Obituaries (Sept. 11, 2025)

Joe “Jose” A. Arias

1942-2025

Joe “Jose” A. Arias passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, surrounded by his loving family.

Known affectionately as “Pepe,” Joe was born on Oct. 6, 1942, in Roswell, N.M. He was one of 10 children born to Paubla and Pedro Arias. A longtime resident of Jarales, Joe had recently relocated to Los Lunas.

Joe dedicated his career to the craft of butchery, working at Furr’s, Adam’s and Mathew’s, and sharing many memorable years alongside his best friend, Ray Chavez. He was cherished for his cheerful spirit and ever-present willingness to lend a hand.

Joe had a deep passion for cooking — especially breakfast. He could often be found whistling joyfully to ranchera music as he prepared meals. His red chile became legendary within the family, a staple requested at every gathering and celebration.

On Dec. 5, 1981, Joe married the love of his life, Berlinda. Together, they shared 44 beautiful years and raised their children, son, Rito and daughters, Antoinette, Monica and Jessica.

Joe cherished his time in Jarales, where he enjoyed being close to his in-laws and took pride in maintaining his yard — often seen riding his lawn mower with a sweatband, hard at work.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Berlinda Arias, of Jarales; his son, Rito Arias; and Rito’s daughters, Christina and husband, Juan, Amanda and husband, Luke, Araceli, Julissa, Antoinette and his son, Angelo. He is also survived by his daughter, Monica Santiago and husband, Carlos, and their children, Lucas, Leah and Roman, and his daughter, Jessica Arias.

Joe is also survived by his grandson, Jose Arias and companion, Renee Monteverde; and his great-grandchildren, Miliana, Christian, Isabella, Joselynn, Christian A., Aneliz, Johnny, Zyeli and Jahaziah.

His surviving siblings include sisters, Nancy Gonzalez, Carmen Carrillo, Clara Alaniz and Alice and her husband, Henry Villareal; and brothers, Robert and his wife, Edith, and Richard Arias.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Paubla Arias; his sister, Reynalda Candia Arias; brothers, Raymond, Peter and Johnny Arias; his daughter, Antoinette Arias; and grandson, Robert “Bobby” Montoya.

Pallbearers are Rito Arias, Leonard Arias, Carlos Santiago, Lucas Baca, Roman Santiago and Danny Hester. Honorary pallbearers are Jose Arias, Dennis Trujillo, Anthony Trujillo, Daniel Trujillo, Patrick Gallegos, Garrette Gallegos, Carlos Trujillo, Mathew Trujillo, Robert Trujillo, Jason Thrasher, Noah Jaramillo, Justin Hester, Raymond Trujillo, Tommy Guzman, Joe Jaramillo and Ray Chavez.

Funeral services for Joe will take place on Thursday, Sept. 11, at San Francisco Xavier Catholic Mission in Jarales. A visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Joe will be laid to rest at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12, at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Lupita Maria Montaño (Rael)

1947-2025

Lupita M, Montaño, age 77, a resident of Adelino, passed away peacefully on Aug. 28, 2025, of an unexpected illness.

She was born in Adelino and came from a large family. Lupita married at the young age of 15. She was a homemaker, who did her best to take care of her five children. There wasn’t any kind of house work in or out that she couldn’t do.

Her passion was working outdoors, where she loved to irrigate her many tall beautiful evergreens that she planted. She deeply missed her two sons who passed away before her.

She was a long-time member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé. She was very close to her daughter, Lorraine, and they shared a very close bond, not only as mother and daughter, but as best friends.

The family wishes a very special thank you to the Inhora house, where she was cared for with so much love, dignity and respect from the most kind and generous people.

Also, to Dr. Louise McDade, from Presbyterian, and also to Jay, her nurse, and staff at Bosque Trails hospice.

She is preceded in death by her two sons, Ricky and Julian Montaño; parents, Guadalupe and Maria Rael; her brothers Alberto, Ernesto, Juan, Arturo, Patricio and Albert; baby, Veronica; her sister, Erlinda Rael; and nephews, Ernesto and Michael Rael.

She is survived by her daughter, Lorraine Montaño, of the family home; son, David Montaño and wife, Bernice, and daughter, Monica Montaño; brothers, Herman and Jose Rael; uncle, Frank and Lucy Rael, of California.

Also surviving are six grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

All services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Tomé on Wednesday, Sept. 17, beginning with a visitation at 10:30 a.m., a Rosary to be recited at 11 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:30 a.m.

Urn bearer will be her daughter, Lorraine Montaño.

Inurnment will follow at the Tomé Catholic Cemetery.

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.

Bridget Lee Otero

1971-2025

Bridget Lee Otero, 53, resident of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully on Aug. 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Dec. 10, 1971, in Las Cruces, N.M.

Bridget was a devoted wife, girlfriend, mother, nana, sister and compassionate friend to all who knew her.

Bridget was known for her kindness, her strong work ethic and her ability to bring brightness and comfort to anyone in need. Outside her daily life, she enjoyed spending time with and being with people who meant the most to her, having a great time with good company, painting rocks and, of course, giving them to anyone to make them smile.

Bridget touched many lives!

Bridget is survived by her spouse of more than 36 years, Ricardo Archuleta; her daughter, Dominique Archuleta; and her amazing grandson, Messiah Patel; sister and brother-in-law: Tammy and Perry Munoz; her nieces, Estrella and Mia Munoz; her favorite nephew, Perry Joe Munoz; and best friends, Roxy Fernandez and Stephanie Warwick.

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

The family appreciates your love and support during this difficult time.