Marilyn Hildner Leckman, 54, a resident of Albuquerque passed away at home Thursday, June 8, 2000, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Marilyn was born in Wooster, OH, but moved to Albuquerque as a girl of one and considered New Mexico her home. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Lane Leckman; two sons, Phil of Tucson, AZ and Dan of Eugene, OR, Richard Hildner and wife, Sandra and their four children, Tamara, Chuck, Ron and Jim; brother-in-law, Jim Leckman and wife, Hannah and their two children, Emily and Peter, sister-in-law, Helene Santos and husband, Lucinio and children, Anna and Andrew; father-in-law, Fred Leckman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Richard Charles Hildner and Marjorie Perrill Hildner, and mother-in-law, Bea Leckman. A student at Bandelier Elementary, Wilson Junior High and Highland High School and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of New Mexico. Marilyn taught special education at Roosevelt A. Montoya Middle School and English at Eldorado High School in early 1970's. She was an active member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Albuquerque and was also a Sunday School teacher. Marilyn was a scouting leader, professional storyteller, and an active participant in many of her children's activities. She possessed an active and creative mind and took great joy in expressing these talents through art. Marilyn ran a successful weaving business for several years and then had become a professional artist. At the time her illness was diagnosed, she was represented in several galleries in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Marilyn loved the stunning vistas and brilliant colors of New Mexico, and her artist's eye and deep reverence for the land combined in her vivid and evocative paintings. She continued to develop her abilities for as long as her illness permitted. Marilyn loved art, good food, good company, travel, music, and above all the beauty of nature. Her many friends will miss her smile, grace and laughter. Cremation has taken place and Memorial Services will be held Saturday, June 17, 2000, 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Friends of the Bosque del Apache, P.O. Box 340, San Antonio, NM 87832 or to Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, 719 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 87108. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of the Hematology Oncology Associates for their love and care. We also wish to thank the innumerable friends and family who helped make the last three and a half years a celebration of life. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
Valerie W. Llewelyn, 79, passed peacefully from this life on June 9, 2000. She was a resident of Albuquerque since 1950. She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Scott Llewelyn; her daughter, Bonnie Rich and husband, Francis Suggs; granddaughter, Julie Padilla and husband, Victor; grandsons, Cory Rich and wife, Polly. Memorial services will be held at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montano Rd. NW, on Tuesday, June 13, 2000, 8:30 a.m.
Frank R. Lowry, 81, an Albuquerque resident for the past two years, died Friday, June 9, 2000, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Lowry is survived by his daughters, Marjorie Kleist and husband, Harlan of Sandia Park, N.M., Marlene Aubert and husband, James of Edgewood, N.M., and Terry Bierwirth and husband, David of Edgewood, N.M.; son, Michael Derby of Fresno, CA; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; He was preceded in death by wives, Evelyn Lowry and Dorothy Lowry. Mr. Lowry was a Veteran of the US Army, serving during WWII. Frank was a former long-time resident of Elephant Butte. He was a lover of animals and was affectionately known as the "goat man" of Elephant Butte. He loved fishing and worked for a number of years at the NM State Game and Fish Dept. Fish Hatchery near Fenton Lake. He was an avid bowler and he loved playing cards, gambling and visiting the area casinos. It was an honor to have you as our father and grandfather. You are loved. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at his daughter, Marlenes home, 3 Camino Alegre Ct., Edgewood, N.M. at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 13, 2000. The Rev. Byron D. McDougall, Canon will officiate. Private interment of the cremated remains will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. Frank's family would like to thank the many friends he made at the PACE Program. A special thanks to Karen and Mendy. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE.
