Chris Paul D'Amour, 41, a resident of Santa Fe, passed away on Sunday, September 26th at UCLA Medical Center. He is survived by his two children, Leo and Melodie. Other surviving family members include his parents, Leo and Cecelia D'Amour of Albuquerque; his sister, Louise and husband, Larry Turner; brother, Greg and wife, Melanie; brother, Ralph and wife, June; and brother, Ronald. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Kyle, Brent, Renee, Kelly, Cory, Vanessa, Dustin and Shane. A Rosary will be held on Friday, October 1st at 7:30 p.m. A Memorial Mass, in celebration of his life, will be held on Saturday, October 2nd at 10:30 a.m. Both services will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church (corner of Morningside and Lomas NE, Alb.) In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Dumont-UCLA Transplant Center, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, 10833 Le Conte, Rm #77120 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7054.
Curtis Merryl Darnell, 73, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 1999 in Gallup, NM. He was born on November 29, 1925 in St. Joseph, MO. He is survived by his wife, Clarissa Darnell of Gallup, NM; daughters, Karen Darnell of Gallup, NM, Phyllis Sanchez of Gallup, NM, Devona Stillwater of Visalia, CA, Michelle Campisi of Columbus, OH, Cynthia Steward of Winslow, AZ; son, Lawrence Montoya of Belen, NM; sister, Helen Cox of Gallup. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by father, Herman Darnell; mother, Lettie Darnell; son, infant son. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and the New Mexico and Gallup Golf Association. He played in the Minor League for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 40's. He was retired from the Santa Fe Rail Road after 30 years. He and his wife were the owners of the Little Rock Bar from 1965-1979. He married Clarissa Bustamante on July 14, 1969. Memorial service will be held Friday, October 1, 1999, 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Pastor Jay McCollum officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5800 Lomas NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110. Rollie Mortuary has charge of the arrangements.
Mary K. (Weigel) Deerinwater passed away Saturday, September 25, 1999. She was born March 22, 1949 to William E. and Dorothy R. Weigel. Her husband, George E. Deerinwater; her father, William E. Weigel of Sedona, AZ; her brother, Dr. William L. Weigel and wife, Miko of Silverdale, WA; and her step-sons, Jeffery Deerinwater and Ryan Deerinwater of Albuquerque, survive her. Her special friends, Karen, Cara and Anna also survive her. Mary was a pilot for PNM, UNMH Lifeguard, and Ross Aviation. She was also a student at UNM, studying computer programming. In addition to her work, Mary loved sailing, fishing and gardening. She was a great lady who touched many lives. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, October 2, 1999, 10:00 a.m., at a private residence, 10600 Del Rey NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Albuquerque Humane Society or the charity of your choice.
Mr. Richard E. Duran died Wednesday in Albuquerque at the age of 76. Services are pending and will be announced. Arrangements by the Salazar & Sons Mortuary, 400 Third St. SW.
Elnora 'Norrie' Eglin passed from this world to the next on September 27, 1999. She was born July 10, 1953, and was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind a brother, Bill, and his family, in Texas, and a sister, Beth, and her family, in Illinois, as well as numerous close friends and caretakers in Albuquerque. Her sense of humor and her love of the finer things in life will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 1, 1999 at 5:00 p.m. at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE. The family suggests donations in Norrie's memory to Adelante Development Services, 4261 Balloon Park Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Angelina G. Gonzales, 65, a lifelong resident of the east mountains area, died September 29, 1999. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Fermin C. Gonzales Sr. of the family home; daughter, Dora McComb and husband, Lewis Jr. of Albuquerque; sons, Rudy Gonzales, Clifford Gonzales and wife, Diane, and Fermin G. Gonzales Jr., all of Tijeras; grandchildren, Beverly Chavez, Ida McComb, Ivy Gonzales, and Mario Gonzales; sister, Margaret Francia of Albuquerque; sister-in-law, Emilia Pino of Albuquerque; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ruben Griego; and parents, Merced and Ida Chavez Griego. Mrs. Gonzales was a member of Holy Child Catholic Church. She was a very giving person to her family and friends and she will be deeply missed by all knew her. Rosary will be recited Thursday, September 30, 1999, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, with Eva Garcia reciting. Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 1, 1999, 10:00 a.m., at Holy Child Catholic Church in Tijeras, with Fr. John Carney, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mountain Valley Cemetery in Barton, NM. Pallbearers will be Lewis McComb Jr., Mario Gonzales, Leroy Gonzales, Jimmy Chavez, Willy Nuanez, and Leo Griego. