Obituaries (Nov. 13, 2025)

Diane Brandt

1954-2025

Susan Diane Brandt, age 71, of Tomé, surrounded by her family that she loved dearly, passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 24, 2025.

Born on July 21, 1954, in Moab, Utah, Diane was the daughter of Willard Edwards and Mary Quenzer. Raised in Buena Vista, Colo., with her brother, Charles “Chuck;” and sisters, Sharon and Patty, her passion for her family was established at a young age.

Shortly after graduating high school, she met the love of her life, Chris Brandt, where they spent the next 52 years together, never leaving each other’s side. Together they made a home, started and raised a family, established many life-long friendships, and understood that true happiness is being with those that matter most.

A devoted daughter, dedicated wife and ever-loving mother and grandmother, Diane loved her family and would not hesitate to share with great passion that her purpose in the world was to be a mother, following the example of her mother, Mary, who she loved so much.

As her family grew, so did her pride, as she raised her children, Chris, Luis and Alaina. Her family of five became a family of more than 20, each knowing how much nana loved them and was always thinking about them. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family, as she was very proud of her many nieces and nephews, and truly cherished the many close friendships she created and maintained throughout the years.

Diane was known for her love of gardening, was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta, and will lovingly be remembered for her ability to make everyone feel at home. Her laughter, meticulous attention to detail, and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Diane is survived by her husband of 52 years, Chris; her children, Chris Brandt (Tammy), Luis Brandt (Rebecca) and Alaina Castillo (Randy); her sisters, Sharon Baca (Raymond) and Patty Baca (Chris); seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard Edwards and Mary Quenzer; her stepfather, John Quenzer; her brother, Chuck Edwards; and her great-grandson, Levi Brandt.

All services were be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta on Nov. 12.

Honorary pallbearers were Diane’s grandchildren, Christopher, Mamie, Luis, Marie, Francisco, Ryan and Matthew.

Kathy Diane Garcia

1954-2025

Kathy Diane Garcia was born on Aug. 11, 1954, in Bridgeport, Ala., and passed away on Aug. 24, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Services will take place Thursday, Nov. 20, at Romero Funeral Home, beginning with a visitation at 11 a.m., and a celebration of life at 12 p.m.

She spent the first few years of her life in Marion County, Tenn., before her family moved to Belen, where she eventually met the love of her life, Estanislado “Tiny” C. Garcia.

She is survived by her son, Carlos Garcia; her sister, Mildred Ann Dalton and brother-in-law, Daryl; her niece, Melissa Dalton; and her nephews, Clay and Jim Harris. She is also survived by her many brothers- and sisters-in-law, Consuelo and Victor, Maria Elena and Frank, Salo and Anna, Anthony and Lorraine, Richard and Patricia, Charles and Mona, and Anita and Damion, along with their many loving children.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Kathleen Martin; her sister, Pamela; her niece, Kathy; her beloved husband, Estanislado C. Garcia; and her father- and mother-in-law, Salomon C. Garcia and Annie Romero Garcia.

Kathy loved each and every one of her family members dearly. She also had many dear friends. If you were lucky enough to count yourself among them, she brightened up your life.

She considered her friends to be family, loving each one very much. Whether you knew Kathy for many years or just a few days, you would have learned quickly that she was a sweet and kind person who almost always put the needs of others above her own.

Kathy accomplished so much in her life. She graduated at the top of her high school class and even completed her studies several months early. She went on to work for Mountain Bell Telephone Company for more than 10 years, later spending time working in sporting goods where she sold rifles. Eventually, she found her true calling in nursing, a career that reflected her deep love of helping others.

Among the many things Kathy loved in life was the special bond she shared with her two sisters, Pamela and Mildred. Even as children, they were inseparable, playing, laughing and growing together. As they grew older, that love never faded. Like all sisters, they didn’t always see eye to eye, but when they did, it was beautiful to see. Their bond never wavered, and they loved each other deeply throughout their lives.

The last patient Kathy cared for was her beloved mother, who was suffering from dementia. For 10 years, Kathy and her sister, Pam, lovingly cared for her. Though the journey was sometimes hard and Kathy and her mother occasionally butted heads, they always remained the best of friends and shared a deep, unbreakable love until the end.

On Jan. 2, 1987, Kathy experienced one of her proudest achievements when she gave birth to her only son, Carlos Garcia. She cherished her role as a mother above all else and was immensely proud of him.

The world is a sadder place now that she has left it, but until we see her again, we will keep her and all our cherished memories of her close to our hearts. Kathy, we love you very much.

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

Gillie B. Jaramillo

1931-2025

Gillie B. Jaramillo: Sunrise Nov. 13, 1931. Sunset Nov. 8, 2025

On Nov. 8, 2025, Gillie B. Jaramillo, originally from Belen, and former resident of Los Lunas, passed away at the age of 93.

Services will be held at a later date.