Ricky (Rick) V. Marquez, born June 11, 1958, was taken from us suddenly on June 8, 2000. A lifelong resident of Albuquerque, he graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1976 with honors and was President of the Student Body and was also a running back football player for the Rio Grande Ravens. He graduated from UNM in 1980 with his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He worked with youth before deciding on and becoming a highly skilled paramedic for the Albuquerque Fire Department. As a "Harley" man, Ricky's greatest past-time was building and riding the best of motorcycles. He was gifted with a talent for healing and fixing all things, broken or discarded, whether creature or machine. Ricky made us laugh, he made us cry, he made us human. Although he has left us physically his shining eyes and impish smile will be among us daily and we will forever hold him in our hearts. Ricky is survived by his parents, Joe and Agnes Marquez; two brothers, Gary Marquez and wife, Lorena and their children, Jared, Danielle and Tyler; and Patrick Marquez; his daughter, Helena; and Patrick's fiancee, Shavonda Hill and her son, Brian Sanchez, all of Albuquerque. In Lewiston, Idaho, Rick's daughter, Brianne Trout-Marquez continues her daddy's jest for life and all things pure and simple. Ricky's surviving aunts and uncles are Herman and Adelina Marquez, Sally and Mateo Flores, Inez Vallejos, Albino Saavedra, Bernie and Virginia Saavedra, Eloyd and Linda Saavedra, Pete and Louie Saavedra, Joe and Roseanne Saavedra, Clarence and Mary Saavedra, Diana and Philip Vallejos, Irene and Joey Saavedra and Lillian Saavedra. Ricky leaves many, many dear cousins and close friends too numerous to mention, but all who knew Rick treasured their comraderie. Santiago and Ruby Torres deserve special recognition on behalf of Ricky, his brothers and their parents for being the truest and best of friends. Ricky has moved on to be with God and his grandparents, Patrocino and Juanita Marquez, Flaviano and Flora Saavedra and his great-grandparents, Pedro and Francesquita "Kika" Saavedra along with many other loving uncles, aunts, cousins and friends, all of whom preceded Rick in death and most certainly are welcoming him home. Rick was a member of the Catholic Church. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon in the St. Anne Catholic Church, 1400 Arenal SW, from 4:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 5:00 p.m. by Deacon Santos Abeyta. Final visitation will be Monday morning in the church from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. by Father Galli. Interment will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Helena Marquez, Jared Marquez, Elmer Marquez, Eloyd Saavedra, Daniel Cordova, and Daniel Ortega. The family is staying at Gary Lorena home, 1516 Los Nietos Ct. NW, 344-1934. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, in charge of arrangements.
C. Patrick McCafferty, 81, a resident of Rio Rancho, passed away on June 7, 2000. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Gertrude McCafferty; son, Charles P. McCafferty of Toledo, OH; step-children, Jeanine Williams of Milan, OH, Leslie B. Lorcher of Rio Rancho, Marianne Lorcher of Rio Rancho and Philip H. Lorcher and his wife, Pam of Las Vegas, NV; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War, retiring as a Lt. Commander in 1979. He was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve, the Rio Rancho VFW Post 5890, the Submarine Veterans of the United States of America, and the Purple Heart Society. He retired after 32 years with IBM as a Field Supervisor Engineer. A private family service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the charity of your choice. Cremation arrangements are by Sunrise Society of New Mexico, 891-8200.
Memorial Services for Grant R. McGregor will be held in Albuquerque on Monday June 12, 2000, 1:00 p.m., at the Masonic Temple, Lodge No. 6, 3801 Osuna Road, NE, and at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael & All Angels Church, 602 Montano Road, NW.
Ruby L. McNerney passed away in Albuquerque, June 8, 2000. No services will be held locally. Cremation arrangements by Sunrise Society of New Mexico, Ph-891-8200.
Joseph P. Munoz, age 39, a resident of Albuquerque, N.M. went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, June 8, 2000. He is survived by his mother, Lydia F. Munoz; his only son, Eric Torrez; his brother, Peter Munoz; his two sisters, Mary Ellen Maestas and husband, Paul, Rosemary Zamora and husband, David; four nephews and one niece, along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. Joseph was a loving and outgoing person. We will all miss him but he will never be forgotten. Visitation will be Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Chapel. Burial to take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.
Funeral Services for Faustina (Tina) Gutierrez Neitzel will be held on Monday at San Jose Catholic Church where the Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frank Gutierrez, Steve Gutierrez, Joseph Trujillo, and Donald Sandovla. Visitation will be held on Sunday, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at Salazar & Sons Mortuary, 400 Third St. SW.
Mrs. Nellie I. Parker, 86, a resident of Albuquerque passed away on June 9, 2000. Mrs. Parker is survived by three grandson, Roddy Strickland, Kend Strickland and Marvin Strickland; one granddaughter, Sonya Strickland. A Visitation will be Tuesday morning in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, 1000 Old Coors Rd SW from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A Graveside Blessing will in the Cloride Cemetery in Cloride, N.M. at 1:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Roddy Strickland, Donald Luna, Nick Ortega and Elerico Gurule. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, in charge of arrangements.
