GERALD GALLEGOS
Age 42, a resident of Española passed away on Sunday Feb. 10, 2008. He was Preceded in death by his mother; Lena Gallegos; Paternal grandparents; Presciliano and Cedilia Gallegos; Maternal grandparents; Eduardo and Lusita Martinez; Brother; Leroy Gallegos and Sister; Carol Gallegos. He is survived by his father; Alfredo Gallegos of Gallina. Children; Celina Fredricks, Alfredo Gallegos and Cecilia Fredricks all of South Dakota. Brothers; Joe Gallegos of Gallina, Eddie Gallegos and Elias Gallegos both of Española. Sisters; Lorraine Dosten and husband Moises of La Mesilla, Eileen Romero and husband David of Española, Jennie Hernandez and husband Javier of Las Cruces. Mother of his children; Sharon Fredricks and 2 grandchildren. Numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends. The family of Gerald Gallegos has entrusted his cremation services to the DeVargas Family and Staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
JOSE FRUGENCIO “FUGIE” JARAMILLO
Age 79, a resident of Española, passed away on Tuesday, February 12, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Ignacio and Martina Jaramillo; brother-in-law, Jose “Josecito” Maestas and sister, Herminia Jaramillo. Jose worked as a mason. He was born in Canjilon and was a lifelong resident of Española. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed the outdoors. Jose is survived by his children, Danny Jaramillo and wife Laurel Rapaport, Geneva Jaramillo-Marquez of Española and Melvin Jaramillo of Española; mother of his children, Dora Jaramillo of Espanola; grandchildren, Randi Marquez, Daniel Jaramillo, Robert Jaramillo, Adrianne Castillo and husband Jose of Española, Mandie Vigil and husband Brian of Española; great-grandchildren, Corrine, Jose and Jason Castillo, Luiza and Robyn Vigil; niece that was like a daughter, Tillie Martinez; special niece, Carla Jaramillo and companion Andrew Alire all of Española; sisters, Celsa Maestas and Locadia Jaramillo and brother, Joe Jaramillo and numerous other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers, Daniel Jaramillo, Robert Jaramillo, Anthony Jaramillo, Jose Castillo, Raymond Romero, Andrew Alire. Honorary pallbearers named are, Victor Pastrama and Nora Maes. The family of Jose Frugencio “Fugie” Jaramillo has entrusted his funeral services to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Evelyn Faye Prather
Age 93, a resident of Velarde, passed away on Monday, February 11, 2008 of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her son: Billy Joe Smith and granddaughter: Llayna Smith. Evelyn was known to many in the valley as Faye Smith, she was active in working and managing Smiths Video in Espanola for her son Ray. She was an Espanola Valley resident since 1971. She is survived by her 3 children, Ray Smith of Velarde, Carolyn Wilson, and Tina Prather both of Espanola, 7 grandchildren; Terri Sheldon, Ruth, Mark, Trenton, Walter, Peter Smith, and Melanie Herrera, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. The family of Evelyn Faye Prather has entrusted her funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
NORMAN J. GOMEZ
Age 46, a lifelong resident of Nambe and in the recent years resided in Albuquerque. Norman was born on January 12, 1962 and passed away February 14, 2008 from a lengthy illness. Norman has left us and will now be reunited with his beloved parents, Hilario and Emily Gomez and brother, Gary W. Gomez. Norman was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Juan and Andreita Gomez; maternal grandparents, Joe and Julia Lopez. Norman’s life was touched by two very special individuals. Andrew Garcia his lifelong friend of Santa Fe. Norman was fortunate to have met Toni Maryol, owner of Diegos Cafe. Norman and Toni had a special bond and Norman became a valuable staff member of Diegos Café, where he also built friendships with many employees and patrons. Norman had many special gifts and talents. He had a great love for all animals, especially his dachshund “Penny” that he treasured for 8 years. The touch of his green thumb produced many beautiful flowers and plants to which he used to landscape his parents home as well as his own. Norman had a collective mind and became the