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Thursday, September 30, 1999, 6:00 p.m. until Rosary. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Brian Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Suite 146, Des Plaines, IL 60018. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Richard H. Helmick, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret), peacefully passed away at his home in Albuquerque, September 25, 1999. He was born in Harrisburg, PA on June 13, 1921. He had recently retired in May of this year as a Property Management Supervisor for Monarch Properties. He had a passion for flying since an early age. After graduating from Glendale College, he completed the U.S. Army Air Corp Pilot School and received his wings and commission in 1943. Col. Helmick was assigned to the 8th Air Force and the infamous, bloody 100 bomb group as a B-17 Squadron Commander out of England during World War II. He led 33 missions throughout Europe, including the first daytime bombing raid on Berlin. Col. Helmick also served in the Vietnam War as Base Operations Officer of Ben Hoa Air Field in 1969, the busiest airport in the world at that time. He logged over 5000 hours of flying in a variety of military aircraft. He held an FAA commercial pilot license. His military decorations include the following partial list, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with four Bronze and two Silver Oak Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Airforce Commendation Medal, Vietnam Medal of Honor, Air Force Presidential Citation and many others. Col. Helmick had assignments at the Pentagon, Alaska, California, Germany, Alabama, and Albuquerque. He most recently was Chief of Joint Personnel for Sandia Base until he retired from the Air Force in 1970. Col. Helmick is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, Rick Helmick and wife, Patricia, their sons, Jason and Brett, George Helmick, Diane Sanchez and husband, Rick, and their daughters, Charla, Christa and son, Alex, Rob Helmick and wife, Teri and their son, Ryan, Tim Helmick and wife, Christine and Dwight Helmick and wife, Brenda and their sons, Dakota, Dalton and Dylan; brother-in-law, John Mooney and wife, Marie of Sacramento, CA; nephew, Randy Singh of Alamogordo; niece, Jennifer Richards of Sacramento, CA; and his faithful dog companion, Roland. Services will be held Thursday, 11:30 a.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, with Father Paul Baca officiating. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be members of the Kirtland Air Force Base Honor Guard. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Kelly Eugene Lock 'Kel', 36, a lifelong resident of New Mexico, died Sunday, September 26, 1999. He is survived by his wife, Terri Lock of Tome; children, Greg Lock of Tome, Stephanie Lock of Tome and husband, Timothy Stange of Ft. Bening, and Andy Andrews of Dallas, TX. He was preceded in death by his father, Granville E. Lock in December of 1998. He is survived by his parents, Carol and Paul Schultz of Albuquerque; sister, Kim Singer; brothers, Kory Lock, David Schultz and Brandon Schultz, all of Albuquerque; sister, Barbara Jamison; brother, Franklin Lock, both of Silver City; sister, Debra Schultz of Albuquerque; aunts, Shirley Young of Mancos, CO, Zolane Green of Saratoga, WY and Dillon Lock Stone of Santa Clara, NM; nephews, Derrick Adams of Denver, CO and Justin DiGregorio of Albuquerque; niece, Victoria Schultz of Silver City; nephews, Christopher Schultz and Joshua Schultz, both of Albuquerque; and numerous cousins. Kelly was a Precision Machinist at Sun Country Industries for 17 years. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held Thursday, 2:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Deacon Frank See officiating.
Donald E. Nieto, age 64, of San Antonio, died Tuesday, September 28, 1999. He was preceded in death last November by this father, Rev. Simon A. Nieto. Surviving are his daughters, Sylvia Dawn Vanlandingham and husband, Michael, Natalie Ann Nieto Mills and husband, Alvin, Rebecca Jo James and husband, Jay, and Marina Adele Nieto; son, Donald David Nieto and wife, Britt; brothers, Leo Nieto, John Wesley Nieto, Daniel S. Nieto, Arthur Nieto, Gilbert Nieto, and James Nieto; sisters, Elizabeth Poutney, Shirley Espinoza, Pauline Gonzalez, Charlotte Maldonado, Jeanne Alice Sundermann, Margaret Shogry, and Sylvia Salazar; grandchildren, Jaime, Michael, Jodi, Jackson, Jessica, Jenna, and Diego; ex wives, Ann Verkler Nieto and Adelita Pena Nieto; numerous nephews; nieces; and a host of friends. Prayer Service, Thursday at 7:00 P.M. Porter Loring Chapel. Service Friday at 9:30 A.M. La Trinidad United Methodist Church, 300 San Fernando the Rev. Dr. Daniel Rodriguez, the Rev. Leo Nieto and Mr. Daniel S. Nieto officiating. Interment with Military Honors in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Arrangements with Porter Loring 1101 McCullough 227-8221.
