James E. "Tish" Tichenor, a resident of Albuquerque since 1944, died Wednesday, June 2, 1999. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judy Tichenor of Albuquerque; son, Mark C. Tichenor and fiancee, Valerie Stitzel of Albuquerque; brother, Larry Tichenor and wife, Arlene of Rio Rancho; sister, Tina Sishe and husband, Monte of Los Lunas; nephews, Larry Keith Tichenor of Montrose, CO and Duane Sishe of Albuquerque; nieces, Tammy Rogers of Los Lunas, Taña Doyle and husband, Mike of Albuquerque and Jennifer Sishe; great-nephews, Ryan Sishe, all of Los Lunas, Taylor Doyle of Albuquerque and Joshua Rogers of Los Lunas; and many wonderful and loving friends. Mr. Tichenor was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 40 years where he sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Sunport Optimist Club for 20 years. Mr. Tichenor coached Mile High Little League for seven years; Babe Ruth Baseball League for four years; coached basketball and baseball at Hope Christian School for two years. He was active with the Special Olympics. Mr. Tichenor was the founder of Teenager of the Year and Teenager of the Month Award with the Sunport Optimist Club. He retired from Sandia National Laboratory after 40 years. Memorial Services will be held Saturday 10:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3715 Silver, SE with Rev. Jim Massey officiating. Private disposition will take place. Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael D. Lucas, Monte Sishe, Larry Tichenor, Duane Sishe, and all members of the Optimist Clubs. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of NM, 4919 Prospect Ave, NE 87110. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd, NE.
Carol Ann (Shade) Tomlinson, 60, died Tuesday morning June 1, 1999. Carol attended Highland High School and graduated Magna cum Laude from UNM with a degree in Business Education. She taught at Albuquerque Public Schools Home Hospital Department, Rio Grande and Valley High Schools. Carol was an ardent traditional jazz fan and was a past president and current newsletter editor of the Rio Grande Jazz Society. She traveled with her husband to many western states jazz festivals. She was also an avid bridge player and enjoyed travelling and reading. She is survived by her husband Robert N. Tomlinson; her sons Robert D. Tomlinson and wife, Laurie and daughter, Jillian of Los Alamos, and Erik Tomlinson and wife, Kathy and daughter Amanda of Albuquerque; sisters, Ardythe Jacquot of Martin, SD, Nancy Behm of Portsmouth, VA, Norma Jean Smith of San Marcos, TX; several nieces and nephews; aunts Esther Sanftner of Ames, IA and Edith Swanson of Swea City, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Alice Shade. Visitation is from 5:00 p.m. to 8pm Thursday, and services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4 at Fitzgerald and Sons Mortuary, 3113 Carlisle NE. Internment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a favorite charity.
Lillian (Nana) Austin Aragon, age 79, passed away in a local hospital. She was born August 3, 1921 in Pastura, New Mexico to the Late Fred and Pabla Austin. She passed away quietly, Saturday evening, with her loving family around her. During her last years she spent her time caring for her loving husband of 61 year, John who is suffering from advanced Parkinson's. Their love for each other was so strong that they could not be on this earth without each other. John's illness had progressed to a point that he was terminal, knowing that she could no longer help him, seemed to say, "OK, I better go too." There wasn't anyway she was going to let "Tata" go anywhere without her. They were married on Halloween in 1940. They had four children, Lillian, Evangeline, John and Edward. She loved going to Las Vegas in their motor home and going to Church at St. Charles Borromeo where she was a parishioner for 46 years. She is preceded in death by her daughter's, Mary Lillian Garcia, Evangeline Aragon; her parents, Fred and Pablita Austin; her sister's, Andrea Vasquez, Mary (Meres) Aragon, Grace Avila; her brother, Jim Austin, and Isidro Austin. She is survived by her husband, John Aragon who is very ill; her sons, John Aragon and wife Agnes, Edward Aragon and wife Frances; grandchildren, Randy Garcia, Dean Garcia, James Aragon, Mary Lillian Aragon and her fiance, Leonard Sanchez, Eddy Aragon and his fiance, Jessica Ramos, Antoinette Trujillo and her husband, Nathan, Jimmy Lopez, Annette Martinez and her husband Danny; her sisters, Tonia Madrid, Anelia Casados and her husband, Serafin; her brother, Fred Austin; and 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Strong-Thorne Mortuary.
