Obituaries (Oct. 2, 2025)

Barbara “BB” Baker

1946-2025

Barbara “BB” Baker, 79, of Rio Communities, passed away peacefully at her home on Sept. 20, 2025.

Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband, David “Pops” Baker; and their treasured dog, Katie.

Survivors include her children, Donna (Cort) Garnier, of San Antonio, Texas; Robert Van Pamel, of Rio Rancho; Christian (Kristy) Baker, of Jonesborough, Tenn.; and Allyson (Jerry) Lang of Schertz, Texas; her grandchildren are Nicholas (Diana) Newsom, Jacob Newsom, Marissa (Jacob) DeSimone, Mikayla Baker, Jonathan (Holly) Lang and Libby Lang. She has three great-grandchildren, Emma Newsom, Sophia Newsom and Kacie Lang.

It was Barbara’s wish that her ashes be scattered along with her husband, David’s and their three favorite pets, Sammie, Katie and Dryfus, along the San Juan River. BB, Pops and their beloved fur babies will be reunited at a private memorial service at a later date.

Ronald R. Hodges

1938-2025

The previously indomitable Ronald R. Hodges passed away in his Los Lunas home on Sept. 25, 2025.

Born in 1938, he was raised in Belen by his parents, Benny Lee and Mary Ellen Hodges, and his grandparents, Frank and Pearl Trainer. After being “encouraged” to end his studies at Belen High School early, Ron became a medic for the U.S. Marine Corps at 17. He later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and became the principal of that same school, holding a soft spot for misunderstood troublemakers like himself.

For this work, he was recognized as Administrator of the Year for the state of New Mexico. Ron also served at Belen High as a teacher and wrestling coach and as the superintendent for Belen Public Schools; he later led both Menaul School and Ruidoso High School as principal.

His passion for education was developed in part by his many months spent in the VA hospital at age 23, where he almost died of tuberculosis. He spent that time reading, feeding the curiosity that used to get him in trouble, and decided to dedicate his life to working with young people to provide those same opportunities, but without the contagious disease part.

Ron Hodges was a tough man, flawed and human, and generations of Belen residents have stories about both his benevolence and misdeeds. You are encouraged to share all of those stories. As an older man, he learned to laugh at himself, loving more and fighting less. Everyone should be lucky to live so long.

Ron was preceded in death by his best friend and wife, Paula Kay (Garrett) Hodges, whom he met in the first grade. She passed 42 days before him.

Surviving him to tell the tales are many he loved, and this list is incomplete, daughter, Erin and husband, Sean; son, Joshua and wife, Melissa; daughter, Kourtney and husband, Brawnson; son, Sean and wife, Micki and family. Adored grandchildren, Madison and his other best friend, Theo; ex-wife-turned-ride-or-die, Robin; baby sis, Sue Ellen and her husband, Everett; kid brother, Benny and his wife, Mary Ellen; their children, and their children’s children.

Per his wishes, Ron will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery along with his wife, Paula.

A party in his honor will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, in Belen. Contact your local Hodges for details and get those stories ready.

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

Francisco “Frank” “Frankie” Sanchez

1930-2025

Francisco “Frank” “Frankie” Sanchez, age 95, a resident of Belen, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

Services took place at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Los Chavez on Monday, Sept. 29. Interment followed at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Dionella “Nellie” Gabaldon Sanchez; son, Roland Sanchez; daughter, Veronica Garrett; grandson, Justin Sullivan; and granddaughters, Rachel Archuleta, Stephanie Sais and Marissa Lopez.

Frank is survived by daughters, Dodie Padilla, Ruth Lopez (Dave) and Pauline Chavez (Dennis); daughter-in-law, Janet Sanchez; sister, Lucy Gabaldon; sister-in-law, Margie Anaya; brother- and sisters-in-law, many grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He married the love of his life, Nellie, and together they raised five beautiful children. Frankie worked for the gas company for 30 years, retiring in 1983.

He was a warm, loving and funny grandpa, always joking and entertaining his grandchildren. Frank was loved and cared for by his family, living a long and full life, surrounded by love every day.

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