family historian, researching the Gomez family history and was proud to have been raised in the community of Nambe. Norman’s greatest passion was his involvement as a Gay activist since the 1980’s both locally and nationally. He also worked with Southwest C.A.R.E. Center in an effort to help the HIV and AIDS community. Norman volunteered his time to support other HIV and AID victims. Norman is survived by his loving sister, Cheryl Gomez and companion Pat Ortiz of Nambe; brothers, Jeff Gomez and companion Lorraine Webb of Albuquerque, Mark Gomez and wife Trish of Oregon; half-brother, Richard Bills of Albuquerque; nephews, Gary Gomez Jr., Thad Chapman and Lance Gomez; nieces, Sari Gomez, Logan Gomez, Kendall Elam and husband Kaleb, Katie Gomez and Julia Archuleta, who was very dear to her uncle Norman. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers, Jeff Gomez, Mark Gomez, Thad Chapman, Pat Ortiz, Richard Bills and Andrew Garcia. Honorary pallbearer named is Gary Gomez Jr. The family of Norman J. Gomez has entrusted his funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
JOE R. CORTEZ
Age 78, a resident of Youngsville, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 following a lengthy illness. Joe was born in Abiquiu and was a longtime resident of Española. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Domitillia Garcia-Cortez; children, Larry Wyman and Tina Wyman, Johnny and Joann Cardenas, Kathy Wyman, Benedita Quintana and companion Carlos Martinez and Julie Wyman; 4 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. The following will serve as pallbearers, Elizardo Cortez, Pablo and Monique Dominguez, Earl Martinez, Jesse Quintana, Gabriel Cardenas. Honorary pallbearers named are, Khristan Dominguez, Christopher Archuleta, Angel Dominguez, Jayden Martinez, Annika and Kane Dominguez and Chloe Cardenas. The family of Joe R. Cortez has entrusted his cremation services to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
GILBERT ORLANDO GONZALES JR.
Age 32, a resident of Española, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 9, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Annette and Gilbert Gonzalez; maternal grandmothers, Tomasita Ortega and Maria Inez Ortega; paternal grandmother, Emilia Talache; close cousins, Steven Quintana III and James Sanchez Jr. Gilbert had three beautiful children whom he loved and adored. He had a big heart and was a lot of fun to hang out with. Gilbert took pride in his work and was hard working. Ileen was Gilbert’s love of his life and his “Mamma Chiche”. Gilbert will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. Mr. Gonzales is survived by his sister, Ileen Koteen and companion Gabriel Gallegos of Lyden; children, Annette, Larissa and Gilbert Gonzales III, all of El Duende, step-daughter, Destiny Mascarenas of Abiquiu; mother of his children, Jessica Lopez of Abiquiu; close aunt, Christine Ortega and companion Christina of El Duende; grandfather, Sebedello Ortega of El Duende; step-parents, Ralph Koteen and wife Vivian; step-sister, Tonia Koteen; step-brother, Jason Koteen and wife Jennifer all of Albuquerque; aunts, Dorlinda Valdez and husband Jose, Nora Gurule and husband Tommy, Geraldine Carmona and husband Rustico all of El Duende, Antonette Quintana and companion Anthony Baca of Los Alamos; uncles, Onesimo Ortega and wife Roberta of El Duende, Steve Quintana of Santo Nino; close cousins Valerie Ortega and companion Elias of Alcalde and Andy Quintana of Alcalde and numerous other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers will be, Gabriel Gallegos, Peter Sanchez, Jason Koteen, Sammy Carmona, Jonathan Garcia and Onesimo Ortega. Honorary pallbearers named are, Christine Ortega, Christina Cardenas, Miguel Carmona, Rayann Mendoza, Antonette Quintana, Tonia Koteen, Jolene Lopez, Seantae Marchello, Monika Cardenas and Chris Garcia. The Gonzales family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
JAMES GONZALES