Matthew "Matt" J. Benjamin, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, died Friday, June 1, 2001. He is survived by his parents, Allan and Gail Benjamin of Albuquerque; sister, Corinna "Cori" Benjamin of Albuquerque; grandmother, Elizabeth Saunders of Camarillo, CA; three uncles; two aunts; and four cousins. Matthew was a member of Congregation Albert. He was an avid skier and computer expert. Services will be held Tuesday, 2:00 p.m., at Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Blvd. NE with Rabbi Joseph Black and Cantor Jacqueline Shuchat-Marx officiating. Interment will follow at Congregation Albert Cemetery at Fairview Memorial Park, 700 Yale SE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the NAMI New Mexico, P. O. Box 3086, 87190. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Brandon Joseph Bilbee. Funeral services for Brandon Joseph Bilbee will be held Tuesday, June 5, at 11 a.m., at Asuza Christian Faith Church, 201 Valencia Drive, NE, in Albuquerque. Pastor Ed will officiate. Mr. Bilbee, who just turned 21 on May 27, moved to Albuquerque a couple of years ago from his family home in Elko, Nevada, where he is survived by his mother, Mrs. Wanda Shuflin; his sister, Denise Ebright; and his beloved grandparents, Lester and Mary McKenzie; as well as many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Brandon also leaves behind his Family in Albuquerque, Antonio Zaragoza and Jacob Brown; and his Brothers, Richard, J.J., Damian, David, and John; his Youth Pastor, Eduardo, and many other friends who loved him.
Mary Hidding Burns Blaine died on May 26, 2001. She was born at Cedar Rapids, IA, on September 19, 1920. She is survived by her loving companion, Franklin O. Carroll of Albuquerque; three daughters and their families, Mary Ellen Gonzales of Santa Fe, Patricia B. Hickam and husband, Al of Tijeras, and Regina Blaine Allen and husband, Ken of Colorado Springs, CO; twelve grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Also surviving are an adopted daughter, Georgia Rosenberry and husband, Richard of San Pedro, CA; and two brothers and their families, Thomas Hidding and wife, Dorothy of Green Cove Springs, FL and Richard Hidding and wife, Colette of Duluth, GA. She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Hidding of Hendersonville, NC. Mary had a full and varied professional life including code work for the US Department of State, Foreign Student Advisor at various universities and real estate. After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling worldwide and remained active in several organizations, including Pan American Round Table. Memorial Services for Mary will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2001 at Chapel of Sandia, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE. Honorary Pallbearers will include Shannon Glenn, Walter Boyett, T.D. Gonzales, Franklin Carroll II, Brian Scamman, Kenneth Allen, Al Hickam, and Sam Hays. Sandia Funeral Care, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 821-0010.
Brenda Kay, A resident of Albuquerque since 1967 passed away June 3, 2001. She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Michael L. Koch; son, Justin Bond Koch; step-son, Brian M. Koch and wife, Mary; granddaughter, Lauren, Dale R. Koch and Darren M. Koch of Albuquerque; mother, Inis Bond; father, Roy Bond and wife, Thelma of Albuquerque; brothers, William Bond and wife, Kathy of McLean, VA, Robert Bond and wife, Rita of Ft. Wayne, IN; step-sister, Linda Gundiler and husband, Ibriham of Socorro, NM; step-brother, Jerry Brown and wife, Lorie of Littleton, CO; Nieces and nephews, Wendy Foster and husband, Jason of London England, Karen Bond of McLean VA, Allison Bond of Colorado Springs CO, Stephen Brown and Stephaine Brown both of Littleton CO. Brenda was born in Portland, OR, March 26, 1954. She was a graduate of Del Norte High School and attended the University of Albuquerque. She was cremated according to her wishes. Memorial services will be conducted Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Alameda Mortuary, with Deacon Pete Santistevan. At the families request, in lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Humane Society. Funeral services are entrusted to Alameda Mortuary, 9420 4th Street NW.
