Gregorita McKinley, 83, a lifetime resident of Albuquerque, passed away on April 26, 2002. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ysidro McKinley of the family home; two daughters, Becky Cordova and husband, Dennis and Dora Sanchez and husband, Celso all of Albuquerque; eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren. Gregorita was preceded in death by an infant son, Ysidro McKinley III. She was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and was Chair Person for the Rosary Rally makers for 25 years. Rosary will be recited on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (3 blocks North of Paseo Del Norte) Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 4th Street. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Leonard Sanchez, Alex Cordova, Andrew Sanchez, Martin Cordova, Randy Baca and Melvin Aragon. Honorary pallbearers will be her nieces and nephews. Friends may visit French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until time of rosary.
Hattie Katherine McNew, 90, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend and longtime resident of Bosque Farms, passed away Monday, April 22, 2002 in an Albuquerque hospital. Hattie was born September 12, 1911 in House, NM to Henry Norris and Luella Oldham Norris. She was one of nine children raised in LaLande and Fort Sumner, NM where she attended school and worked with her parents in the production of the DeBaca Review newspaper. Although she held various jobs throughout her life, her dream was to become a nurse, which would have suited her well, for her life was spent caring for or offering support to friends, neighbors and family. Hattie had one son, Burl J. Coates; six stepchildren; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In June of 1956, Hattie married Robert J. McNew of Bosque Farms, where she resided until shortly before her death. She lived in an original adobe in Bosque Farms on McNew Road, named after her late husband, Bob. To her family, she was lovingly known as either Nanny or Sugar. Her grandchildren will remember her for her home-baked yeast rolls, walks in the fields picking asparagus, her beautiful yard and garden, picking flower bouquets to surprise their mother with, checker games, card games, her sewing, her ceramics, her dress-up closet, their aches being massaged with 'old stinky', washing dishes with her after her delicious noon meals, and the visits to the farm. She was a member of Peralta Memorial Methodist Church. The family wishes to offer a special thanks to her dear friend, Janette Baughman for her loving care. Services will be held Monday, 1:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Rev. Dave Blackwell and Rev. Andy Husted officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. Pallbearers will be Neal Hale, Terry Maness, Sam King, Tyler King, James Deck and Dan Statler. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Cox, Brian Baughman, Vernon Honeyfield, Butch West, Ronald Stover and Walter Shoemaker. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5800 Lomas NE, 87110. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Manuel Montano, 71, passed away April 23, 2002. He was a plasterer and also a volunteer fire fighter for 15 years at Dept. #9 in Albuquerque. Manuel was preceded in death by his grandsons, Angelo Chavez, Ben Montano, and Adam Garcia. He is survived by his wife, Sophie Montano; three daughters, Inez Garcia and husband, Don, Rita Garcia and husband, Chris, Anna Chavez and husband, William; six sons, Eloy Montano and wife, Mariciry, Sammy Montano and wife, Charlotte, Michael Montano and wife, Eleanor, Louie Montano and wife, Lucille, Waldo Montano, and Joe Montano; brothers, Halario Montano and wife, Helen, Tony Montano and wife, Julia, Demetrio Montano and wife, Martha; sister, Nelda Garcia and husband, Mel; 20 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. A Rosary will be recited at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Alameda on Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2002 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Golden, NM., with burial following at the St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Golden. Pallbearers will be Louis, Eric, Adam, Martin, Sammy, and Mikey. Honorary pallbearers will be Matthew, Willie, and Manuel. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. Albuq. 505-343-8008.
