Joe E. Maestas 48, a resident of San Ysidro, NM passed away Saturday, April 26, 2003. He was born March 13, 1955 to the late Abenicio and Cidela Maestas. Joe is survived by two brothers, Felipe Maestas and wife Mary Louise, William Maestas; three sisters, Libby Griffin and husband Curtis, Joann Griego and husband Gerald, Isabel Martinez and husband Alex. Also surviving is one aunt Rupertita Perea., two nieces, six nephews, three great-nephews and one great-niece. A rosary will recited Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the San Ysidro Catholic Church in San Yisdro, NM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. also at the Church. Interment will follow at San Ysidro Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Sammy Garcia, Martin Maestas, Michael Griffin, Donald Garcia, Anthony Martinez and Ricardo Chavez. Funeral Services are entrusted to:
Alameda Mortuary
9420 4th St NW
Joyce D. Hodges Miller, 78, of Belen, New Mexico, passed away April 25, 2003. She was born July 20, 1924 in Caney, Oklahoma to Charles Henry and Lois Ida Cole. Joyce was the youngest of three children. Her older brother was Stanley D. Cole and her sister is Virginia Georgia Anderson of Mountainair, NM. Joyce served in her church as a "Beginner" Sunday school teacher for 23 years. She also taught "Girls Auxiliary" and was a church secretary while Chester Bunch was pastor. Joyce began her art career in 1959 and studied with art professors and various teachers in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area. She excelled in oil medium and loved landscape art. Joyce showed her art in many galleries in the southwest, and some of her paintings are in Europe. She had her paintings in permanent galleries for show and for sale. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Henry and Lois Ida Cole; her first husband, Charles Hodges; her brother, Stanley; and her second husband, Don Miller. Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Arlene Watters and husband, Guy, of Cheraw, Colorado; and their two sons, Wesley of Dallas, Texas and Terry of Garden City, Kansas; and daughter, Karen Ponders and husband, Jim of Belen. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Belen, Wednesday, April 30, 2003. Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Terrance Grove Cemetery in Belen. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th NW Albuquerque, 343-8008.
Benjamin Monsivais passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2003 in Albuquerque, NM. Ben was a resident of Albuquerque for 31 years. He is survived by his wife, Maria Esther; two daughters, Michelle Prieto and Sandra Dominguez; two grandchildren. Cassandra M. Prieto and Benjamin A. Hernandez. His family would like to thank and acknowledge "his other daughter" Maria Veleta and his best friend Manuel Ruiz. Ben was a dedicated father figure for his grandchildren. He enjoyed having a house full of people and was always quick with a joke or a silly phrase to help put a smile on the face of his loved ones. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. Along with the Service, his ashes will be spread at Sunset Memorial Park 924-C Menaul Blvd., NE.
Dr. Harry Donald Nordberg, 73, a resident of Albuquerque for 44 years, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2003. He was born on February 4, 1930 the son of Harry and Elsie Nordberg in Salt Lake City, Utah. Harry attended Loyola Dental School in Chicago, Illinois, then established his dental practice of 31 years in NE Albuquerque. Harry is survived by his loving wife, Edwina, his three daughters, Cathy Eliason and husband, Tracy of Payson, Utah; Linda Allen and husband, Craig of Laie, Hawaii; and Kathleen Cantwell and husband, Kevin of Albuquerque; two sisters, Lorraine MacKay and Marilyn Sharp and husband, Gerry of Utah; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who remains in our hearts forever. The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Church, 6901 San Antonio NE.
French Mortuary
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
823-9400
Dorothy "Dot" A. Olsen, born in Salt Lake City on August 23, 1925, passed away Sunday April 27, 2003, after long battle with lung and heart disease. Dot was a wonderful mother and homemaker for her three sons while her husband served his country in the U.S. Air Force. She grew up in Salt Lake and lived in many parts of the country, living in Albuquerque since 1968. Dot loved to read, sew, solve crossword puzzles, and work at various domestic crafts. She also enjoyed playing cards on Wednesdays with her lady friends. She and her husband spent many happy hours traveling in their motor home and spending time with the Chaparral and Cuatro Estados Motor Home Clubs. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Lt. Col. (ret.) Preston Bryce "Oley" Olsen; her three sons Preston Craig Olsen and his wife, Candie of Coupeville, WA, Bradley Howard Olsen and his wife, Cathy of Placitas, and David James Olsen and his wife, Diana of Rio Rancho; her grandchildren Dana, Michael, Derrick, James, and Jason and his wife, Elizabeth; and one great-granddaughter, Cailyn. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Howard of Salt Lake City; sister, Sharon Carroll and husband Jay of New Orleans, and sister, Cathy Anderson and husband, Doug of Denver. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2003, 3:30 p.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, with Pastor Lemuel Boyles officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Heart Association, NM Affiliate, P.O. Box 90790, 87199-0790.
