Obituaries (Nov. 20, 2025)

Michael Contreras

1972-2025

Michael Contreras, a Belen native and resident of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away on Nov. 3, 2025.

Michael loved fishing, spending time with his family and working. He was always willing to help out with anything he could do for anyone. He loved to be home with his family, and was always happy, laughing, telling jokes and talking about his fishing and hunting adventures. He loved to hunt for deer and elk. He had his favorite spot in Twin Falls, Idaho.

The last time he came to New Mexico, he fixed his mom and dad’s bathroom, making it handicap accessible. He was supposed to come back this month to meet his son, Bo. It’s still going to happen, and he’ll be here in spirit.

Michael was very loved by his entire family and friends. I love you, Michael, forever. Until we meet again, Mom.

Michael is survived by his son, Bo Taylor and his wife, Michayla; mother, Joanna Johnston and partner, Randy Baca; father, Miguel and wife, Juanita Contreras; stepfather, George Quintana; brothers, Edwin Contreras, Andy Quintana and wife Tiesa Quintana; sister, Iysha Quintana and partner, Zach Sherman; nephews and nieces, Christpher Contreras, Andy Molina, Jennifer Quintana, Isacc Barrientos, Janessa Thomas, Edwin Contreras Jr., Estrella Contreras, Isaiha Contreras, Isabella Quintana and Santiago Quintana.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer Contreras; and grandparents, Andalecio and Maria Moya, and Jesus Contreras and Fransica Lara.

A memorial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, at the family home, 428 Vivian Road, Belen.

Sharon Lou Rider

1947-2025

Sharon Lou Rider, 78, of Belen, passed away peacefully on Nov. 5, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend whose kindness, faith and love for life touched everyone who knew her.

Born in La Junta, Colo., on May 5, 1947, to Lula Lee Huddleston and Jackie Floren Matthew. Sharon grew up with a strong sense of family and faith that guided her throughout her life. In 1973, she married the love of her life, John David Rider, and together they began their journey in California.

Sharon spent most of her life in La Mesa, Calif., before later retiring with her husband to Cloudcroft, N.M., and eventually settling in Belen, where she enjoyed her later years close to her brother, John and his wife, Jan.

A woman of many passions, Sharon had a special love for raising and showing her basset hounds. Her dedication and enthusiasm for the hobby brought her great fulfillment and recognition, earning multiple championships in conformation, tracking and agility competitions.

Sharon’s deep and abiding faith was the foundation of her life. While living in California, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Lemon Grove. After moving to New Mexico, she continued her faith journey with the Summit Christian Fellowship congregation in Cloudcroft.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Comm. John David Rider, USN (Retired).

She is survived by her loving children, William Patrick Callahan (Desiree), Yvonne Renee Rider, Shannon Carol Shoop and James David Rider (Trudy); her dear brothers, John William Nesslage (Jan) and Ronald Lynn Nesslage; and her sisters, Michelle Mayre Holcomb (Mark) and Renee Lee Wolf (Fred).

Sharon was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren and great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished her warmth and gentle spirit.

Sharon will be remembered for her loving heart, steadfast faith and the joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at Fort Stanton Veterans Cemetery in New Mexico at a later date.

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

Lucinda S. Romero

1925-2025

Lucinda S. Romero, age 100, a resident of Belén, passed away peacefully on Nov. 12, 2025.

Service times are currently pending.

For full obituary, please visit and sign Lucinda’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.