Obituaries

Frances “Kika” (Cordova) Chavez

1946-2026

Frances “Kika” (Cordova) Chavez, 79, peacefully and gracefully went home to be with her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

She is survived by her loving and forever grateful children, Filbert Chavez, Regina Chavez, Joel Chavez and James Chavez with wife, Caroline; and her only grandchild, Dylan Strong; sisters, Sunday Cordova, Paulette Lopez and husband Charles, Yolanda Holgiuin and husband, Ruben, and Michelle Chavez.

Frances was a woman of virtue, who above all else, loved, trusted and relied upon the Lord in all things. Family was exceedingly important to her, hosting numerous holiday meals throughout the years, and Sunday lunch at her home up until the day before she passed.

Auntie Kika was also known for canning jelly and salsa, baking fresh cookies, making apple leather and crocheting various keepsakes and giving them to the entire extended family at Christmas time.

Mom, you will be eternally cherished and loved, and please know, we are not sad for what we have lost, but rather, we are appreciative and feel privileged for what we had.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bennie Chavez in 2004; parents, Frank and Agapita Cordova; siblings, Susan Chavez and husband, Herminio, Anthony Cordova, Michael Cordova and Paul Cordova; brother-in-law, Robert Chavez; and nephews, Dominic Chavez and Phillip Chavez.

Pallbearers will be, in her own words, “my six children.” Filbert, Regina, James, Caroline, Dylan and Joel.

You are welcome to pay your final respects to Frances and to greet her family at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 26, at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel. Please join us in celebrating our mother’s life at 12 p.m.

Interment at her and her husband’s final resting place located within Terrace Grove Cemetery will immediately follow.

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Service, Belen, 418 W. Reinken Ave., Belen, 505-864-4448.

Jose Z. Chavez

1936-2026

Jose Z. Chavez, 89, of Los Chavez, passed away on Jan. 14, 2026.

He was born in Albuquerque to Espiridion and Ida Chavez. He was married to his beloved wife, Fela Chavez, for 57 years, and together they had five children.

Jose is survived by his children, Chris Chavez and his wife, Lorrie, Anthony Chavez, Leroy Chavez and his late wife, Camille, Loretta Padilla and her late husband, Peter Paul, and Doreen Chavez.

Grandchildren, Felisha and Jeff Elston, Jocelyn and Casey Crevelone, Josiah Chavez, Danae and Tim Dollinger, Shanteal Chavez, Jasmine Massingill, Lyndsi and Bryan Salazar, Jason and Vanessa Chavez, Elijah and Shaylyn Padilla, Rebekah and Nate Duran, Rachel and Jarred Thomas and Paul Padilla.

Great-grandchildren, Cassie, Caden, Carson, Jaxon, Chase, Jaden, Zoe, Hailey, Brinley, Justus, Ayzlynn, Eliyah and Zachary Perales, Eliana, Israel, Judah, Theodore, Gracelyn, Kace and Ezra.

Great-great-grandchildren, Ezekiel, Zoriah and Zara Eliana.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Fela Chavez; his parents, Espiridion and Ida Chavez; his brother, Herminio; his sisters, Helena, Martha, Helen, Margie and Becky; his son-in-law, Peter Paul Padilla; his daughter-in-law, Camille Chavez; and his great-granddaughter, Eliana Meray.

Jose was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He was known for his friendliness, his strong faith and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He and Fela lived a life of open doors and open hearts. They fostered children in need and welcomed several Ukrainians into their home, many of whom continue to be embraced as family.

He worked at Bates and Sagebrush Lumberyard for more than 40 years. He enjoyed gardening, horseback riding and camping with family.

The family would like to thank High Desert Hospice for the special care they provided to Jose.

His memory will live on in all who loved him.

A memorial service for Jose will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Grace Fellowship Church in Los Lunas. A visitation will take place at 12:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. A reception will follow.

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.

Gillie B. Jaramillo

1931-2025

On Nov. 8, 2025, Gillie B. Jaramillo, originally from Belen, and former resident of Los Lunas, passed away at the age of 93.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Jan. 27, beginning with visitation at 9:30 a.m., a Rosary 10 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.

