Obituaries

Joshua Ambrose Burns II

1942-2025

Joshua Ambrose Burns II, born in Nashville, Tenn., on March 14, 1942, passed away in Belen on Nov. 29, 2025

After graduating from Harvard College in 1964 cum laude, he earned a Master of Architecture degree in 1968 at Washington University. Pursuing his interest in efficient building processes, he worked at Building Systems Development in San Francisco for three years.

He then moved to the Stanford University School of Education, where he became associate project director, Educational Facilities Laboratories. Over 10 years, he developed and implemented energy use monitoring and conservation computer software that was applied in more than 1,000 schools in California and Canada.

As a partner in his own firm, he assisted educational and institutional clients across the country including the U. S. Department of Energy and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (San Francisco) in making significant energy use and cost reductions.

An avid birder, he helped to initiate long-term bird monitoring studies in Salt Lake City, Utah and Phoenix, Ariz. Moving to Marfa, Texas, allowed him to observe, record and share information on bird activity in Far West Texas for 20 years. He supported and contributed to comprehensive digital bird record efforts including eBird of the Cornell School of Ornithology

He leaves his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Kates Burns; one daughter, Caitlin Burns Tinker; two grandchildren, Beatrix and Alexander; and a brother, Mark Burns.

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.

Cecilia Ann Castro

1958-2025

Cecilia Ann Castro, a beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, of Los Lunas, age 67, passed away on Dec. 13, 2025.

Cecilia was born July 20, 1958, in Gallup to Socorro Robles and Andres Escamilla. Cecilia had a deep affection for people and spent her entire career in retail.

She spent more than two decades at JC Penney, followed by 17 years at Walmart in Belen. Her roles included cashier, florist, baker and door greeter. She did it all.

She found joy in walking and appreciating the local scenery. Holidays were a special time for her. She particularly enjoyed crafting charming handmade necklaces or pins for each holiday and sharing homemade cookies with her friends.

Her fun hats and treats brought smiles to children’s faces. For Mother’s Day, she created exquisite floral arrangements. She made veterans feel valued and helped everyone she could. She was truly one of a kind.

Cecilia is survived by her husband, Robert Castro; daughter, Stephanie Castro; sisters, Gloria, Cora, Lorraine Escamilla and Carmen Mahto; brothers, Joe, Michael, David and Daniel Escamilla.

Cecilia is preceded in death by father, Andres Escamilla; mother, Socorro Escamilla; and brother, Andy Jr. Escamilla.

A viewing and service was held on Monday, Dec. 29, at Riverside Funeral Home in Los Lunas.