Glenn C. Carruth, 79, a resident of Peralta, passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2001. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Belen. He is preceded in death by two sons, Gary in 1967 and Larry in 2000. Glenn is survived by his wife, Audrey of the family home in Peralta; his daughter, Anita Visser and her husband, C. J. of Peralta; daughter-in-law, Jean; three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; his brothers and sisters, Leona Fowler; Louise Owens; Zola Kessler; and Glenda Starnes; David; Everett and Elton. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. A Viewing will be held on Monday, June 4, 2001 from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Romero Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. at Romero Funeral Home with Interment following at Terrace Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Newton Floyd; Charles Colby; Jerry Whitlow; Roque Gallegos; Billy Damron and Wilfred Hottell. Officiating will be Pastor Greg Burchfield and Chuck Kofhal. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Assembly of God Church, (505) 864-4117 or P. O. Box 108, 19398 N, Hwy 85, Belen, NM 87002. Romero Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Pedro Chavez, 72, died Monday, June 04, 2001. Mr. Chavez is preceded in death by his first wife, Marcella Apodaca and his second wife, Lucy Martinez. He is survived by his sister, Lena Chavez of Las Nutrias, and his friend, Marcella Turrieta of Bosque. He is also survived by six stepchildren, Pete Apodaca, Lillian Sanchez, JoAnn Call, Connie Nieto, Carlos Martinez, and Lucy Harris; lots of nephews and nieces; 17 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Mr. Chavez was a veteran of the Korean War and a member of the Labors Union. Funeral Services for Mr. Chavez will be held on Wednesday at St. Bernadette Catholic Church where the Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Burial will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Leroy Nieto, John Harris, Michael Call, Romarico Nieto, Valentino Martinez and Ruben Chavez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Manolito Nieto, Johnathan Nieto and Joe Chavez. A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Salazar & Sons Mortuary, 400 Third St. SW.
Trini B. Chavez, 77, a resident of Los Lunas, peacefully joined the Lord on Saturday, June 2, 2001. She was a member of the San Antonio Catholic Church in Los Lunas. She is preceded in death by her husband, Luis in 1972; daughter, Debbie in 1995 and son, Anthony in 1998. She is survived by two sons, Lito and his wife, Patsy and David and her loving grandson, Louis all of Los Lunas; two sisters, Lugie Salazar of Los Lunas and Beatrice Raimondi and her husband, Jim of Las Vegas, NV; three brothers, Julian Blea and his wife, Charlotte of Belen; Billy Blea and his wife, Rose and Joe Blea and his wife, Becky all of Los Lunas. She is also survived by her many loving nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, June 6, 2001 at 9:30 a.m. with a Funeral Mass following at 10:00 a.m. at the San Antonio Catholic church in Los Lunas. Interment will take place at the Los Lentes Catholic cemetery. Romero Funeral Home, Belen, NM in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Elva Davalos died Saturday, June 6, 2001 in Albuquerque at the age of 44.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Davalos will be held on Wednesday at Aposento Alto Church where the Service will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
An Evening Service will be held on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Aposento Alto Church.
Arrangements by Salazar & Sons Mortuary, 400 Third St. SW.
Lorene Genevieve Burnett Essington, 75, passed away on May 30, 2001. She was born in Minneapolis, MN on February 21, 1926 and has been a resident of New Mexico since 1955. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Falkenburg and husband, George; nephew, Gary Westafer and wife, Joann all of Florida; also by her devoted friend, Lloyd G. Howard,, members of the PNM Forerunners, and numerous friends and neighbors. A special thanks to the Los Volcanes Senior Day Services Staff and Angela Johnson for providing enjoyment and comfort to Lorene. She was preceded in death by her husband, James G. Essington; and brother, Kevin Burnett. Lorene had a bachelor degree from UNM. She was a member of the PNM Forerunners, Assoc. of University Women, Albuquerque Model Marine Assoc., and other civic clubs like Meals on Wheels. Lorene always a kind and caring person, had a great sense of humor and a little chuckle ever present in her conversation. Her smile and presence will be greatly missed. A very giving person, Lorene has made an Anatomical gift to the UNM School of Medicine. A Memorial will be held as scheduling permits. For information call 898-8555.