French Mortuary
10500 Lomas Blvd. NE
275-3500
Randall R. Parker, age 79, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2003. He was born on a farm near Waterloo, Iowa, the eldest of four sons, to Leslie Buryl and Leona Parker. He was a graduate of Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa, receiving his MA degree from the University of Iowa. He was a teacher, principal, and school board member in the Illinois and Wisconsin schools. The family moved to Albuquerque in 1965 when he became the Business Administrator for St. Paul Lutheran Church. In 1971 he and his wife became administrators of Encino House and retired from there in 1992. He was preceded in death by his three brothers and his youngest son, Glenn M. Parker. He is survived by his wife, Mary Virginia; son, Rickford R. Parker and wife, Sandy; daughter, Romanie R. Ross, and husband, Sam; grandsons, Steven Ripple of Albuquerque, Andrew Parker and wife, Mary of Colorado Springs, Jared Parker and wife, Sarah, of Dubuque, Iowa, and Christian Parker of Tampa, Florida; granddaughter, Rachelle Maxwell and husband, Kenny; great-grandsons, K.C. and Robbie Maxwell; and great-granddaughters, Kyra and Emily Parker. Memorial services will be held Thursday, May 1, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Rd. NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice.
Sunrise Funeral Options
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 821-0010
Barbara Rather Pixton, 67, a resident of Albuquerque since 1977, died Sunday, April 27, 2003. She was greatly loved by her family and friends, and will be missed sorely. She was born on March 18, 1936 in Las Vegas, NV. She graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1954. She attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, graduating in 1958 with a degree in elementary education. She taught in the public schools of Redwood City, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, and Albuquerque, NM. She was a first grade teacher at Chelwood Elementary for 14 years. In 1996, she was selected as the NM Mother of the Year. She was an active worker in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and particularly enjoyed serving in the Albuquerque LDS Temple. She married Robert M. Pixton on July 19, 1963, in the St. George LDS Temple. She is survived by her husband, Robert; eight children, Matthew Pixton, Jennifer Spinti, Candace Penrod, Laura Wolff, Sarah Slade, Peter Pixton, Allison Christensen, and Rosemarie Pixton; her mother, Theresa P. Rather; two brothers, Douglas B. Rather, Jr. and John D. Rather; and 16 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Douglas B. Rather; and a son, Andrew Seth Pixton. Services will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2003, 11:00 a.m, at the Eubank Chapel, 4109 Eubank NE, with Bishop James Jeppson conducting. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Tuesday, April 29, 2003, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or one hour prior to the service at the Eubank Chapel. Interment will take place at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, UT.
French Mortuary
10500 Lomas Blvd. NE
275-3500
Michelle Renee Rendon, 30, a resident of Albuquerque, died Sunday, April 27, 2003. She is survived by her mother, Irene Gonzales; father, James Michaelangelo Rendon; sisters, Candice Korte and Savannah Rendon; brother, James Paul Rendon; aunts, Julia Gabaldon and husband John, Darlene Nevarez, Carla Rendon and Ann Rendon, all of Albuquerque, Barbara Tomingus of Washington State and Roberta Beam of Chicago; uncle, Paul Rendon of Washington State; great-aunts, Rebecca Sanchez and Edna Mascarenas; cousin and best friend, Eddie Sanchez; two cousins, Anna Marie Garcia and John Gabaldon, Jr.; and special friends, Neomi and Les Pierce. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Toby and Annie Gonzales. Cremation has taken place and a memorial mass will be held Thursday, 10:00 a.m., at St. Therese Little Flower Church, 3828 4th NW. Interment of cremains will be at Sunset Memorial Park.