Age 56 a resident of Fairview passed away on Friday, August 8, unexpectedly at home. He was preceded in death by his father, George Gonzales Sr.; brothers, Elizario and Dennis Gonzales; niece, Josephine Grijalva; maternal grandparents, Tomas and Susana Garcia and paternal grandparents, Ambrosio and Leocadia Gonzales. Mr. Gonzales is survived by his daughters, Debbie Jaramillo and husband Melvin and Carmen Gonzales; grandsons, Christopher, James and Julius; mother, Atocha Gonzales of Fairview; companion, Leonires Chavez and her daughters, Tara and Jennifer; brothers and sisters, George Gonzales and wife Sherlene, Susie Grijalva and husband Jesus, Lorraine Valencia, Tommy Gonzales and wife Mary, Floyd Gonzales and wife Jenny, Lydia Trujillo and husband Ruben, Geraldine Trujillo and husband Gabriel, Hazel Salazar and husband Joseph, Laura Gonzales and companion Beto; 29 nieces and nephews; mother of his oldest daughter, Connie Martinez and husband Eluid; mother of his youngest daughter, Virginia Martinez; God-children, Eddie Jacquez, Lupe Grijalva, and Leon Vigil; close friend, Bartolo Manzanares and numerous other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers; Christopher Marquez, Javier Grijalva, Curtis Valencia, Joey Salazar, Russell Trujillo and Bartolo Manzanares. Honorary pallbearers named are; James Marquez, Lee Gonzales, Casey Encinas, Glenn Trujillo, Conrad Valencia, Floyd Gonzales Jr., Vincent Salazar and Ruben Jr. Trujillo. The Gonzales family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
FIDEL M. MARTINEZ
Age 91, a resident of La Puebla, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2008. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Genoveva Martinez; son, Eppie Martinez and companion Ernestina Viarreal; parents, Sotero and Manuelita Martinez; brothers, Jose L., Pula and Antonio Martinez; sisters, Trinida Pacheco, Romonita Espinoza and Cayetana Martinez; grandsons, Benjie and David “Spunky” Montoya. Mr. Martinez is survived by his daughter, Concha Montoya and companion Gilbert Garcia, who was also a special caretaker along with Jeffrey Brown; sons, Carmelito Martinez and wife Isabel, Fidel Martinez Jr. and wife Loyda Martinez; special niece raised like a sister, Sophia Curry and husband Eliton; sister, Augustina Reynolds; 2 special granddaughters, Yolanda and Marcella Montoya; special grandson, Benito Montoya; 3 special grandchildren, Amanda Manzanares, Leonard Jr. and Nicholas Gurule; grandchildren, Joshua Montoya, Joseph Manzanares, Leonard Gurule, Benita and Jessie, Benito and Karen, Billy and Jeffrey Brown, Jenny and Floyd Gonzales, Ricky and Cheria Martinez, Carmelita Martinez; 21 grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. The Martinez family would like to thank, Isabel, Jenny, Carmelita Martinez and all their family and friends. Thank you also to Ambercare and DeVargas Funeral Home for everything. The Martinez family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Arsenio Montoya
Age 75, a resident of Chimayo, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2008 following a short illness. Mr. Montoya was the owner of Montoya’s Hardware and Grocery Store in Chimayo for the past 40 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tranquilino and Claudina Montoya; brother, Victor Montoya; sister, Lillian Lucero; sons, Elmer and Albert Montoya. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Genoveva Montoya of Chimayo; son, Leroy Montoya of Albuquerque; daughters, Marlene Montoya of Chimayo, Melanie Lucero and companion Alfonso Romero of Santa Cruz, and Debbie Lucero of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Kathy Montoya and companion Donald Naranjo, Rick Montoya and wife Cindy of El Llano, Bobby Montoya of Tulsa, OK, Mandy and Alex Montoya, both of Espanola; two great-grandchildren, Shania Martinez and Elias Montoya of El Llano; brothers, Tomas, Orlando and wife Prescila, and Olmedo (Joe) Montoya and wife Clara of El Valle; sister, Androlica Velasquez of Leadville, CO.; brothers-in-law, Fred Medina and wife Frances Hernandez, John Marcos Medina and wife Porfiria of Albuquerque; sisters-in-law, Lillian Martinez of La Pueblo, Urbanita Rodriguez of Rio Lucio and Cordie Vasquez and husband Leroy of Rawlins, WY. The following will serve as pallbearers, Roland Rodriguez, Samuel Romero, Sam, Nelson, and Fred Montoya and Charlie Velasquez. The family of Arsenio Montoya has placed their trust in DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley.