Anna Mae Jameson Montgomery, age 91, passed away April 25, 2002 at the home of her daughter following a brief illness. She was born January 1, 1911 near Amarillo, TX. In Amarillo, at age 13, Anna Mae, "Queen of the Air ", had her own weekly radio program over KGNC. She also played the piano for many social events. She graduated from Amarillo High School and attended Amarillo College. Anna Mae and Charles Montgomery moved in 1950 to Las Vegas, NM with Phillips Petroleum Company. Charles's professional photography appeared often in New Mexico Magazine and Ideals Publications. Anna Mae was a valuable member of the Las Vegas Arts Council, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Woman's Club, Town and Country Garden Club, Las Vegas Dance Club, Opera Guild, Cow Belles, Golf Club, and NMHU Community Choir. She was pianist at the First Baptist Church and Kiwanis Club for 50 years. Rotary Club honored Anna Mae on September 13, 2000, for 50 years as a pianist. She was a friend of NMHU, playing for classes and programs through the years. Several times, Anna Mae was Assistant Grand Organist for OES and frequently was organist for Ransford Chapter OES. She received the Grand Cross of Colors from the Rainbow Girls. She was elected to Daughters of the Nile, OES. She played at several OES state conventions and was delegate to national conventions. Anna Mae played twice for state Rotary conventions. Anna Mae always said that the Lord had given her a gift of music. She joyously shared that talent with others. A wonderful mother and grandmother, Anna Mae was loved by her family and her sparkle, exuberance, and determination will be missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Montgomery in 1976; father and mother, Tom and Virgie Mae Wright Jameson; brothers, Walter, Wayne, Tom, and Joe; and sister, Kathleen. She is survived by daughter, Jeanette (Jan), and Mel Root of Las Vegas, NM; son, Dan and Katie Montgomery of Foster City, CA; son, Ted Montgomery of Las Vegas, NM; granddaughter, Annette and Eric Haggard; and great-grandson, Joshua Haggard of Santa Fe; granddaughter, Mary Kay Root of Santa Fe; grandson, Michael Root of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Kim Montgomery Rogers and John Rogers of Irvine, CA; brothers, Carroll Jameson of San Antonio, TX and Ray Jameson of Plainview, TX; and 14 nieces and nephews. A Funeral Celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2002 at Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Avenue in Las Vegas, NM. Interment Service will be officiated by Ransford-Santa Fe Chapter OES at the Las Vegas Masonic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you may contact New Mexico Highlands University Alumni Foundation for the Anna Mae Montgomery Memorial Music Scholarship, 505-454-3199. Arrangements are under the direction of the Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, NM, 1-800-479-3511.
Edward "Mootz" Joseph Poplaczyk, 86, a resident of Albuquerque, formerly of Rio Rancho, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2002. Edward was born October 21, 1915 the son of John and Mary Plight Poplaczyk in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He came to New Mexico from Waukesha, Wisconsin in 1970. Edward had been a metal finishing supervisor for the Gascoigne Company in Wisconsin before retiring. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eugenia "Della" Poplaczyk in October of 2000; and one sister, Lorraine Kowalski. Edward is survived by four nieces's, Sandy Behradian, Mary Kowalski, Nancy Grant, Lucy Johnson; and three nephews, John Kowalski, George Kowalski, and Paul Kowalski. The Visitation for Edward will be Monday, April 29, 2002 from 12:00 Noon until the time of service in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho. The Service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2002 in the Chapel of Vista Verde Mortuary with Deacon Kenneth Hill officiating. Entombment will follow in the Floral Garden Mausoleum in Vista Verde Memorial Park. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho, 892-9920.
Evelyn H. Rey, 76, a resident of Albuquerque since 1948, died Thursday, April 25, 2002. She is survived by her close friend, Mary Lou Gust of Albuquerque; brothers-in-law, John Rey and wife, Fabby and Joe Rey, all of Albuquerque; sister-in-law, Theresa Valdez and husband, Lou of California; niece, Anna Mae Rey Geis and husband, Robert of Albuquerque; and nephews, Robert Rey and wife, Ester of Albuquerque and James Rey and wife, Clara of Tucumcari, NM. She was preceded in death by her son, Louis Rey Jr. in 1986 and her husband, Louis Rey Sr. in 1995. Mrs. Rey was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited Monday, April 29, 2002, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 30, 2002, 9:00 a.m., at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Rd. NE. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, one hour prior to rosary. A very special thank you goes out to Lovelace Hospice for their love and care for Evelyn during her last days and a special thanks to her nurse, Kathleen Swanegan, and the Hospice Volunteers, Ann and Marsha. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Jacob Alan Robbins, beloved infant son of David and Michelle, passed away on April 24, 2002. Jacob is survived by his parents, David and Michelle Robbins, paternal grandparents, Sabina and Gary Robbins, maternal grandparents, Connie and Charles Berry; aunts, Daphne Berry and Teresa Robbins, uncle, Gary Robbins and numerous cousins. His beauty and light will always be held in our hearts. French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW.