French Mortuary
1111 University Blvd. NE
843-6333
Juanita Raquel Torres Richardson was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 24, 1948. She went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2003, after a courageous struggle with cancer. Juanita graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1966. She attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a BS in Elementary Education/Special Education in 1970. She started her teaching career in Belen, New Mexico. She later taught in San Jose, California; Pasadena, Texas; and Albuquerque. Her father, Sinesio Alvarez Torres and sister, Thelia Patricia, preceded Juanita in death. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jim, and her loving children, Angela and Tony. Other family members include, her mother, Angelina Calderon Torres; her brothers, Carlos and wife, Patty; Sinesio (Snip) and wife, Mary Helen; Emilio and wife, Midge; sisters, Rose Mary (Redd) Eakin and husband, Randy; and Jo-An Torres and husband, Dean Dye. Many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews were also blessed by being a part of her family. Juanita was a devoted wife and mother. She provided her husband and children with unwavering support and love. She will be remembered for her kindness, loving nature, unselfishness, nurturing spirit and abiding strength through her faith in the Lord. She always had a humorous story; she loved to sing; and delighted in enchanting children with story telling, often with her mom. She was known for enhancing her stories and school announcements with appropriate accents. She never met a cat she didn't love. Those who knew Juanita felt truly blessed to have her in their lives. The family extends deepest gratitude to the American Cancer Society, the New Mexico Cancer Center, and the compassionate caregivers in the Presbyterian Hospital Oncology Ward and to her supportive neighbors in Tinnin Farms. A Rosary Vigil Service will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd., NE (just south of Paseo del Norte). A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community Church. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society ABQ Chapter, 5800 Lomas Blvd. NE, 87110, designated for the Juanita's Joy fund. Your living memorial to this beautiful human being will be used to continue for people affected by cancer, what brought Juanita great joy throughout her life - helping others to have a better life.
Susan Jane (Scarborough) Saylor
July 7, 1952 - April 26, 2003
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Susan grew into a thoughtful and caring young woman in Miami Shores, FL but spent glorious summers on the N.J. shore with her wonderful grandparents and family. She attended Franklin Pearce Law Center in New Hampshire and UNM Law and was admitted to the N.M. State Bar on May 18, 1981 and the Colorado Bar on September 13, 1995. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 22 years, Rick; and her cherished and treasured children, (her Bears), Brandon 18, Jonathan 15, Christopher 13, and Grant 11, of whom she was so very, very proud and who brought her so much joy; sister, Diane MacInness and husband, Brett; brothers, Frank and Ricky; and mother, Loella; and stepfather, Dick. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank S. Scarborough Jr. Susan loved hiking with her dogs, angels and always put her family first as soccer mom, friend or school volunteer. She loved walks in the country with family, the ocean, waterfalls, snowy days, animals, travel, yellow roses, the Crystal Cathedral, family holidays and gatherings, and her treasured summers with the children on the California shore at the beach house. Susan has always been enamored with angels about whom she spoke of and to quite often. She was an ardent supporter of abused and abandoned women and children, the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence and the Humane Society in which she spent considerable time representing those of limited resources at no charge and with inordinate compassion. Susan was the kindest, sweetest and most generous person we have known. A celebration of Susan's life will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 1615 Copper Ave. NE at 10:00 a.m., April 30, 2003, with Dr. Charles Crutchfield and a reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. She will be interred at the Crystal Cathedral Memorial Garden in Garden Grove, California. In lieu of flowers if you prefer, please send a donation in remembrance to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265.
Elsie M. Taylor passed away on April 26, 2003 at the age of 90 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on March 20, 1913 in Maxwell, NM. She had been a resident of Albuquerque since 1945 and was a member of the Valley Gardener's Club. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Taylor, in December of 1999, one month short of their 62nd wedding anniversary. Elsie is survived by her three daughters, Nanci Easley and husband, Bill, Pat Morgan and husband, Jim, all of Albuquerque and Carole Blazick and husband, Richard of Green Valley, AZ. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 2, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at Chapel of Sunrise, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or to Odyssey Healthcare Hospice, 3500 Comanche NE, Bldg, F,
Albuquerque, NM 87107.
Sunrise Funeral Options
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 821-0010
Eleanor P. Varga, 81, passed away April 26, 2003 after a short bout with cancer. Her husband, Joseph preceded her in death in 1982. She is survived by sons, Robert and wife, Karen Varga, Kenneth and wife, Ruth Varga; daughters, JoAnn Ziegler Price and husband, Robert Price, Paula Gonzales and husband, Nicholas; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; her brother, Walter Mleczko and sister, Catherine Sullivan, both of Las Vegas, NV. Eleanor served in the WACs in WWII and continued involvement in the WAC Albuquerque Chapter until her death. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at Asbury Methodist Church, 10000 Candelaria NE with Rev. Todd Salzwedel, Eleanor's grandson-in-law officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lovelace Hospice, any questions, please call, Patsy at Sunrise Funeral Options, 821-0010.