Gillie lived a long and very productive life. Born to Henry T. Jaramillo Sr. and Casianita Aragon Jaramillo, he was one of nine children and was the last surviving child. The Jaramillos were one of the original families settling in Valencia County.

Gillie was a life-long Catholic, and was baptized in, and grew up attending Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. He graduated from Belen Public Schools, where he excelled in football and was named an All-State player in basketball.

After high school, Gillie was invited to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, but decided to attend the University of New Mexico. Soon after, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Maryann Sachs.

During the Korean conflict, Gillie joined the United States Air Force and was assigned to the 92nd Medical Group, Dental Clinic, Fairfield Air Force Base in Spokane, Wash. After Dental Tech School, he was placed in charge of the Dental Clinic at Fairfield AFB. Following an honorable discharge, Gillie and Maryann returned to Belen, where Gillie joined the family business, Henry’s Markets, for several years.

Gillie and Maryann then opened Citizens Finance Co., Inc. in 1973. It was the first finance company offering consumer loans in Valencia County. Gillie retired in 2001, but continued to help his daughter, Annalee, who purchased and continued to serve the loyal customers of Citizens Finance until her retirement in 2023.

Gillie enjoyed spending the morning in the office until he was 90 years old. The company Gillie founded was a business landmark in Los Lunas for more than 50 years. During this time, Gillie attended the Brown Institute of Real Estate and Insurance at the University of New Mexico. He enjoyed the challenges of buying and selling residential and business properties in Albuquerque, Belen and Los Lunas. He was often quick to remind everyone that “Location, Location, Location” was the key to success in real estate.

Gillie valued independence in thoughts and actions and expected the same of others. He considered himself independent, caring and self-disciplined. Gillie served his community and New Mexico in multiple ways. Gillie served on the Board of Directors of Ranchers State Bank, chairman; Valencia County Commission, president; Association of Counties of New Mexico, director: Belen Chamber of Commerce, member: Board of Regents New Mexico School for the Blind, chairman: New Mexico State Fair (two terms); and the Gillie Jaramillo Hispanic Arts Building at the NM State Fair Grounds was named in his honor.

Gillie is survived by his five children, Gilbert Jaramillo Sr., Maryann Sorenson, Anntherese Jaramillo, Annalee Jaramillo Kuidis (Gary) and Martin Jaramillo; grandchildren, Jennifer Jaramillo, Elizabeth Jaramillo, Gilbert Jaramillo Jr., (Teresa) Derek Sorenson, Kyle Jaramillo Kuidis (Amanda) Angelica Freeman (Michael), and Faith Santana (Bryce); sisters-in-law, Elsie Jaramillo and Nuria Jaramillo; 11 great-grandchildren and many loved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Gillie is preceded in death by the love of his life, Maryann Sachs Jaramillo; parents, Henry T. Jaramillo and Casianita Jaramillo; in-laws, Martin Sachs and Mary Sachs; brothers, Henry Jaramillo, Eddie Jaramillo (Corine), Alfonso Jaramillo (Theresa) and Jerry Jaramillo; sisters, Barbara Ortiz (Arthur), Lucy Sanchez (Tony), Lena Frazee (Ray) and Rose Aragon (Johnny); and son-in-law, Brad Sorenson.

Urn bearers will be Gilbert Jaramillo Jr., Derek Sorenson, and Kyle Jaramillo Kuidis.

The family would like to express their heart felt gratitude to the caring and loving caretakers at the Beehive Four Hills as well as the nurses at Rio Grande Hospice and the VA Hospice. The family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of Gillie’s memory.

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

Georgia L. Lynch

1933-2026

Our beloved mother, Georgia (Rossiter) Lynch, of Bosque, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2026, at the age of 92.

She was a force of nature, a source of endless laughter and the heart of our family.