Pete N. Saavedra, born in Hilton, NM, September 8, 1913, passed away April 25, 2002 in Albuquerque, NM. He is survived by sons, Pete Saavedra Jr of Memphis, TN and Paul Saavedra and wife, Elaine of Santa Fe, NM; sisters, Sarah Vigil and Angelia Lopez; grandchildren, David Saavedra of Sacramento, CA, Suzanne Saavedra of Las Vegas, NV. His wife, Barbara preceded him in death in 1983. Mr. Saavedra was a retired long-time employee of the Sandia Corporation, and a 50 year member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. The Rosary will be 7:00 p.m., Monday in the Chapel of Fitzgerald and Son. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Lomas at Tennessee NE. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors, 3113 Carlisle NE, are in charge of arrangements.
Visitations for Richard Serna will be held on today from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Eighth Street Chapel of Garcia Mortuary with a Rosary to be recited following at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Services are in the care of Garcia Mortuary, 717 Stover Ave. S.W. 243-5222.
Della 'Suzanne' Smith, 69, a resident of Albuquerque for six years, died Friday, April 26, 2002. She is survived by her son, Stephen Grace of Reno, NV; daughter, Paula Kramer and husband, Edward, and grandson, Matthew Kramer, all of Ellington, CT; mother, Pauline Cagle; sister, Barbara Cagle, both of Albuquerque; brother, Jim Cagle and wife, Dottie of Tennessee; and sister, Jeannie Armstrong. Services will be held in Ellington, CT. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Prudence Thayer Soto a resident of Rio Rancho passed away on April 24, 2002. Prudy moved to Rio Rancho in 1978 from Goshen, NY. She was born on September 22, 1917 to George and Dorothy Bennett Thayer in Maplewood, NJ. She was a Kindergarten teacher and substitute teacher for many years. Prudy was a terrific swimmer and taught Red Cross swimming lessons to children. She was very fond of flower gardening and needlework and sailing. She was a member of the Rio Rancho Country Club and Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church. Prudy served as a volunteer for the Presbyterian Hospital for many years in patient transport and served as a volunteer of the Rio Rancho Library for many years as well. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Prudy was precede in death by her son, Marco A. Soto in 1993. She is survived by her beloved husband, Henry W. Soto of Rio Rancho; her sons, George T. Soto of Albuquerque, Edward C. and wife, Pamela of Detroit, MI, H. Bruce and wife, Lynne of Milwaukee, WI; sister, Sara Wheeler of Goshen, NY; brothers, Dr. Charles B. Thayer and wife, Dee of Iowa City, Iowa and Edward B. Thayer of Middletown, NY; grandson, Marco W. Fox of Pennsylvania; several nieces and nephews; and a host of very special friends. A Memorial Service for Prudy will be held on Monday, April 29, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, 1004 24th St. with Pastor Lawrence R. Hitchens as Officiant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, 1004 24th St., Rio Rancho, NM 87124 or Quality Continuum Hospice, 8001 Mountain Rd. Place NE, Suite 200, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Services under the care of Rio Rancho Funeral Home (505)-891-9192.
F. Grant Swafford III, 40, a longtime resident of Albuquerque and devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, died Wednesday, April 24, 2002, at his Tijeras home. Grant led a very active life and had many lifelong hobbies. He was an expert marksman, motorcyclist, machinist, and a licensed pilot. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, flying and spending time with his family. He was a member of Moutainside United Methodist Church. After graduating from Eldorado High School, he went on to graduate from Colorado Aerotech as an A & P mechanic. Grant worked as an electro-mechanical technician, most recently at Sandia Base at the Solar Tower Research Center. Grant's word was as good as gold. He had a sharp mind, a quick wit and could speak on many subjects. He was very loved and will always be missed. Grant is survived by his beloved wife, Monique; daughter, Megan, age 6; and son, Jacob, age 2. Other survivors include his two sisters, Karen and Sabrina Swafford of Albuquerque; the Lloyd Foster family of Sandia Park; many loved relatives in Missouri, Illinois, and Georgia; and numerous good friends. Grant was preceded in death by his mother and his father, Fred G. and Nan Swafford. Cremation has taken place and a Service will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at Mountainside United Methodist Church located at 4 Pennyland, Cedar Crest. Contributions are being accepted for Grant and Monique's children under the F. Grant Swafford Memorial Fund at any Bank of the West Branch.
