Obituaries

Edwina Irene Aragon

Died 2025

Edwina Irene Aragon, faithful and devoted woman of God, and the Catholic church of Tomé, passed away peacefully on Dec. 7, 2025, at the age of 75, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born with a gentle spirit and a heart full of kindness, Edwina dedicated her life to caring for others, offering wisdom, comfort and unconditional love to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her generosity, resilience and steady presence touched countless lives.

Edwina was known for her warm smile, her deep devotion to family and the strength she carried through every season of her life. She cherished time spent with her loved ones, whether sharing stories around the kitchen table, celebrating family milestones, or offering a listening ear when it was needed most. Her compassion and grace will remain a lasting example to all who knew her.

She is preceded in passing by her father, Antonio Padilla; mother, Deluvina Padilla; brother, Melchor Tafoya; her sister, Alice Torres; and her son, Mario Ciccarello.

She is survived by her loving husband, Pablo Aragon; sons, Anthony Cicarello and Matthew (Mara) Aragon; daughter, Andrea (Adam) Mansfield; sisters, Becky Baca and Stella (Rudy) Rael; grandchildren, Christopher (Sara) Gosso, Andre (Anna) Aragon, Brett Mansfield, Abby Aragon, Bradley Mansfield, Antonio Cicarello, Brody Mansfield, Mariangeli Aragon, Lil Matt Aragon and Braylee Mansfield; and great-granddaughter, Paisley Gosso. She also leaves behind many other family members and friends.

A Funeral Mass for Edwina was held on Friday, Dec. 19, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomé. Edwina was then placed to rest at the Santa Fe National 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.

Sally “Nanny” Maria Baca

1940-2026

Sally “Nanny” Maria Baca, age 85, of Shawnee, Okla., passed away on January 7, 2026 with her devoted grandson and granddaughter by her side.

Sally was born on March 29, 1940, to Ruben and Antonieta Garcia in Rocky Ford, Colo. After graduating high school, she met her husband, Julian Baca, and they later wed in 1958. They went on to have five beautiful children.

Sally spent her life as a dedicated homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was known for her cooking. You could always depend on her having a pot of beans and chile on the stove. Her posole was legendary! She passed on her love for gardening and canning to her kids and grandkids. Any summer day you’d catch her barefoot in her garden, tending to her vegetables and flowers.

Sally and her family relocated from Denver to Belen in 1978. Sally and Julian were together in Belen until his passing in 2018. In 2023, Sally followed her grandson Santiago’s prayer and moved to Oklahoma with Kaitlyn and her family. Once there, the 4 Generation Homestead was created, and Sally was the oldest member.

Sally has always known the Lord and she made the faithful decision to be baptized on July 29, 2024, at Shawnee Twin Lakes.

Sally is preceded in death by her loving parents, Ruben and Antonieta Garcia; her husband of 60 years, Julian Baca; brothers, Robert ”Bobby” Garcia and Richard Garcia; and sister, Irene Dunn.

Sally is survived by her five children, Elizabeth Baca and life partner, Michael Sheridan, Renee Baca, Rebecca Lawson and her husband, Shane, Luis Paul Baca and David Baca; her four grandsons, Santiago Baca and his wife, Kaitlyn, Vicente Baca, Caleb Baca and Micah Baca; her great-granddaughters from Santiago and Kaitlyn, Graycee Baca, who was the light of her life, Saidee Baca, Paislee Baca; her homestead family, Randy Hill and his wife, Angela, Ryan Hill and his wife, Ashley, and their children, Lilly, Serenity, Austin and Nana Linda; her brothers, John Garcia and his wife, Jeanette, Albert Garcia, Dan Garcia and his wife, Kathy, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

In typical Sally fashion, we will be having dessert first, because that is how Sally lived her life.

Sally was vibrant and loving. She will be missed tremendously. We have joy knowing we will see her again one day because of her love for our Lord. Through His blood she is healed. Psalm 71:9

Elsie Jaramillo

1929-2026

Our beautiful mother (about one month short of age 97) passed away on Jan. 7, 2026. She died of natural causes.

Services will take place at Romero Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, Feb. 22, beginning with a visitation at 10:30 a.m., and a celebration of life at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 23.

Elsie was born in Belen on Feb. 22, 1929, to her parents, J.M. Willie and Manuelita Sanchez. The Sanchez family later relocated to Santa Fe, where Elsie was raised with her mother and father and eight younger brothers and sisters. Elsie met, fell head-over-heels in love, and eventually married her beloved, Henry Jaramillo Jr., on Aug. 21, 1950.

The lovely couple met in Santa Fe, where they both worked at the state capitol. Elsie was employed as a secretary at New Mexico’s ports of entry, and Henry was employed as a field auditor for the Bureau of Revenue when they met. They remained happily married and shared an exemplary, loving marriage for 75 years. Elsie and Henry raised five children, Paulette, Judy, Eric, Eddie and Cristina.

Elsie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Jaramillo, on Aug. 20, 2023, and two sons, Edward “Eddie” Jaramillo on May 29, 2006, and Eric Jaramillo on Aug. 18, 2014.