Eufemia Ortiz, 83, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, September 29, 1999. She was preceded in death by her husband, Amadeo and her son, Samuel. She is survived by her children, Magdalena (Jerry) Raught, Lucille Padilla, Josie (Kenneth) Cain, Francisco Ortiz, Rosalia (Cecil) Soto, Teresa Ortiz, Patricia Ortiz, Rebecca Ortiz, and Michael Ortiz. She is also survived by 30 grandchildren, Judi, Edward, Loretta, Ray, Michelle, Peggy, Sammy and Nathan Raught, Christopher, Duane and Gregory Padilla, Yvette, Renee, Claude, Lloyd, Eric, Lori, Eileen, Beth, Roy and Sara Cain, Aaron, Ted and Angela Ortiz, Marisa, Matthew and Melanie Soto, Stephanie Ortiz, and Alicia and Ana Ortiz y Martinez; along with 29 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Arthur Garcia, Bennie (Ana) Garcia; sister, Mela (Leo) Lueras; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Mrs. Ortiz was an active member of the St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary for 29 years earning over 10,000 volunteer hours and was named New Mexico Hospital Volunteer of the Year in 1996. Visitation will be held at Salazar & Sons Mortuary chapel on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. A Rosary will be recited on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 820 Broadway SE. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., St. Francis Xavier. Burial will immediately follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by the Salazar & Sons Mortuary, 400 Third St. SW.
John Francis Ranish, 88, formerly of Chesapeake Beach, died in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 25, 1999. He was born on March 29, 1911 in Ramey, Pennsylvania to Michael and Julia Ranish. He served in the United States Army during World War II in Company A 720th Military Police Battalion and was stationed in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. He was employed in the maintenance division of the Naval Research Laboratory from which he retired in 1975 after 33 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the Stallings-Williams American Legion, Post 206. He is survived by three sisters, Margaret Kittelberger of La Plata, Helen Dennis of Louisville, KY, Elizabeth Quillen of Prospect, KY, Doris Fowler of Waldorf; and one brother, Donald Ranish of Greenwood, DE. He is also survived by longtime companion, Frances Fletcher and her daughter, Sheila Wright, both of New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Margueritte Wood Ranish; his parents and sisters, Susan De Bolt and Julia Jones. Funeral services and interment were held on September 29, 1999 at Southern Memorial Gardens. Father Russell of St. Anthony's Catholic Church officiated and members of the American Legion provided honors and presented the flag. Memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Association of one's choice. Arrangements were provided by Strong-Thorne Mortuary in Albuquerque and Raymond Funeral Home in Dunkirk.
Mable Lou Roper, 74, beloved wife and mother, a resident of Albuquerque since 1953, went to be with her Savior, Tuesday, September 28, 1999. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Louis C. Roper of Albuquerque; one son, Louis C. Roper, Jr. and wife, Sarah of Honolulu, HI; two daughters, Carol L. Roper of Aurora, CO and Gail E. Salazar and husband, Tom of Edgewood; granddaughter, Rachel Roper of Honolulu, HI; sister, Carol Lee Rife and husband, Lowell of Mesa, AZ; and sister-in-law, Louise McClelland of Denver, CO. Mrs. Roper worked as a bookkeeper for over 25 years. She had been a member of Hoffmantown Baptist Church since 1953, teaching children's Sunday School for over 30 years, as well as working with the G.A.'s and Acteen's mission organizations. Mrs. Roper also led the Backyard Bible Club for her neighborhood. Services will be held Friday, 11:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Louis C. Roper Jr., Tom Salazar, Sam Teske, Ted Krein, Earl Cummings and Harold White. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, 4900 Hilton NE, 87110 or Right to Life of New Mexico, 2800 San Mateo NE, 87110. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
Mrs. Senaida L. Saiz (Sadie), age 84, passed away September 28, 1999. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward T. Saiz; and her daughter, Antonia Saiz. She is survived by one daughter, Rayna Lucero and husband, Tony of Albuquerque; three sons, Orlando Saiz and wife, Lola of Albuquerque, Elex Saiz of Albuquerque, and Leroy Saiz and wife, Patti of Amarillo, TX; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Senaida had a flair for life and a sense of humor. She enjoyed gardening and took particular pride of the roses the grew. A lifelong resident of Alameda, she was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, where she participated in the Altar Rosary Society. She retired as Head Baker from Taylor Middle School in 1986 after 18 years of dedicated service. She was a great mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and will be greatly missed, but dearly remembered by her family and friends. Visitations will be this afternoon, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Chapel of Alameda Mortuary. A Rosary will be recited this evening, 7:00 p.m., at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, tomorrow morning, 10:00 a.m., at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Daniel Saiz, Richard Saiz, Rudy Gallegos, Henry Sanchez, Frank Vigil, and Willie Yanez. Services entrusted to Alameda Mortuary, 9420 4th St. NW, Norbert R. Baldonado Jr. F.S.I.