Arthur C. Trujillo, loving husband and father, passed away on April 24, 2002. He is survived by Trina Trujillo, his wife of 51 years; his daughters, Kathryn D. Trujillo, Deborah E. Flores and her husband, John L. Flores; his son, Anthony A. Trujillo; brothers, Lambert C. "Bindy" Trujillo and wife, Josie of Las Cruces, NM, Phillip C. "Pito" Trujillo and wife, Frances of Valinda, CA; his sister, Estella Jean Chavez and her husband, George of Whittier, CA; his granddaughter, Bree Rauck; and great-grandchildren, Dominick and Rhyan; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lamberto P and Margarita C Trujillo and brother, Alfredo C. Trujillo. He was born November 23, 1925 in Las Cruces. He served his country overseas in the US Army in the Company B 97th Single Battalion and the 188th Fighter Squadron Air National Guard. He earned medals for European Middle Eastern Occupation Europe, Good Conduct and Victory. He graduated from the Los Angeles City College with a BA in Business. After living in California a number of years, he and Trina returned to Albuquerque where he lived with and near his family for the remainder of his life. He was involved in many community affairs such as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Association of Savings and Loans (ASLA). His kindness and gentleness will be greatly missed. A Rosary will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. and a Mass on Monday, April 29, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Church. Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Flores, Jim Valles, Michael Flores, George Kramme, John Hernandez and Kenny Triager. Arrangements made by Hillcrest Funeral Home 265-5959. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Mrs. Gloria B. Turner, 57, a resident of Albuquerque passed away on April 25, 2002. Mrs Turner is survived by her daughter, Michele Turner; son, Joseph (Joey) Trujillo; parents, Andres and Viola Baca; two sisters, Theresa Barboa and husband, Leroy and Ernestina Baca and husband, Mario Griego; three brothers, Candido Baca and wife, Jacqueline, Andy Baca Jr. and wife, Connie, and Lawrence Baca and wife, Terry; companion, Dennis Martinez; a special niece/goddaughter, Audrey Baca; godson, Mario Griego; also survived by many nieces nephews, cousins and friends. Mrs. Turner was a member of the Catholic Church a life member of the American Legion and also the D.A.V. A viewing for Mrs. Turner will be Sunday afternoon from 2:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, 1818 Coal SE, with a Rosary to be recited at 3:00 p.m. by Charlie Gallegos. Final visitation will be Monday morning at St. Charles Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. by Father Joseph Thai. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Candido Baca, Andy Baca Jr., Lawrence Baca, Leroy Barboa, Mario Griego, and Dennis Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Audrey Baca, Olivia Baca, Mario Baca-Greigo, and DeAna Baca-Griego. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Rd. SW in charge of the arrangements, 243-7861.
EMMA S. ABEYTA, 86, of Los Cordovas died Friday. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vences and Francisquita Martinez; husband, Pablo Abeyta; son, Pablo Abeyta Jr.; daughter-in-law, Arcelia Abeyta; grandson, Joe Ben Abeyta; sisters, Fedelina Chavez and Amelia Espinoza; and brother, Manuel Martinez. She is survived by her children, Joe Ben Abeyta (Bernadine) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Nelson Abeyta of Ranchos, Elsie Abeyta of Los Cordovas, Felipe Abeyta of Ranchos, Teresa Brown (Eugene) of Los Cordovas, Lorraine Martinez (Tony) of Los Cordovas, Pauline Martinez (Ted) of Los Cordovas; daughter-in-law, Bernadette Abeyta of Ranchos; grandchildren whom she raised, Emma Gallegos (Pete), Olivia Abeyta (Eric), Michelle Abeyta (Antonio), Teresa Abeyta, Francine Guerra (Greg), and Lori Ann Medina (Thomas); sisters, Rebecca Esquibel, Angie Gutierrez (Alex), Carmen Cordova (Flavio), Sara Espinoza (Juby); brother, Ted Martinez (Viola); 42 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday at San Francisco de Assis Catholic Church. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at San Francisco de Assis Catholic Church in Ranchos with burial to follow at Los Cordovas Cemetery. Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
PAUL ALVIN BURCH, 68, of Santa Fe died Thursday. He was born in Taos on April 26, 1933. He was a resident of Santa Fe for 42 years. He was self-employed for many years in the truck and auto repair industry in Santa Fe. He was preceded in death by is son, Willis Ray Burch. He is survived by his wife, Patt A. Burch; his son, Jim C. Burch; three grandchildren; one great-grandson; his brother, Barney Burch and family; and his sister, Lorraine Mentzer and family. He will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service.