Elsie is survived by three daughters, Paulette, and her husband, Dennis Hale, Judy and her husband, Glen Haikin, and Cristina Jaramillo. She leaves behind seven grandchildren, Triana Burdick, Troy Hartman, Erica Montoya, James Jaramillo, Breanne Serna, Jenna Jaramillo and Michael Jaramillo; as well as nine great-grandchildren, Christopher and Lila Burdick, Ben, Damion, Stefon and Mercedes Montoya, Isabel and Sofia Jaramillo and Brielle Cordova; four great-great grandchildren, Benjamin Montoya IV, Anorah Montoya, Marie Montoya and Dalila Montoya; and more than 50 nephews and nieces.

Elsie is also survived by four brothers, Al Sanchez and his wife, Josie, of Santa Fe, Ray Sanchez, of California, Andrew Sanchez, of Albuquerque, and Matthew Sanchez, of California. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Martinez, of California.

Elsie and her husband, Henry, were well known in the Belen community (and throughout the state) for their involvement in education, including the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University Foundation and many other organizations.

Elsie was devoted to her husband and children, whom she loved and cared for full-time with much devotion and support. She espoused so many values, love for God, generosity, love for music and the arts and compassion. Elsie certainly was all about discipline, was a devout Catholic, believed in “cleanliness next to godliness” and in maintaining an impeccable reputation.

She was also loved for her feisty spirit, her witty comebacks and contagious laughter. Elsie was a voracious reader, a talented artist and the penultimate homemaker.

Though life presented many challenges and disappointments, Elsie felt abundantly blessed, especially by her family. Now she has joined those members of her family that had predeceased her. May her soul rest in eternal peace with those she loved and lost too soon.

Dear precious mother, you will never be forgotten ... until we meet again, dear mother.

In lieu of flowers, please give an offering and prayer to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Anna Mae Lorene McLane–Watts

1936-2025

Anna Mae Lorene McLane–Watts, 89, of Bosque Farms, passed away on Dec. 31, 2025.

She was born on Dec. 23, 1936, in Fort Cobb, Okla., to Albert and Essie McLane, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded by her siblings Leon, Glen, Viola and Carl McLane.

She is survived by her brother, Billy McLane.

Anna Mae was a devoted mother and a dedicated nurse. As a young mother, she worked her way through nursing school and went on to serve at Lovelace Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital in New Mexico, Butterworth Hospital in Michigan, and Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma. She also worked briefly at the Sheraton in downtown Albuquerque. She loved traveling, family road trips, camping and dancing.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bobby D. Dillion Cooper; and two of their children, Bobby S. Cooper and Peggy A. Cooper Walton.

She later married Kenneth D. Watts, who also preceded her in death, and lovingly adopted his three children — James, Edna and John Watts.

She is survived by her children, Donald R. Cooper, Marianne D. Cooper, Patrick A. Cooper and Michael L. Cooper (wife, Martina); along with her extended Watts family.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren include, from Bobby S. Cooper, Christopher A. Cooper (Marissa T. Cooper (Kayden E. Aldrich, baby Aldrich); Adriana N. Cooper (deceased); Gabriel A. Cooper; Mylie L. Wilder Cooper; Elias G. Cooper.); Arthur J. Cooper; Sara A. White (non-biological); from Peggy A. Walton, Jimmy; David L. Walton Jr. (Haydn D. Walton, Parker Walton, Emery Walton); From Donald R. Cooper, Jamie S. Pond (Lukas R. Pond); Jessica Adviento Mackey (Linus I. Adviento Mackey); from Marianne D. Cooper, Angela S. Saavedra (Gavin M. Rowe, Nathan J. Rowe, Zoe L. Rowe, Christopher R. Saavedra); from Edna D. Watts, Christina M. Greer, Felipe Montoya Jr., Alyssa Montoya, Christine Montoya and Cheryl Montoya; from Michael L. Cooper, Felicia R. Cooper.

Anna Mae will be remembered for her strength, compassion and lifelong devotion to her family. She has entered her heavenly home, reunited with loved ones who went before her.

Timothy Gerard Montoya

1956-2026

Timothy Gerard Montoya, beloved son of the late Cipriana and Timoteo Montoya, passed away on Jan. 6, 2026.

He was a cherished brother, uncle and family member whose presence will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving sisters, Nellie Cordova, Odelia Williams, Mary Jane Romero and Mercy Romero.

He was reunited in passing with his siblings, Amada Gregory, Claudio Montoya, Corrine Castillo, Joe Montoya, Richard Montoya and Gilbert Montoya.

Timothy passed peacefully at Princeton Place in Albuquerque following a recent cancer diagnosis. He was cared for and surrounded by love ones in his final days.

A Mass and burial in celebration of Timothy’s life will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 22. Family and friends are invited to gather in prayer and remembrance.

Martin “Jeff” Jefferson Nourse

1968-2025

Martin “Jeff” Jefferson Nourse, 57, born Nov. 30, 1968, in Socorro, passed away at his home on Dec. 29, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, James Edward and Elena D Nourse, and Spurlin and Florence Martin; aunts Jacque, Betty, Peggy, Catherine, Phillis, Barbara and Lawana.

