Obituaries (Sept. 4, 2025)

Michael Steven Baca

1928-2025

Michael S. Baca was born on Dec. 26, 1928, in Albuquerque’s South Valley. He was the 10th of 13 children born to Refugio and Filomena (Jojola) Baca and he was known to his family as Mickey.

The family farm in Albuquerque’s Five Points neighborhood, where Mike grew up was a bustling place, where everyone worked together to put homegrown food on their table. This value is one Mike held throughout his life, later moving with his own family to Los Chavez in Valencia County in order to continue to live this tradition on a daily basis.

During his early years, war and economic instability were very real threats affecting everyone. He was born a year before the start of the Great Depression and grew up during World War II. Times were hard for a large family, but the Bacas endured, sending four older brothers to serve during WWII.

Always the entrepreneur, Mike delivered the newspaper, on horseback, during the war as a way to make a little money and recalled treating himself to a hamburger at the Red Ball Cafe in Barelas on payday. Also, during the war, in another effort to help the family, he and his older brother, Paul, would sell produce grown on their family farm out of a coaster wagon to neighbors and friends. In high school, he worked at the Santa Fe Railroad as a machinist’s apprentice and Mike cherished those many months working alongside his father, the journeyman machinist.

Mike graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1947 and went on to attend New Mexico College of A&M, now New Mexico State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy and participated in Air Force ROTC. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-54 and, upon his honorable discharge, returned to further his education at NMSU. He later worked for the Farmers Home Administration in Valencia County.

Mike was a proud Aggie and, in his elder years, attended many live basketball games in Las Cruces and never missed a televised game when the Aggies were playing.

After the war, the elder veteran brothers started a neighborhood grocery store in Five Points, which eventually grew into the Bueno Foods Company. With Air Force experience as a supply officer, Mike lent his skills, abilities and incredible salesmanship to helping the fledgling company grow. He traveled throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado as Bueno’s first sales manager. He was a determined pioneer who battled overt racism in his efforts to make New Mexican foods available in every grocery store in our region, items now available nationwide. He later managed his own small fleet of trucks delivering Bueno Foods products as an independent distributor.

The pride and joy of Mike’s life was his farm in Los Chavez. Over the years, Mike bought and sold multiple properties, improving the land and growing crops along the way. He grew alfalfa and other field crops, row crops like corn and beans and especially chile.

During his peak farming years, Mike had a sufficiently large operation that he would contract with his brothers at Bueno to raise green chile and jalapeňos for production at the Albuquerque plant.

Mike was a lifelong learner with many interests and skills. He was a grape grower, wine maker and meat cutter, processing much of the food for his family. He loved history and enjoyed traveling, exploring New Mexico and other destinations.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents as well as 11 of his 13 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Leonor; their daughter, Claire Trujillo and husband, Frank, and their children, Joshua Baca and Jessica Williams (husband, Tommy, children Cole and Adelaida); their son, Raymond Baca, and his children, Alicia Baca (husband, Javier Gallegos), Michael Baca, and Luis Baca; and their son, James Baca and wife, Cecilia, and their daughter, Clorae Baca. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Baca, of Albuquerque, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Mike will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission Church in Los Chavez. Visitation will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary and Funeral Mass.

For more details, please see the website for Noblin Funeral Home at noblin.com.

Steven Montano

1967-2025

Steven “Stokey” “Craig” Montano, 57, of Los Lunas, passed away on Aug. 1, 2025.

Born Nov. 21, 1967, in Tucumcari, Steve was the beloved son of Juan Montano and the late Jean Montano. A dedicated family man, he was a loving father to Stephen Montano and Ericka Walker, a cherished brother to Gabriel Montano and Raquel Montano and a loyal friend to many.

Services for Steven were held on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel. Steven was laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Kelly Ruth Rierson (Walker)

1950-2025

Kelly Ruth Rierson, age 69, a resident of Belen, for more than 30 years, passed away on Aug. 21, 2025.

Kelly was a shining example of self empowerment, forging her own path as her own boss and culturing multiple self made trades. She embodied the phrase “practice makes perfect,” as she honed her skills in acrylic nails, talent utilized to uplift others in the comfort of her own home. For many years, Kelly expertly helped women celebrate their unique beauty, providing nail and foot care services that left a lasting impact.

Kelly further expanded her skill set by taking classes in Albuquerque rapidly becoming a master cake designer, renowned for her breathtaking, specialty cakes that brought joy to family and friends.

Kelly’s unwavering determination and unrelenting passion proved that she was capable of overcoming any obstacle with a heart full of humor. Kelly would effortlessly command a room’s attention, spreading laughter and positivity wherever she went.

Kelly’s loyalty and unwavering dedication to her loved ones made her a pillar of strength and a true guardian angel as a loving wife and devoted mother. Kelly’s selflessness and kindness inspired all who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she touched.

Kelly’s unique qualities include her talent as a cook and she could whip her flip flop off and whoop your butt and have it back on her foot before you could cry! She also enjoyed making Christmas bows, her yard and her rock garden and was a longtime member to Curves for Women.

She had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus. A country music fan, she was an over achiever and aced it all!

Her family fondly remembers a story about the Fourth of July; after the grandkids got done throwing pop-its on the sidewalk, she would bring her shark vacuum outside and vacuum her sidewalk up. We would all laugh and give her crap about it! (Lovingly)

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Johnnie D. Rierson; daughter, Teresa Rierson-Davis and husband, Dale; son, Bobby John Rierson; grandchildren, from oldest to youngest, Kimberly Peters, Citlaly Cano, Omar Cano, Ivan Cano, Caeli Garcia and Braedyn Rey Rierson.

All services were held at the Noblin Funeral Service, Belen Chapel. Interment will follow at a later date in Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis.

An online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Phillip Padilla V

1964-2025

Phillip Padilla V, of Los Chavez, passed away on Aug. 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and humor.

Born to Phillip Padilla IV and Lucy, Phillip was a devoted son. He was a loving father to his daughters, Kayla, Angel and Trinity, and a guiding presence to his stepchildren, Amber, Antonio and Damien. He was also a proud grandfather, a cherished brother to his sister and brother, and a beloved uncle to his nephew and nieces.

Phillip was preceded in death by his mother and his sister.

He will be remembered for the kindness, loyalty and creativity he shared with everyone he met. His humor and joy touched the lives of his family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed.

The family thanks you for your love, prayers and support during this difficult time.

Send condolences to P.O. Box 114, Los Lunas, NM, 87031, or phillippadillaSr@gmail.com.