Obituaries (Oct. 16, 2025)

Gilfred Abeyta

1950-2025

Gilfred Abeyta, age 76, a devoted resident of Valencia and northern Socorro County, passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2025, just eight days shy of his 77th birthday, at Spanish Trails Rehabilitation Suites in Albuquerque.

Gilfred was born in Veguita to Sisto and Rita Abeyta. He spent his early years in Veguita with his sisters, Diana Angie Griego and Catherine A. Encinias. After the passing of his parents, Gilfred was lovingly adopted by his uncle and aunt, Espiririon and Elizabeth Otero, who raised him as their own. He grew up as a brother to JoAnn Alvarado and Joe Neil Otero, all of whom shared a strong family bond.

A graduate of Socorro High School, Gilfred answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy in 1967. He served with honor and dedication alongside his lifelong friend, Roman Romero, until his discharge in 1973.

Upon returning home, Gilfred found the love of his life, Margaret Tenorio, in Albuquerque. They married and, together, built a life full of love, faith and commitment to their family and community. A skilled HVAC technician and plumber, Gilfred made his living working with his hands. But his true passion was farming — he fondly referred to himself as “a pig farmer” and carried on the family’s agricultural legacy in northern Socorro County.

Gilfred’s passion for farming extended beyond his fields, as he passed on his knowledge to the younger generation, serving as a dedicated 4-H leader who mentored many youth in northern Socorro County. Known for his kindness and generosity, Gilfred was a man who would not hesitate to offer help — even to strangers. Whether it was lending a helping hand to a neighbor or giving someone the shirt off his back, his selflessness knew no bounds.

This same dedication to service led him to represent his community as a member of the Socorro Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees. During his time on the board, he cultivated lifelong friendships across the state, always working to strengthen his community.

Gilfred valued hard work, family, and a good laugh, all values he instilled in those he knew and loved. Later in life, he and Margaret became founding members of Somos Unidos Veguita, an organization devoted to advocacy and support for their northern Socorro County neighbors. From irrigating his fields to repairing fences, Gilfred treasured the life he built and was always ready to saddle up his horse or load his truck to help others.

Gilfred’s legacy lives on through his children, Guadalupe Abeyta, of Belen, and her husband, Manuel Baca; and Sisto Abeyta, of Albuquerque; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Annalicia Baca and Aayden Baca.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Abeyta; his brother Jose Abeyta; his sisters, Dora Ortega and Catherine A. Encinias; his parents, Sisto and Rita Abeyta; and Espirion and Elizabeth Otero.

The family wishes to recognize the following individuals as honorary pallbearers, nephews, Joey Griego and David Otero, close friend, Shane Baca, and lifelong best friend, Roman Romero.

Services will take place on Friday, Oct. 24, at Romero Funeral Home in Belen, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at 12 p.m. at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque.

The family kindly asks you to sign Gilfred’s online tribute at

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

Andrew “Tiger” Chavez

1981-2025

Andrew “Tiger” Chavez, age 44, a resident of Jarales, passed away on Sept. 26, 2025, after a long battle with kidney disease, while waiting for a transplant.

Services will take place Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Xavier Catholic Church, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 10 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

He had a kind heart and was always willing to help others. Andrew was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and enjoyed many hobbies, including collecting remote control cars and going for rides on his motorcycle.

He is preceded in death by his mother (grandmother), Angelina Chavez; mother, Lorraine Zamora; grandfather, Louis Chavez; and uncles, Edward and Walter Chavez.

Andrew is survived by father, Joseph Andrew Chavez; aunts, Rose, Marylou, Sandra, Heidi and Lisa; and many cousins.

Pallbearers will be his friends, Andy Quintana, Matt Lovato, Antonio Maestas, Ricoh Sanchez, Edward Rael and Ronald Thomas.

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

Angelina Chavez

1942-2025

Angelina Chavez, age 83, a resident of Jarales, passed away peacefully on Oct. 7, 2025.

Services will take place Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Xavier Catholic Church, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 10 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30

a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Louis Chavez; parents, Florentino and Sylvia Zamora; sons, Edward and Walter Chavez; and brother, Seferino Zamora.

Angelina is survived by her son, Joseph Andrew Chavez; sisters, Rose Chavez (Tony) and Marylou Rael; grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and daughter-in-law, Sandra Marquez.

She was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Angelina was a well-known member of the community, with several close friends. She was a generous and kind person who loved to take care of others. In her spare time, she enjoyed her crocheting and making crafts.

Angelina loved her mini horse, Roba, and her many dogs. She will be greatly missed.

The urnbearer will be Sandra Marquez.

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

Ruben Jesus Flores

1977-2025

Ruben Jesus Flores passed away on Oct. 6, 2025.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 24, at FRENCH-Lomas.

To view Ruben’s full obituary, please visit FrenchFunerals.com.

French Funerals and Cremations-Lomas, 10500 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87112; 505-275-3500.

Vincent “Vince” C. Olguin

1953-2025

Vincent “Vince” C. Olguin, age 72, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, Sept. 13, surrounded by his loved ones.

A celebration of Vince’s life will be held at a later date.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Anjeanette Olguin; parents, Vicente and Elsie Sanchez Olguin; sisters, Dolores Espinosa and Marilyn Gurule; brother-in-law, Leon Prevot; and in-laws, Narciso and Leonor “Nora” Ulivarri.

Vince is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Sharon Olguin; children, Fernandez, Reina, Lauren (Dominic) and Eloisa (Devon); sister, Elsie Prevot; brothers-in-law, Joe Gurule and Willie Espinosa; son-in-law, Nick Schmelz; daughter-in-law, Megan Louise; and beloved grandchildren, Aryan, Mylah, Chilee, Maddy, Dante and Yolanda.

He was born in Belen, on May 30, 1953. Vince graduated from Belen High School in 1971, going on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degree in the arts at New Mexico Highlands University.

He married the love of his life, Sharon, on Feb. 11, 1984, and together they built a beautiful life raising their five children.

Vince, a passionate sports fan, cheered faithfully for the Belen Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Albuquerque Dukes and New Mexico Lobos, often attending sports events. He found joy in spending time outdoors, participating in activities such as, fishing, coaching Little League, and hosting barbecues for friends and family in the summer, to name a few.

Vince cherished driving his grandson to and from school and any quality time he could spend with his grandchildren. He was a man of steadfast routine; his mornings began early, with a cup of coffee and a doughnut from Dunkin’ Donuts with the sports radio.

Above all, Vince was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His presence, guidance and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family of Vincent C. Olguin wish to express their deepest gratitude for all the expressions of love, support and prayers during this difficult time.

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

Jason F. West

1977-2025

Jason F. West, age 48, a resident of Belen, passed away on Oct. 3, 2025.

He is survived by children, Janessa, Dylan, Eliza and Lilly; father, Harvey West; brothers, Brian and Shawn West; sister, Charylene Bell; grandchild, Madelynn Deborah McClain; many nieces and nephews, and mother of his children, Jennie Angel.

Jason is preceded in death by his mother, Deborah J. West; and grandparents, Jack and Ruth West, of Los Lunas.

Rest in Peace, son. God was there.

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