Obituaries (May 29, 2025)

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 visitation 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.

Sandra A. Moya

1967-2025

Sandra A. Moya, age 58, a resident of Belen, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 24, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.

She worked for many dedicated years for Belen Consolidated Schools and retired from state of New Mexico Corrections Department.

Sandra was a very hands-on, creative person. She always enjoyed crocheting, baking, cooking, singing, making jewelry and her many loved fur babies.

Sandra is preceded in death by the love of her life and devoted husband, Genaro Moya; father, George Chavez; stepbrother, Matthew and Erin Chavez; maternal grandparents, Adan and Emelina Garcia Chavez; and in-laws, Estanislado and Guadalupe Loya Moya.

She is survived by what she enjoyed most of all her children, Samuel Moya and Kristin Rae Elkins, Michael Moya, Carmelina Moya, Gianna Moya and Destinee Bibiano; mother, Carmen Chavez; stepsiblings, Derrick and Monica Chavez, Doug and Sandra Chavez, and Brian and Lucinda Chavez; and grandchildren, Brianna Moya, Samuel B. Moya and Miah Moya. Sandra is also survived by many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Service for Sandra will be held on Friday, May 30, at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel. A visitation and viewing will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Sandra will then be laid to rest at Terrace Grove Cemetery immediately following the service.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Chavez, Joseph Chavez, Paul Chavez, Daniel Hurbina, Saul Sanchez Moya, Destinee Bibiano and Samuel B. Moya.

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.

Michael Lewis Theiler

Died 2025

Michael Lewis Theiler, age 81, a resident of Bosque Farms, passed away peacefully at his home on May 23, 2025.

Michael was born in Louisville, Ken. His family moved to New Mexico when he was a child, and he attended Manzano and Belen high schools. At age 20, he married Sharon Johnston.

Mike was known as a mischievous storyteller with a witty sense of humor. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Mike and Sharon settled in Albuquerque until their move to Bosque Farms, where they lived the rest of their lives. He was a simple man, who lived a simple life that had a profound impact on all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Hawkes and Raymond Theiler; wife, Sharon Theiler; and brothers, Jim, Jerry and Skip Theiler.

He is survived by his children, Sandra McCann, John (Athena) Theiler and Shelly (William) Shultz; grandchildren, Tylor, Shelby, Jacob, Savanna, Nevaeh, Michael, Cohyn, Isaac and Bud; great-granddaughter, Belle; sisters, Nancy (Jim) Summet and Marilyn (Frank) Feldman.

A celebration of life for Michael will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 30, at the Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena.

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.

Norbert Torrez

1947-2025

Norbert Torrez, age 78, fondly known to many as “Bert,” a longtime resident of Los Lunas, peacefully passed from this life on May 12, 2025, in Santa Fe, N.M.

Norbert was born to Trinidad and Adela (Sanchez) Torrez on May 4, 1947. Norbert was a long-standing member of San Clemente Church in Los Lunas. He enjoyed and shared his faith with family, friends and acquaintances. His life was a life of service to his country, his church, his family and to God.

He served in the United States Air Force, having served during the Vietnam War. He retired from employment with the state of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department after 26 years of service. Norbert made many friends across the state as he traveled for work.

He enjoyed dancing, casinos, Lobo games and time with family and friends. Norbert was a 4th Degree Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus organization for many years and until his passing. He enjoyed the camaraderie and faithfully filled his service to his council, the public and to God. His faithful service to the Knights was one of the highlights of his life.

Norbert also enjoyed time with family, especially his daughter and granddaughter. His world revolved around his “girls.”

Norbert is survived by his only daughter, Jaymie (Ty) Dunlap; granddaughter, Lacy Dunlap. He is also survived by his brother, Porfie Torrez (wife, Kathy); sister, Maria Soila Trujillo; nephew, Mark Torrez; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Jeremias and Lorenzo Torrez.

Norbert enjoyed a special relationship with Jaymie and her mother, Lori, who were both by his side for many years and until the end.

Norbert was a very devout Catholic, always spreading the word and praying for everyone. He will be fondly remembered for his fun and kind spirit and contagious smile.