Joe Ann Hoffsis passed away peacefully on May 22, 2001 at Valle Norte Caring Center where she was recovering from a recent operation and stroke. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jim Hoffsis; son, John Hoffsis; sister, Donna Kelly and brother-in-law, Gene Kelly of North Baltimore, OH. Joe Ann was born in Galatea, OH on August 3, 1927. Joe Ann had worked in retail all her life, starting with a job in an ice cream parlor at age 16. She also worked as a grocery store cashier and bank teller. During her husband's employment with an oil company, she lived in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, finally returning to live in Albuquerque, the place she loved most. She had been a merchant in Albuquerque's Old Town plaza since 1974. She owned and operated the Treasure House with her husband, Jim and son, John until 1999, when she opened up her own shop called Old Things. She was very active in Old Town issues, having served on the board of directors of the Old Town Merchant's Association for many years. Joe Ann always was the "hostess with the most-est," so it wouldn't be a surprise if God puts her to work meeting and greeting people at the gates of Heaven. Cremation has taken place by French Mortuary, and a memorial service will be held at Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel, 924 Menaul NE, Tuesday, June 5th at 10:00 a.m., with Chaplain Col. Lemuel M. Boyles, U.S.A.F. (Ret.) Her ashes have been enniched in the Old Town Plaza wall at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, 2200 Yale Blvd. SE, 87106. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Vernon L. Hurley, age 86, of 4225 Whitney St., died Sunday, June 3, 2001 at Haven House Hospice. He was born September 9, 1914 in Chebanse, IL, the son of Grover and Rose (Burmeister) Hurley. Vernon has been a Janesville resident since 1997 moving here from Albuquerque, NM. He married Marie Blohm in 1938 in LaPorte, IN, and later married Ruth Bolen in 1946 in Logansport, IN, and she preceded in death in 1994. Vernon was an employee of the Atomic Energy Commission of the US Government and began his work during the Manhattan Project. He loved to golf, square dance, play cards and was a great neighbor. He is survived by a daughter, Judy (Rodney) Goth of Janesville; seven grandchildren, Brett Goth, Michael Goth, Erik Goth and Anthony (Amy) Goth all of Janesville, Rhett (Meagan) Ehrick of LaPorte, IN, Shellie (Danny) Golubovich of Portage, IN and Allison (Dennis) Schultz of Rome, GA; a special "grandchild", Jennifer Goth; ten great-grandchildren; a special friend, Evelyn Pickett, Milton; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Martha Ehrick and a brother, Eldon Hurley. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2001, in McCloske-Hamilton-Gundrey Funeral Home in Logansport, IN where friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until the hour of service. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Logansport. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2001, in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Janesville, with Rev. Paul H. Garchow officiating. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME in Janesville, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
Naomi Ruth Minner Jones went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 2, 2001, after an extended illness. Naomi was born to Harry and Glenna Minner of Grove City, PA on September 8, 1914. She is survived by her husband, Henry D. Jones; daughter, Kari J. Jones of Albuquerque; son, Donald E. Jones and wife, Conchita of Las Cruces; one granddaughter, Rusty R. Keller and husband, Jami of Albuquerque; three great-grandsons, Bradley, Justin and Joshua; and one sister, Catherine Kimbrel of Springer, NM. Naomi was an exemplary wife for sixty-one years and a loving, caring mother. Her principle interest outside the home was serving in the nursery department of the First Baptist Church in Tucumcari for many years prior to moving to Albuquerque in 1974. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Albuquerque. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Virginia Kline passed away June 3, 2001, services are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Services are in care of Garcia Mortuary, 717 Stover, Ave., SW 243-5222.
Joan Marie Knippel, 80, a resident of Albuquerque died, Sunday, June 3, 2001.
She is survived by her loving sons, Daniel Knippel, Larry Knippel; loving daughters, Anna Miller, Kathy Kovalcik, and Joann Dominiak; and 11 grandchilden. Cremation has taken place and Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, June 6, 2001, 4:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, with Pastor Lemuel Boyles officiating.
