Obituaries

Virgie August

1940-2025

Virgie August was born on Nov. 17, 1940, in Abo, and passed away peacefully on Dec. 27, 2025, in Rio Communities.

Virgie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a woman of deep faith. A lifelong Catholic, she lived her life with love, strength and unwavering dedication to her family. Those who knew her will remember her laugh, caring spirit, resilience and warm heart.

Virgie worked for Belen Consolidated Schools for 17 years as an educational assistant and bus aide, where she touched the lives of many children. After retiring, she continued her calling of service by volunteering as a foster grandparent at St. Mary’s Catholic School, sharing her kindness, patience and encouragement with students.

She is survived by her loving husband, Tony August; her children, Janet Montoya (Charles), Yvonne August, and Yvette McCullough (Doug); her cherished grandchildren, Jessica, Charles, Lauren (spouse Andres), and Garrett; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Jonah and Lucy, who brought her great joy.

Virgie was preceded in death by her parents, Severo Padilla and Manuela Esquibel; her brothers, Toby Padilla, Joe Padilla and Manuel Esquibel; and her sister, Lovelia Jojola.

Services for Virgie will be held on Friday, Jan.16, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A visitation will take place at 9 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be recited at 10 am.

Virgie will then be placed to rest at the Our Lady of Belen Memorial Garden immediately following the mass.

Virgie’s faith, love and legacy of service will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

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.

James L. Cox

1930-2026

James L. Cox, of Bosque Farms, rested in the arms of the Lord on Jan. 4, 2026.

Jim was born into a farming family in Arrey, N.M., on Feb. 9, 1930. He spent his childhood days helping his family with milking cows and farm work until they moved to Bosque Farms in 1943.

At 15 years old, Jim stepped in to keep the family farm and care for his mother and two sisters after his father passed away in a tractor accident. While Jim attended Los Lunas High School, he began courting a neighbor girl, Miss Intha “Nell” Bone. After graduating in 1948, he and Nell were married in December.

Jim attended college at New Mexico A&M University but returned to Bosque Farms and the farm after a year and a half. Jim developed skills in various trades throughout his life, utilizing his mechanical talents and ingenuity. The bulk of his career centered around farming, owning and operating a De Laval dairy equipment business, and a Triple “F” Feeds business.

Jim accepted Christ’s salvation at a young age at the Bosque Farms Baptist Church. He soon was serving in various roles, including the construction of the Baptist Church in Los Chavez.

Jim honored the Lord and his marriage to Nell throughout their 76 years together. They raised four children, Rick, Burl, Mary Ann and Jimmy, while remaining in Bosque Farms. He served his community by volunteering with the Bosque Farms/Peralta Fire Department, the Soil and Water Conservation District, the state’s Natural Resources Department, and the Federal Land Bank. He was also a member of the Bosque Farms Fair Board, the Valencia County Fair Board and an advisor to the Valencia County Extension Agency.

Micah 6:6-8 was the inspiration for Jim’s way of life. He humbly loved his wife and family, and regarded his customers as “special.” Family, friends and neighbors received many fresh-picked fruits and vegetables from their legendary garden. Such gifts were given alongside a thoughtful, lingering conversation.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Nell Cox; his parents, Newt and Mary Cox; his sister, Betty Mosley; and his son, Burl Cox.

He is survived by his sister, Linne Bell Hyde; and children, Rick (Peggy) Cox, Mary Ann Cox and Jimmy (Liz) Cox. His living legacy extends through his nine grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Services will be handled through Noblin Funeral Service. Please see their website (noblin.com) for service details.

Rosabeth Garcia-Sais

1968-2025

Rosabeth Garcia-Sais was born on June 10, 1968, in Belen, and passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2025, in Albuquerque, at the age of 57.

Rosabeth earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Mexico. She devoted 36 years of service to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, where she served as assistant state conservationist for Management and Strategy. She retired on Feb. 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, leadership and commitment.

Outside of her career, Rosabeth found great joy in fishing, traveling, baking, putting puzzles together and spending time with her family. These passions brought her happiness and created lasting memories with those she loved most.

Rosabeth is lovingly remembered by her spouse of 36 years, Patricia “Trish” Garcia-Sais; her mother, Rosalie Carvalho (Manual); her father-in-law, Julian Garcia; her brother, Barney Sais (Vickie); her brother-in-law, Julian Garcia (Shaun); and her sister-in-law, Sandra Mendoza (Rosemary). She is also survived by her nephews. Brandon Sais (Jenna), Kyle Sais (Sam), Julian Garcia and John Garcia; her nieces Jaclynn Mendoza (Jordan) and Gabrielle Mendoza; and her great-niece, Savannah Sais; and great-nephews, Sterling Sais and Elias Mendoza-Padilla; and special friends who she considered family, Connie and Ricky Apache and Vickie and Alberto Suazo-Chanza.