Maxine M. Philips, 78, passed away June 9, 2000 in Tucson, AZ. She is survived by five daughters, Rose D. Deere (Mark) of Garland, TX, Linda M. Welch (Toby) of Tucson, AZ, Cheryl L. Stewart (David) of Lakewood, CO, Susan E. Heffington (Robert) of Tucson, AZ, Mary J. Smith (Richard) of Albuquerque, NM; and one son, Daniel P. Philips (Siri) of Garden Grove, CA. She had 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Her loving husband, Harry O. Philips, MD, preceded her in death in 1996. Harry and Maxine were both natives of Ottawa, Kansas. They lived in Lone Star, Texas from 1950 to 1964 where Dr. Philips practiced medicine; and they had been missionaries to the Navajo Indians for the past 36 years 1964-2000, in Crystal, N.M. and Crownpoint, N.M. They loved the Navajo people very much, and both will be buried on Indian land where their heart was. Memorial Services will be held at New Testament Baptist Church, 2855 N. Craycroft, Tucson, AZ, on Monday, June 12, 2000 at 2:00 p.m. A second Memorial Service will be held at First Navajo Baptist Church, Crownpoint, N.M. on Wednesday, June 14, 2000. A private burial will immediately follow in the Crownpoint area.
Clara B. Phillips passed away June 8, 2000 after a long illness. "Nana" is survived by her daughter, Jeanette Tuggle and husband, Dale; her three granddaughters, Sonja Taylor and husband, Royce, Nikkol Tuggle and fiance, Chris Grimes,and Jyll Tuggle, and by her brother, Ben Lujan and many nieces and nephews. Mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Alamos at 9:00 a.m. Monday, June 12th. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Mabel Reeves, 56, passed away June 7, 2000. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Reeves, February 23, 2000; sister, Pearline Perry; and her brother, Edward Benson. She is survived by her step-mother, Janie Vinson Haynes; great-aunt, Ola Bell Cooper; children, Michael Perry and wife, Heidi, Beverly Cain and husband, David, Sonya Turner and husband, Dexter, Angela Carnon, Michael Aguilar, Theresa Aguilar, Judy Aguilar, Mabel Aguilar, Margaret Aguilar; grandchildren, Marissa, Michael, Monique, Brianna, D.J.; sisters, Vivian Smith of Tucson, AZ, Dyhanna Knapp and husband, Gift, Luvenia Douglas; brothers, Rev. Roosevelt Vinson and wife, Evelyn, John Vinson and wife, Betty, Robert Vinson and wife, Carol, James Vinson and wife, Reba, Melvin Vinson and wife, Dorothy, Earl Vinson and wife, Jacqueline, Karl Vinson and wife, Sharon; numerous other family and friends who loved her dearly and will miss her. A celebration of her life will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, June 12, 2000, at New Hope Baptist Church, 1901 Pennsylvania NE. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, where she will join her husband, Henry Reeves. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th NW, 343-8008.
Mr. Adeliado Felipe Sanchez, 87, a resident of Albuquerque passed away on June 9, 2000. Mr. Sanchez is survived by five sons, Sid Sanchez and wife, Virginia, Max Sanchez and wife, Deborah, Eddie Sanchez and wife, Mary V., Anthony Aragon and wife, Virginia and Frank Sanchez and wife, Sharon; one daughter, Margaret Lucero and husband, Robert; two sisters, Rose Baca and Tina Brookline and husband, Howard; 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sanchez and a daughter, Mary Lou Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez was a member of the Catholic Church, avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the great outdoors, loved gardening, and he loved being with his family and grandchildren. A Rosary will be recited Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, 1000 Old Coors Rd SW with visitation after 6:30 p.m. Deacon Tibo Chavez, reciting. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1400 Arenal SW with visitation at the church after 8:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Travis Bolson, Dean Larranaga, Paul Chavez, Scott Sanchez, Ray Caldwell and Anthony Aragon. Honorary will be Carlos Baca and John Duran. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW, in charge of arrangements.
Robbie L. Shaw, 76, a resident of Albuquerque since 1978, died Thursday, June 8, 2000. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Clayton and husband, Daniel of Beaumont, TX; sons, Michael Shaw and wife, Mari of Chattanooga, TN, Robert Shaw and wife, Annette of Sandia Park, NM, and Jerrye Shaw and wife, Dana of Albuquerque; daughters, Jamie Murphy and husband, Greg of Midlothian, TX and Dusanee Fenoglio and husband, Paul of Bangkok, Tailand; 14 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and sister, Ruth Hawley of Edmond, OK. Mrs. Shaw was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and the Albuquerque Assistance League. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held Monday, June 12, 2000, 2:00 p.m., at Asbury United Methodist Church, 10000 Candelaria NE, with Rev. Roland McGregor officiating.