Eleanor D. Larson, 79, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2001. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Milton G. Larson, whom she married on September 21, 1940; sons, Robert Larson and wife, Lyne of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Thomas Larson of Albuquerque; daughter, Mary Grizzard and husband James, of Woodleaf, North Carolina; grandchildren, Brent Larson, Britta Larson, Joshua Grizzard, Bethany Grizzard, Sarah Grizzard, Rochelle Grizzard; and sister, Marian Cuddeback, of Cadillac, MI. Eleanor was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Older Kids Group at Christ Lutheran Church and of the Terrance Park Kitchen Band. She was a special person in all of the lives that she touched and will continue to be loved and greatly missed. Services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2001, at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd NE, with Reverend Wilber Klattenhoff officiating. Cremation will take place at a later time. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Lomas Chapel, Tuesday, June 5, 2001, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The family would like to thank their beloved relatives and friends whose support and love throughout the years is greatly appreciated.
Aurelio "Al" M. Lopez, 54, a resident of Albuquerque passed away on June 4, 2001 peacefully at home in the arms of his loving family and is now at home with our Lord. Aurelio is the beloved husband of 26 years to Sylvia Lopez. He is also survived by his daughter, Candace Lopez; a son, Jose Lopez and fiancee, Tesa Maestas; one grandson, Noah Lopez; four brothers, Juan Manuel Lopez and wife, Rose Mary, Ruben Lopez and wife Mavis, Roberto Lopez and wife, Patricia and Florencio Lopez all of California; 16 Godchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Soledad and Jose M. Lopez. Aurelio, was a graduate of Garfield High School in East L.A. in 1965 and East L.A. College in 1967. He then attended the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, prior to his nine years in the U.S. Marine Corp, honorably discharged in 1978 and began a 22 year career in the U.S. Postal Service ending his career there as the Albuquerque Air Transportation Specialist. Aurelio was a member of the Catholic Church. A Rosary will be recited Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Church of The Ascension, 2150 Raymac Rd SW with Father Labreche, reciting. Visitation will be at the church after 6:30 p.m.. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Church of The Ascension with final viewing at the church after 9:30 a.m. Father Anthony Bolman, Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Pajarito Cemetery. Pallbearers will be, Amado Cardona Jr., Ramon Cardona, Joe Padilla, Arthur Skiles, Jeff Raborn, Francisco "Paco" Gonzalez. Honorary pallbearers will be all his nieces and nephews. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors RD SW in charge of the arrangements.
Rodney Adan McAvoy, 42, died Friday night at his home following a short illness. Rod was a Regional Operational Manager for Nissan and has been residing in Albuquerque for the past 3 years. He was active duty in the US Navy for 11 years and the Navy Reserve until his death. He attained the rank of Lt. Commander. He and his family belong to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hermila Guerra McAvoy of Falfurrias, TX. He is survived by his wife, Lily; two sons, Christopher, 16 and Kenneth, 10; his father and stepmother, Ed and Bobbye of Henderson, TX; brothers, Russell David McAvoy and wife, Lisa of Winnie, TX, Collin Robert McAvoy of Dallas, TX, Tony Bradbery of Henderson, TX and Terry Bradbery and wife, Amy also of Henderson, TX. A Rosary will be recited Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. at French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (3 blks North of Paseo Del Norte). Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd. SE Rio Rancho. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW from 2 p.m. til Rosary. Pallbearers will be Christopher and Kenneth McAvoy, Manny Perez, Martin Suarez, David Calica., Russell McAvoy, Tony and Terry Bradbery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Kidney Foundation of NM, 1715 Girard Blvd. NE 87106 would be appreciated. French Mortuary-Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW.
M. Arturo Montoya passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2001 in Albuquerque, NM. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Gentry, Vickie Woods and his son, Don Wells; sisters, Lillian Martinez, Tina Montoya; brother, Jose "Clory" Montoya; grandchildren, Sarah Gentry, Amy Harper, Keith Banks; great-grandchild, Brittany Harper; four nephews; and two nieces. A Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2001 at San Antonio Church in Torreon, NM. The Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2001 with burial to follow at Tajique, NM. Pallbearers will be Steve Montoya, Jeff Montoya, Louis Montoya, David Garcia, Robert Nacca and David Garcia, Jr. Arrangements have been provided by Metropolitan Direct Burial and Cremation Center, Inc. 729 San Mateo Blvd. NE Albuquerque 256-9400.
