Obituaries (Nov. 6, 2025)

Mary Jane Carabajal

1946-2025

Mary Jane Carabajal, age 78, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on Oct. 25, 2025, after a short fight with brain cancer.

Services will take place at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church on Friday, Nov. 7, with a visitation at 2 p.m., Rosary at 3 p.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. Interment will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery.

She is survived by her daughter, Edwina Carabajal-Bendinskas (Paul); grandchildren, Ashley and Alyssa Bendinskas, who were the loves of her life; brother, Leo Chavez; niece, Andrea Casaus (Sonny); nephew, Raymond Sanchez, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and several dear friends who she considered family.

Mary Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Horacio and Cecilia Chavez; daughters, Elaine and Regina Carabajal; sister, Gloria Sanchez; and brother, Gillie Chavez.

She was a member of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. She was known for her avid sewing. Mary Jane always made a baby blanket for every baby she knew.

She was a generous and kind person who was always the first person to be at her granddaughters’ games and events. She will be greatly missed.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Casaus, Everette Casaus, Raymond Sanchez, Brandon Comiskey, Milton Torres and Matthew Chavez.

Please sign Mary Jane’s online tribute at

romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.

Christopher “Chris” Herrera

1962-2025

Christopher “Chris” Herrera passed away on Oct. 14, 2025.

He was born June 11, 1962, and lived a life full of energy, skill, speed, music, laughter and heart.

Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Herrera; granddaughter, Chevelle Herrera; paternal grandparents, Bernardino and Juanita Herrera; and maternal grandparents, Victor and Alida Aviles.

Chris is survived by his father, Edmund A. Herrera; sons, Ben and Noah Herrera; grandson, Eziquel Herrera; and sisters, Doretta Rodriguez, Liz Ford (Erin) Amanda Perea; and special cousin, Leslie Justiniano.

Chris had a beautiful love for life. He was an expert welder, known for his craftsmanship and dedication to his trade. When he wasn’t working, he could be found at the drag strip, where his passion for racing came alive. He lived boldly, loved deeply, and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Chris lived in the fast lane, with a heart full of love and a smile that will not be forgotten. Chris will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family will honor his life in a private gathering.

Milford Misener

1933-2025

Milford Misener, 92, passed away peacefully to be with his Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ.

Milford Gerald Misener Jr. was born Feb. 3, 1933, in Cauldwell, Kan., to Milford Sr. and Ivah Lola Misener. He died Oct. 13, 2025, in Los Lunas.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was 23 years old in Grants, N.M. From there, he pursued more education and served churches in California and New Mexico. Alongside his wife, Coral, he served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Belen for 33 years. Later, he worked with churches throughout the region during their search for full-time pastors.

Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, Coral; his son, Randy; his grandson, Garrett; his brother, Phil; as well as many other extended family members and treasured friends.

He is survived by his children, Chari and Jerry Ritchie, Gary and Susan Misener, Denise and Paul Gleason; three grandchildren, Jana, Anne and Chelsea; multiple cousins; a niece, Shelly; nephew, Jeff; and a host of dear friends.

Milford spent much time studying the Bible and learning about God, deepening his personal relationship with his Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ. He was greatly influenced by many wonderful Christian individuals and sought throughout his Christian life to help and influence others through his own testimony and Biblical knowledge. He was a much respected and loved Pastor, friend, father and family member.

Milford thoroughly enjoyed nature and the outdoors. He was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed target shooting, boating and camping. He loved feeding his birds, walking and hiking.

The family would like to thank Isabella, his hospice nurse, for her loving and patient care. We also extend thanks to the Amber Care Hospice and Good Life Staffs for their heartfelt compassion and support.

A graveside service will take place at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a charitable donation be made in Milford’s name to either The Ranches of New Mexico, theranches.org/contact or NM Baptist Children’s Home, gift.idonate.com/new-mexico-baptist-childrens-home/NMBCHGiveHope.

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.

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 will be held Friday, Nov. 7, at Calvary Chapel

Rio Grande Valley in Belen, beginning with a visitation at 9:30 a.m., and a celebration of life at 10 a.m. 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.