Dorothy Helen (Sain) Tubb, 84, a resident of Los Alamos, NM and Albuquerque, NM areas since 1951, died Tuesday, June 6, 2000. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Clarence Tubb of Edgewood, NM; sons, Gary Tubb and wife, Susan of Seabrook, TX and John Tubb and wife, Pat of White Rock, NM; daughters, Susan Woy and husband, Rod of Shawnee, KS, and Karen Bryant and husband, Garry of Edgewood, NM; 21 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Mary Ellen Walden and Edna Mae Clawson, both of Shelbyville, IL, Wanda Lee Medler of Assumption, IL, and Juanita Juvae Compton of Lakewood, IL. Mrs. Tubb attended First Baptist Church in Tijeras, NM for many years. Her children remarked that there was nothing extraordinary about their mother except that she was an extra-ordinary wife and mother who loved unconditionally. She was selflessly devoted to her husband and family and she will leave a void in the lives of all who knew her. Services were held Saturday, June 10, 2000, 2:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Tijeras, NM, with Pastor John Torrison officiating. Interment will follow at Sandia Memory Gardens. Pallbearers were Gary Tubb, John Tubb, Rod Woy, Garry Bryant, Jimmy Neil, Roy Neil, Jim Payn, and Louie Bryant. Honorary pallbearers will be Dick Medler, Frank Compton, and Wayland Baker. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1330 San Pedro NE, Ste 205, Albuquerque, NM 87110.
Gerard Wade, 79, a resident of Albuquerque for 26 years, died Wednesday, June 7, 2000. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Evelyn; two daughters, Janis of Albuquerque and Patricia of Napa, CA; two grandsons, Patrick and Kevin of California; sister, Ruth Starck of Whiting, NJ. A Memorial service will be celebrated at Church of the Risen Savior, 7701 Wyoming NE, at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2000. Interment will be private. Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th NW, 343-8008.
Jimmie E. Whitfield, 86, a resident of Albuquerque for 28 years, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2000. Born on April 20, 1914 in Barnesville, GA of Carrie Nancy Spivey and Benjamin Robert McFarland, she lived most of her life in Chicago, IL before coming to Albuquerque in 1972. She was a devoted servant of God, and she will be missed by her family and friends, especially for her love and affection. She is survived by her husband, Clarence Whitfield; her daughter, Patricia G. Giles and husband, Samuel of Albuquerque; grandson, Cary J. Tyler and wife, Jeannea of Albuquerque and granddaughter, Jimmie C. Tyler. She is also survived by her sister, Mrs. Ethel J. Webster of Chicago; and sister-in-law, Gertrude Dobbins, of Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Lucille, Roy, John and Jewel. Jimmie was a member of Coppin A.M.E. Church in Chicago before moving to Albuquerque, where she became a member of Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church and remained a member until her death. She devoted many years to teaching Sunday School and serving on church boards. Funeral Services will be held at Grant Chapel AME Church in Albuquerque at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2000. Those who wish to view her may do between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. the day of the services. Internment will be in Santa Fe at the National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
MARY V. BACA, 83, of Trujillo died Thursday. She was a teacher for 38 years. She was a member of the San Ysidro Parish in Trujillo, the Catholic Daughters and Alpha Delta Kappa. Her hobbies included ceramics, knitting, crocheting, other needlework, painting and gardening. She was preceded in death by her parents Crescencio and Elena Vigil; and Isa and Donaciano Vigil who raised her when she was orphaned. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Candido Baca; children Theresa Vigil and husband Leo, Art Baca, and Mary Alice Collatz and husband Arlan; grandchildren Lea Vigil, Marcos Vigil, Candace Baca and Jeremiah Collatz; great-grandchildren Katherine Esquibel and Matthew Naranjo; sisters Catherine Iaia and husband Armond, and Carlotta Stewart; and numerous other relatives and friends. Visitation from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Rogers Mortuary in Las Vegas, N.M. A rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Las Vegas, N.M. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday at the same church. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, New Mexico Chapter. Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas.