Rosabeth was preceded in death by her father, Barney Sais; her stepfather, Alfonso Peralta; and her mother-in-law, Helen Garcia.

In accordance with Rosabeth’s wishes, no services will be held.

May Rosabeth’s memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.

Linda J. Gonzalez Gabaldon

1978-2025

Linda J. Gonzalez Gabaldon, age 47, of Los Lunas, passed away on Dec. 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for her life that we celebrate a beloved mother, wife, daughter and sister.

Linda was born on March 23, 1978, in Anaheim, Calif., to John T. Gonzalez and Betty J. Aguilar (Royce) Patton, who survive her.

She was a devoted single mother, who worked tirelessly to support her children, sacrificing endlessly and always putting their needs before her own. Her life was filled with love, kindness, laughter and grace.

A proud graduate of the University of New Mexico, Linda fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse. She served her community at the VA Hospital and Lovelace Hospitals, caring for patients with compassion, dignity and grace. Nursing was not just her profession-it reflected the heart of who she was — selfless, strong and endlessly giving.

In God’s perfect timing, she was graciously welcomed as a wife and embraced by her husband’s family with warmth, love and care, reminding us of God’s word, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.” (Numbers 6:24-26).

Linda is survived by her children, Armando J. Montoya and Aliana L. (Montoya) Vocu; her husband, John J. Gabaldon; her son-in-law, Colton Vocu; her stepson, John Nicholas Gabaldon; her brother, Gary M. Gonzalez (Megan); her father-in-law, John Philip Gabaldon Sr.; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Litticia S. Montoya; her grandparents, Tomas Gonzalez and

Esther Ortega; Marcos Aguilar and Annie Aguilar; her uncle, Bill Gonzalez and Becky M. Lucero.

Linda was our everything-our strength, our home, and our greatest blessing. Though we grieve deeply, we take comfort knowing she rests in God’s loving arms. Her love lives in us forever, and her memory will carry us until we meet again.

Services will be held at Romero’s Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 17, beginning with a visitation at 10:30 a.m., and a celebration of life at 11:30 a.m. A gathering to follow will be announced at the services.

Salomon Griego Jr.

1939-2025

Salomon Griego Jr., age 86, of Las Nutrias, N.M., passed away on Dec. 20, 2025, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Andrew Salas, after a sudden injury and short illness.

Services will be held on Monday, Jan. 19, at Calvary Chapel New Harvest, 701 Main St. NE, Los Lunas, starting with a visitation at 9:30 a.m., and a celebration of life at 10 a.m., followed by a matanza-themed reception.

Salomon was born on Aug. 11, 1939, in Las Nutrias to Salomon Griego Sr. and Eluticia Cordova Griego.

He enjoyed visiting with family, matanzas, cooking, playing solitaire, watching sports and working at his ultimate vocation with GE. In his final years, he enjoyed attending Calvary Chapel New Harvest and, in spite of failing eyesight, would walk from his assisted living facility to church.

As a La Joya Bruin in the late 1950s, Salomon set a number of state records in basketball. He was so well known for his playing skills that he was given the nickname “Hoope,” and received scholarship offers to play college ball.

In those days of limited means, he foreswore the possibility and entered the workforce instead, working for Schwartzman’s Meat Packing before getting training in fabrication and going to work for (and eventually retiring

from) G.E. Avionics as his life’s career, fabricating jet engines for our nation’s military.

He was a godparent to his grandson, Jesse Carrillo; granddaughter, Rosemary Gallegos; his niece, Sandy

Griego Garcia; and nephew, Santiago Benavidez; and padrino to his niece, Bernadette and Benny Jaramillo, and Isaac and Geraldine Black.

He is survived by his brother, George Griego and his wife, Gloria; sister, Annabelle Benavidez and husband, Andres; sister-in-law, Helen Griego; daughter, Martha Salas and husband, Andrew; son, Dexter; daughter, Yvette Yingling and husband, John; daughter, Karen Harford and husband, Rick; son, Christopher Griego and his partner, Kimberley; his grandchildren, Rosemary, Jacob and Gabriel; Ariana, Araceli, Ariela, Arinea and Andres; Scarlett and RayeVen; Jesse, Reynaldo, Linda and Tenger; Kristen, Kevin, Katelynn and Kaleb; daughter-in-law, Peggy and sons, Rashad and Jordan, as well as Dominic, Steven and David; Betty Jo, Ashley, Morgan, Wendy and Ashlee; 42 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Salomon Sr. and Eluticia Griego, his brothers Mike, Johnnie, Paul and Joe; his daughter, Trinidad; son, Frankie, son-in-law, Kyle Bond; and step-granddaughter, Jordyn.

The family extends special thanks to Fran and staff of Sierra Springs Assisted Living for providing loving care for Salomon the last few years of his life; Roadrunner Hospice and Romero Funeral Home for the care and compassion they’ve shown in handling all the arrangements.