Born and raised in Dalhart, Texas, Georgia was a free spirit, and natural-born artist. She found joy in the simple things: a good Stephen King book, a quiet afternoon with her loving husband, Temple, in the barn with their horses, or watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete in their many sports and activities.

She was a dedicated horse lover, enjoyed researching her Cheyenne heritage and lobbying for political issues she strongly believed in. Her home was always filled with the warmth of her kindness and the sound of children running amuck.

She will be profoundly missed by her children, Tony Lynch (Terri), Rhonda Law (Bruce) and Patrick Lynch (Barbie); her granddaughter, Tarla Hill (Lincoln); her great-grandchildren, Michelle, Madison, Makenzie, Lincoln, Lilyana and Nicholas; her great-great grandson, Liam; her sister, Mary Faye Malone; and a wide circle of family and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lucille Rossiter; her sisters, Lola Maier, Josephine Buckmaster and Wanda Bleiker; her husband, Temple Lynch; and her grandson, Justin Law.

We will celebrate her remarkable life at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., on Saturday, Jan. 24. A visitation will be at 1 p.m., a memorial service and remembrance will follow at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. Please come ready to share your favorite memories and raise a toast to a truly extraordinary woman.

An online guest register is available at noblin.com.

Ruben Moreno

1956-2026

Ruben Moreno was born on June 25, 1956, in Belen, to Trinidad and Mary Silva Moreno. He passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by the family who loved him.

To his siblings, nieces and nephews, Ruben was a deeply good man and a quiet constant in his family — kind, loyal, observant and proud. Although he never asked for attention, his presence was always profoundly felt.

The ninth of 12 children, he grew up in a tight-knit Catholic family and shared in the work, humor and traditions that shaped his lifelong love for sports and the outdoors. In school, Ruben’s natural athletic ability stood out. He lettered in football, baseball and track at Belen High School before graduating in 1974.

In 1975, Ruben enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, beginning a chapter that would shape him for the rest of his life. He completed tours overseas in Okinawa and Korea and advanced through several meritorious promotions, a rare distinction earned only through exceptional performance.

Ruben excelled in both legal work and combat-support roles, an unusual combination that spoke to his intelligence and versatility.

He was also an extraordinarily gifted marksman. Competing in Marine Corps and Far East Division matches, he earned the Bronze Medal in Pistol Competition (Far East Division Matches) at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, and contributed to multiple team victories. The commanding officer of the 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, later issued a Meritorious Mast recognizing Ruben’s superior performance and the professionalism he brought to the Marine Corps.

After his military service, Ruben continued his education at New Mexico State University, where he studied forestry. He also spent more than 20 years working for the village of Los Lunas, where he was known for his quiet professionalism, strong work ethic and dependability. His work supported vital municipal operations, including his work in the water division. He was respected by colleagues and community members alike.

Ruben was a humble and soft-spoken man who enjoyed sports throughout his life. He later played baseball in city leagues and coached Little League teams throughout Valencia County. An avid huntsman and fisherman, he found peace and camaraderie in the outdoors and took great pride in passing that love on to younger generations.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, Trinidad and Mary Silva Moreno; his maternal grandparents, Adriano and Demecia Silva; his paternal grandparents, Trinidad Moreno Sr. and Angela Santoya Moreno; his sisters, Theresa Fajardo and Demecia Gallegos; his brother, Mario Moreno; and his brothers-in-law, Rey Gallegos, Phillip Peralta, David Fajardo and James Garley; as well as his nephew, Reyes Moreno; and his niece, Jennifer Villanueva.

He is survived by his brothers, Pete Moreno (Sally), Manuel Moreno (Barbara), Mike Moreno and Jude Moreno; and his sisters, Rosie Garley, Angela Peralta, Erlinda Villanueva (Freddie) and Priscilla Barela (Jerry).

Ruben was a cherished uncle to his many nieces and nephews, who will hold onto memories of his quiet humor, gentle pride and unfailing rootedness.

Services for Ruben will be held on Friday, Jan. 30, 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 a.m. Ruben will then be placed to rest at the Our Lady of Belen Memorial Garden immediately following the mass.

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.