CLARENCE J. RIVERA, 73, of Las Vegas, N.M., died Thursday at Northeastern Regional Hospital in Las Vegas following a brief illness. He worked for the AT&SF Railway Co. for 37 years, retiring in 1982. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and VFW Post No. 1547. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Agnes of Las Vegas; son, Clarence Edward Rivera of Phoenix; brother, Pete Rivera Jr. and wife Jiselle of Albuquerque; sisters Ann Ahlness and husband Howard, and Evangeline Kosinski and husband Frank, all of Albuquerque, and Petie Janzer and husband Richard of Apple Valley, Calif.; grandchildren Patricia Rivera of Albuquerque, and Ralph and Ryan Rivera, both of Phoenix; and great-grandchildren Devon and Trevelyn, both of Albuquerque. Visitation from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Gonzales Funerals & Cremations in Las Vegas with a rosary recited at 7 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Las Vegas. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Gonzales Funerals & Cremations, Las Vegas.
Edith Aragon, 83, a resident of Albuquerque since 1923, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2001. Edith was born on April 15, 1918, in Alamillo, NM to Isabel Cordova Aragon and Telesfor Aragon. She is survived by her siblings and their spouses; Georgia Chavez and husband, Eugene, Felipe Gonzales and wife, Bersabe, Rose Costales and husband, Nestor, Bernice Costales and husband, William, and Oralia (Lala) Gonzales, Portland, OR; special aunts, Alicia Baca and Ida Moya; many nieces and nephews; and by a very special neighbor and friend, Frances Armijo. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and step-father, Pablo Gonzales. Edith worked at Presbyterian Hospital for 28 years, University Heights Hospital for 9 years, and retired from Cornucopia Adult Care Center. Edith was a member of El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church. Services will be held in her honor on Tuesday, June 12, 2001, 10:00 a.m., at El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church, 700 Granite Avenue NW, with Reverend Jesus Bermudez officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be her godchildren, Sammy Aragon, Jr., Jeanette Bame, Benjie Moya, Angela Marie Gonzales, Aaron Pennington, and Becky Costales for Sarah Bame. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Carla Ramirez, 5800 Lomas NE, 87110 or the missions at El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church, 700 Granite NW, 87102. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
John (TaTa) Aragon, born August 26, 1922 in Montoya, New Mexico passed away June 9, 2001 one week after his partner for 62 years, Lillian passed away. Tata passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; daughter's Mary Lillian Aragon Garcia, Evangeline Aragon, his parents, Jose Piedad Aragon, Apolinara Aragon, brothers, Benito, Charlie, Joe Aragon, sisters, Carmen Montoya and Corrine Baca. He is survived by sons, John and wife, Agnes and Eddy and wife, Frances; grandchildren, Randy Garcia, Joe (Dino) Garcia, Jamie Aragon, Mary Lillian Aragon, and fiance, Leonard Sanchez, Edward Aragon, Jr. and finance, Jessica Ramos, Antoinette Trujillo and husband, Nathan, Jimmy Lopez, Annette Martinez and husband Danny; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lucy Salas, Selsa Chavez and husband, Margarito, Celina Rivera and husband, Frank, Mary Jane Alire and husband, Casey; brothers, Mike Aragon and wife, Theo, Florencio Aragon and wife, Carmen, Raymond Aragon and wife, Margie, Rudy Aragon and many nieces and nephews. Tata, worked hard from the time he was 10 years old. He had to work to help support his brothers and sisters. He would take care of sheep all alone in the Mountains. Worked for the WPA with a fake ID when he was 16. When his country called he went leaving behind his pregnant wife. He was in the 7th Army, 106th Infantry in France and Germany, where he was wounded. When he came home he worked various jobs. Until he went to work as an Ironworker for Local #495 he retired in 1975 with 32 years as an Ironworker. Like many of the Greatest Generation, Family was not only first it was everything. He loved to cook, especially breakfast on Sunday mornings after church when he would make tortillas, eggs and chile. John and Lillian were always together until his Parkinson's got so bad that he had to stay with his sons. He was a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Charles, the 40 & 8, and VFW #401. His patience, compassion and love for those around him will never be forgotten. Dad, Tata we will miss you and think of you always. When people ask us who was the Greatest Person they have known those who knew you will say Juan Aragon, for your love & kindness, and courage. Service arrangements are pending and will be announced. Pallbearers: Eddy Aragon Jr., Jamie Aragon, Nathan Trujillo, Mike Aragon Jr., Dean Garcia, Randy Garcia, Jimmy Lopez. Honorary pallbearers: Leonard Sanchez, Florencia Aragon, Rudy Aragon, Raymond Aragon, Sammy Montoya, Rudy Montoya, Gene Casados, Robert Casados. A Rosary for Tata will be recited Monday, June 11, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Charles Borromoero Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 at 9:30 a.m. in St. Charles. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Strong Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave. SE are in charge of arrangements.
