and Karen Roach (Billy); brother, Paul Tedford (Teri); 10 grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews who she adored.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Loma May Tedford; sister, Lila Gardner-Trujillo; brother, Tom Tedford; and sister, Edna Tedford-Trujillo.

The family would like to thank Hospice of South Texas in Victoria, Texas, for the amazing care they provided.

Per Pat’s wishes, she will be laid to rest in New Mexico at Sandia Memorial Gardens with her sisters.

There will be a life celebration at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 24, at the Chihuahua Bible Chapel in Veguita, N.M.