Charles A. Verbeck, 63, a resident of Albuquerque since 1990, was welcomed into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 27, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Carmen G. Verbeck of Albuquerque; three sons, Mario A. Verbeck and wife, Tryna and their children, Taylor, Mario Jr. and Chloe, all of Albuquerque, Jose C. Verbeck and wife, Kristi and their son, David, all of Elmendorf AFB, AK and Louis Verbeck and wife, Rachelle and their children, Cole, Macy and Kaitlyn, all of Rio Rancho; brother, Louis Jack Verbeck Jr. of Mobile, AL; sister, Faye Arnold of Baton Rouge, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Verbeck was a faithful and loving husband. He was very devoted to his sons and adored his grandchildren. First of all, he loved the Lord, and had been an active member of Del Norte Baptist Church since 1990. Mr. Verbeck retired from General Electric in 1994; since then, he had been employed by Electric Motor Company. Services will be held Thursday, May 1, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., at Del Norte Baptist Church, 5800 Montgomery Blvd. NE, with Dr. Robert E. Myers officiating. Interment will take place Friday, May 2, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., at Memory Gardens in Farmington, NM. Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Armstrong, Juan Mora, Oscar Sanchez, Hector DeLeon, Wendell Hendricks and Jorge Melini. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, Wednesday, April 30, 2003, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Del Norte Baptist Church, 5800 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 87109.
French Mortuary
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
823-9400
Mary Margaret (Smith) (Linke) West, died Saturday, April 26, 2003, at home surrounded by her loving family in Santa Fe. She was born October 1, 1923 in Roswell, NM. She later met and married John H. Linke there. She was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1946 after spending one year in training and as an Army nurse. She lived in Roswell until the mid-1960's then moved to Santa Fe. In Roswell, she bore three sons, John, Robert and Stephen and a daughter, Margaret. Her husband was killed in a plane crash in 1957. She remarried JW West in 1961 and bore another daughter, Susan, there in 1962. Mr. West died of cancer in 1987. Mrs. West is survived by one sister, Irene in New Jersey; son, John and wife, Sally Linke of Norfolk, NE; son Robert and wife Corinne Linke of West Covina, CA; Stephen and wife Carole Linke of Eldorado, IL; daughters Margaret and Greg Vialpando, Santa Fe; and Susan and Joe Guthrie; Santa Fe. From the marriages of these children and their children are four grandsons, John, Paul, Steve, Adam; 13 granddaughters, Barbara, Michelle, Deborah, Crystal, Adriana, Shari, Kimberly, Jessica, Britt, Adrienne, Alexandria, Melissa, and Peggy; six great-grandsons, John, Nathanial, Derrick, Isaac, Steven, and Gabriel; and eight great-granddaughters, Lindsay, Marisa, Leani, Sophia, Mercedes, Jadyn, Jasmine and Emerald. Serving as pallbearers will be John Linke, Stephen Linke, Paul Linke, Matt Valdes, Larry Lovato and Phillip Duran. Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, 12:30 p.m. at St. Francis Cathedral. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa Street, 984-8600.
Christine Beach Ballard, 79, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away Thursday, April 22, 1999 at a Topeka hospital. She was a retired Physical Therapist. She was born June 14, 1919 at Rocky Ford, Colorado the daughter of Louis W. and Cerelia Beach. She attended schools in Albuquerque. She graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1937 and received a Bachelor's degree in physical education from the University of New Mexico in 1942. She earned a physical therapy certificate from Stanford University in 1944. She served as a physical therapist in the Army in Saipan, Tinian, and Guam in the South Pacific during World War II. She moved to Topeka during the polio epidemic in 1946 as the city's first physical therapist. She was married to Robert Stafford Ballard November 28, 1946 in Topeka. He survives. She is also survived by one daughter, Nikki Ballard Rosengren of Vienna, Virginia. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Memorial contributions may be given to Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation Inc., Department 560, Washington, DC 20042-0560. Arlington Funeral Home is in charge of services.