REUBEN CORDOVA, 92, of Santa Fe died Thursday. He was born in Longs Canyon, Colo., Sept. 19, 1909. He married Margaret Alice Bamber Aug. 2, 1933, in Helper, Utah. They moved to Santa Fe shortly thereafter. He worked many jobs during the Depression but is mostly remembered as a painting contractor. He painted many local residences and worked for local hotels such as the La Posada and the Bishops Lodge. During this time, he and Margaret were blessed with nine children. After retiring in 1973, they traveled and did missionary work in Mexico. They moved to Idaho in 1984, and he began work in prison ministry with his son, Bill. He lost Margaret Sept. 12, 1985. In 1986 he returned to Santa Fe to be with his children and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; son, Duane Cordova; daughter, Eileen Ortiz; grandchildren, Donald Cordova Jr. and Darrell Cordova. He is survived by his sons, Donald (Carol), Alan (Rose), William 'Bill'; daughters, Judy, Madeline (Edward), Evelyn (David), and Mercedes (Jeff). A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. today at the Luisa Street Senior Center followed by another memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at Santa Fe Funeral Options Chapel. Santa Fe Funeral Options.
GEORGE FRANK, 88, of Taos died Thursday in Roswell. He was a contractor in Taos from 1954 until 1982. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence. He is survived by his daughters, Beverly Weyerman and husband, Ralph, of Idalia, Colo., and Shirley Bowen and husband, Leroy, of Roswell; brother, Alvie Frank and Ted Frank (Shirley) both of Alamosa, Colo; and sisters, Hanna Maria Riverall (James) of San Diego, and Helen Schmidke of Emporia, Kan.; seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Las Cruces Cemetery in Taos. Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
ANTHONY GUTIERREZ, 78, of Ojo Caliente died Thursday. He was born in Ojo Caliente and lived in California for 50 years. He came back to his native New Mexico seven years ago. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine; two sons, Tony Jr. and Joseph; his parents, Rosita and Urban Gutierrez and a brother, Rosenaldo. He is survived by three sons, James, Richard, and Wayne; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Urban and wife, Maria, of Ojo Caliente; two sisters, Agnes and husband, Max, of California, and Prescilla of Ojo Caliente; one nephew who was raised as a brother, Larry Romero and wife, Moira, of California; one daughter-in-law, Patsy of California; and many other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ojo Caliente. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church with burial to follow at the Ojo Caliente Cemetery. DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espaņola Valley.
JOSE GILBERTO MARTINEZ, 74, of Chama died Friday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Andrea Martinez. He is survived by his brothers, Jose Margarito Martinez of Chama, and Jose Leroy Martinez and wife, Mary Louise, of Vallejo, Calif.; a sister, Adela Martinez and Max Salazar of Chama; an uncle, Martin Romero of Farmington; and many other relatives and friends. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Salazar Family of Block-Salazar Mortuary and Crematory.
LHATT A. MCCONNELL, 88, of Santa Fe died April 11. He was born on June 14, 1913, in Okmulgee, Okla., on the Ashley Family Homestead. He married Frances Agnes Haley on Nov. 28, 1940, at St. Anthony's Church in Okmulgee. He was a 1930 graduate from Fort Smith (Ark.) High School and obtained his bachelor's degree in economics from Oklahoma A&M in 1936, after he received his commission in 1934 at Fort Leaveanworth, Kan. In September 1940 he moved from the infantry at Lowry Field, Colo., to the newly established Air Force. He served in the Materials Supply Division, in various theaters, for 29 years. Following his retirement in Columbus, Ohio, he moved to Albuquerque, where he began a second career with the public schools systems, enhancing its inventory control. South Texas was his dream location after this career, until he moved back to Santa Fe in 1999 to be closer to family. He was very active in every Catholic parish in which he lived, serving as usher, Holy Name Society member/president, choir member and on several school construction/renovation teams. He was preceded in death by his mother, Netta Ashley McConnell; father, John Robert Ashley; brother, Robert Ashley McConnell; wife of 46 years, Frances A. Haley McConnell; and daughter, Theresa Annette Marie A. McConnell. He is survived by his sons, Joseph A. McConnell and Michael A. McConnell; daughters, Anne A. McConnell, Mary Patricia A. Romero and husband, Horace; three grandsons; two granddaughters; sister, Grace Eugenia Thompson and husband, Lonnie; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A rosary will be at 7 p.m. Monday at Berardinelli Family Funeral Service. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church. He will join his wife and his daughter at his burial at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., where his final resting place will be noted with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be directed to Santa Maria de la Paz building fund. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service.