Martin is survived by his wife, Theresa, of 36 years; kids, Shawmarie and wife, Grace, Chelsea, Shyanne and husband, Tyler Hodge, Dylan and Jesiah; father, James II (Jim); mother, Joan; brothers, James III (Eddie) and Gerald (Joe); as well as many nephews and nieces; and godchildren, Samantha, Amanda and Andalasia (Andi).

He was a father of five, foster parent to many, business owner, active union member, and was part of a shooting team called “POOF Monkey Dust!!!”

He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend to most, a fabulous cook who took all his recipes with him, a die hard Green Bay fan, and a very family-oriented man, who couldn’t get enough time teaching his kids how to do something.

He had many friends and if you knew him you knew he was the type of guy that would do anything for you!

Services for Martin were held Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Queen of Heaven Church.

Pallbearers were James Edward Nourse III, Charles (Chuck) Lees, Lee Clouser, Richard Stoltenberg Jr., Eric Chavez, Wes Shrader, Dezmond Guiterrez and Andre Kirk. Honorary pallbearers were Anthonio Chavez, Lance Emerson, Bruce Martin, Jeff Perry, Steven Rey Calderon, Chris (Bubba) Meurer, Dylan Nourse and Jesiah Nourse.

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.

Clara T. Rehrer

1929-2025

Clara T. Rehrer, 96, of Allegheny, Penn., passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family in Santa Fe on Dec. 17, 2025.

She was born in 1929 to Irene Dumm and Raymond Lauer. She attended school in Pennsylvania and went to Millersville University to obtain a teaching license.

She taught third and fourth grade for 23 years. She was a 30-plus year resident of Los Lunas.

She was preceded in death by her soulmate and husband of many years, Charles W. Rehrer Sr.

She is survived her son ,Charles Rehrer Jr.; grandson, Charles W. Rehrer III (Vanessa); special granddaughter, Amy Trujillo; and great-grandson, Ethan Rehrer, who was the light of her life. She is also survived by her extended Lauer family.

Lucinda S. Romero

1925-2025

Lucinda S. Romero, age 100, of Belén, entered the gates of heaven on Nov. 12, 2025.

Services will take place on Friday, Jan. 23, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic

Church, starting with a visitation at 10 a.m., a Rosary at 11 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

She was born on Oct. 20, 1925, to Preciliano and Elena Sánchez. Cinda spent her life devoted to her family. She will be remembered for her kindness, lovingness towards her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Cinda was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, Gigi, aunt, friend and a lifelong woman of faith.

Cinda was preceded in death by her loving husband, Daniel N. Romero. They were blessed with 73 years of marriage before his passing in 2019. Also preceded in death her infant son, Danny Boy; her parents and in-laws, Nicanor C. and Alfides Romero; her siblings, Tranquilino Sánchez, Sessy López, Erlinda García and Jenny DeAnda.

Cinda will be profoundly missed by her children, Michael (June), Annette Carrillo (Tony), Lorenzo (Trish) and Juliette Benavídez (Kevin); grandchildren Dominick (Kelly), Andrea (Daniel), Marquelyn (Tyler), Anthony, Melisha (Evan), Daniel (Hannah), Karín (Matthew), Joelle and Kade; great-grandchildren, Roman, Christian, Maya, Marina, Myles, Caprice, Rhea, Rhuna, Lorenzo and Mateo. She is also survived by her best friend, Carol Gabaldón, and many dear nieces and nephews.

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

Royce Gene Smith

1962-2026

Royce Gene Smith, age 63, born Dec. 1, 1962, in Grants, N.M., passed to his heavenly home Jan. 7, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Pauline Smith.

Royce is survived by his best friend and wife, Kelle Smith, of 34 years: two daughters, Kayla Smith (Doug) and their children, Audriana and Sienna, and Casandra Graham (John) and their children, Kimber and Gatlin; and sister, Melba Weaver (John).

He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, loyal husband, business owner, friend and advisor to many. As a born-again Christian, die hard Harley Davidson lover, and a family-first man, he left an impression on everyone who met him.

He was selfless, fun-loving, adventure seeking and the life of every party. Royce never knew a stranger, and was the first to let go of the past in the name of living a life that was not burdened by heavy grievances.

He had many friends who relied on him, a family that respected and cherished him, and a marriage that testified to the love, devotion and adoration he held for Kelle, the love of his life.

At an early age, Royce used his passion and tenacity to establish Tuit Construction, Inc., his underground utility business that served as a trusted business partner throughout New Mexico. Royce led from the front, and took great pride in being able to impact innumerable lives for almost 30 years, as an employer and a friend.

That same business offered Royce room to grow as a leader, while single-handedly manufacturing the freedom and capacity to build a beautiful life for his family under the unstoppable slogan “Tuit Can Do It!”

Services for Royce will take place on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Royce will then be laid to rest at Terrace Grove Cemetery immediately following the service.

Pallbearers will be John Weaver, Jared Limback, Joshua Dumond, Jason Dumond, John Graham and Doug Hamric. Honorary Pallbearers Mark Limback and Roland Dumond.

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.