Please sign and read Gillies’s full obituary online at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Christopher “Chris” Lucero

1991-2025

Memorial services for Christopher Lucero will take place Tuesday, Nov. 18, with a visitation at 9 a.m., followed by a church service at 9:30 a.m. at Christian Fellowship Church, 628 Los Lentes Road NE, Los Lunas. A graveside service will take place at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens, 101 N 10th St. A., Belen.

For the full obituary, see Riverside Funeral Home-Los Lunas website.

Gloria Mendez

1952-2025

Gloria M. Mendez, age 73, a resident of Bosque, N.M., passed away on Nov. 8, 2025.

She enjoyed embroidering tea towels. She loved to be outside with her chickens; she liked gardening and tending her rose bushes. She loved sitting on the porch watching the hummingbirds.

Gloria is preceded in passing by her mother, Rebecca M. Villanueva; and father, Frank Villanueva.

She is survived by her husband, Macario Mendez; daughter, Roseann Peralta; granddaughter, Nicole Peralta; brothers, Frank (Poncho) Villanueva, Lawrence Villanueva, Freddie Villanueva and wife, Erlinda; nephews, Matthew Villanueva and Jake Villanueva; nieces, Rebecca Villanueva and Josephine Hayward; great-nephews, Matthew Villanueva Jr. and Konrad; and great-niece, Karizma.

A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Irene Isabel Moya

1959-2025

Irene Isabel Moya, passed away at the age of 66, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, after a long tough battle with primary lateral sclerosis.

Services will take place on Thursday, Nov. 13, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, with a visitation at 3 p.m. and a Rosary at 4 p.m. A final visitation to be celebrated at San Clemente Catholic Church at 9 a.m., Friday, Nov. 14, a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Cemetery.

She is survived by her two daughters, Jenelle and Jocelyn and their spouses, Jonah and Christopher; her beautiful grandchildren, Charlene, Forrest, Athens and Angelina; sister, Theresa and brother-in-law, Ronald; half siblings, Armando and Dina; nieces Claireace, Reina and Nievez; and nephew, Antonio; great-nephew, Jeremiah; and great-niece, Jasmine.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Juanita “Jenny” Romero; and half sibling, Angelica.

Irene was born on May 30, 1959, in Albuquerque. Irene lived a vibrant life filled with so many loving friends who she embraced like family. Her faith and love for God were contagious and even in the hardest times she never wearied in her faith and love for Him. All who knew Irene loved her and she would brighten up any room.

The family is thankful for the continued love and support through this hard time.

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

Gilbert Juan Romero

1965-2025

Gilbert Juan Romero, age 60, a resident of Los Lunas, was called home by his Heavenly Father on Oct. 24, 2025.

Services were held Friday, Nov. 7, at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley in Belen. Interment will take place at a later date.

He was a strong man with strong faith and a big heart. Gilbert’s most honored titles were dad and grandpa; nothing made him prouder; always showing up and never missing a moment to completely fill those roles.

Over the past year, he enjoyed traveling and vacationing with his fiancée. Gilbert was a veteran that proudly served in the United States Air Force and Army National Guard. He went on to serve as a reserve sheriff’s deputy for Valencia County, as well as program director for multiple departments within the state of New Mexico before receiving his master’s degree and obtaining his license in counseling.

Gilbert enjoyed helping those with addiction regain their life and live free of those hardships and was excited to most recently finish his career with the New Mexico Corrections Department as addictions program manager.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine Romero; sister, Stephanie Romero; paternal grandparents, Marcos and Leonor Romero; and maternal grandparents, Tommy and Helen Garcia.

Gilbert is survived by his son, Justin Romero and wife, Megan; granddaughters, Riley and Brynlee; grandson, Braylen Jay; fiancée, Cindy Garcia; father, Gilbert Romero; sisters, Kathleen Lopez (Adolph) and Melanie Heyborne (Jeff); nephews, Bryant (Shawnta), Armani, Zac, Tanner, Jace (Sydney) and Nathan; great-nephew, Zayden; great-nieces, Emma, Brooklyn, Taytum and Swayze; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

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

Jett Allen Walters

2014-2025

Jett Allen Walters, 10, of Belen, passed away suddenly Nov. 4, 2025.

Jett was born Nov. 5, 2014, in Rio Rancho, to Catheryn Baca-Lucas and Riley Walters.

Jett was a gardener, construction worker, song writer and he was the funkiest of dancers, who was taken from us too soon.

Jett is preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Ruperto Baca; his grandfather, Louie Trujillo; his uncles, Seth Walters, Leonard David Baca and Salomon Baca; and his aunt, Evangeline New.

Jett is survived by his mother, Catheryn Baca-Lucas; father, Riley Walters; stepfather, Colin Lucas; his brothers, Jaeden, Stokely and Ryver Walters; his sisters, Amaya and Sienna Baca-Lucas; grandmothers, Martina Cox and Courtney Lucas; grandparents, Tom and Esther Walters; aunt, Leah Nira; uncle, Casey Walters; and his great aunts and cousins, who all loved him so.

Services for Jett will take place on Friday, Nov. 14, at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel. A visitation will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m.

Jett’s family asks that you join with them in wearing yellow to his services in honor of his love of Curious George.

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.