Willie T. Martinez
Age 86, passed away at his home in El Guique on Tuesday, August 12, 2008. He was born on October 24, 1921 in Chimayo to Primitiva Trujillo and Emilio Martinez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Primitiva and Emilio Martinez; brothers, Emilio Martinez Jr., Ernesto and Samuel Martinez; sister, Martina Martinez and daughter-in-law, Elaine Martinez. Willie is survived by his wife Lydia; his children: Larry Martinez (Lillian), Hazel Linda Miller (Jerry) and Debbie Martinez; Grandchildren: Jason Trujillo (Gabriela), Eric Trujillo (Alisha), Guillermo Martinez, Lorry Wilson (James), Maria Elena Martinez, and Tomas Martinez; 13 Great-Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren; Siblings: Emma Lopez and Bidelio Martinez; In-laws: Louisa Martinez, Terry Baker (Clyde), Olivama Martinez, and Joe Casados. The following will serve as pallbearers, Eric, Jason, and Tony Trujillo, Guillermo Martinez, Ted Lopez, Wally Casio. The family of Willie T. Martinez has placed their trust in DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley.
LEOVEGILDO TOMAS FERNANDEZ
Age 45, a resident of Ojo Sarco, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 14, 2008. He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Abel Fernandez; brother, Donald Edward Fernandez; maternal grandparents, Jose O. Pacheco Sr. and Evangelina A. Pacheco; paternal grandparents, Seferino and Bernardita Fernandez; aunts, Eliz Vigil and Maclovia Sanchez; aunt-in-law, Cora Pacheco; uncles, Librado, Alfonso and Alberto Fernandez and J.O. Pacheco Jr. and uncle in-law, Amado Martinez; cousin, Gary Bennett Lopez. Leo really enjoyed camping, fishing and the outdoors. He had numerous friends and was hard working. He was involved as a Wild Land Firefighter with the US Forest Service. He was an extremely good handyman and was well liked by his community as well as by other surrounding communities. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. Mr. Fernandez is survived by his mother, Irene Fernandez of Ojo Sarco; sister, Lilly Fernandez of Albuquerque; brothers, Larry Pacheco and wife Margie of San Pedro, Roger Fernandez of Ojo Sarco, and Paul Fernandez of Ojo Sarco, and companion Liz Chacon of Rodarte, NM; niece, Mariah Pacheco of San Pedro; nephews, Matthew Pacheco of San Pedro, Shawn Fernandez of Ojo Sarco, Christopher Fernandez of Rodarte and Manuel and Michael Dominguez of Albuquerque; maternal aunts and uncles, Lydia P. Fernandez and husband Porfirio of Grants, NM., Helen P. Martinez of Chimayo, Willie Pacheco and companion Rafelita of Diamondville, WY., Roberto Pacheco of Espanola; paternal aunts and uncles, Manuelita Vigil and Jose Sanchez of Espanola and numerous other relatives, friends and neighbors. Serving as pallbearers, Manuel and Michael Dominguez, Archie, Marvin, and Clovis Velarde, Lionel Fernandez. Honorary pallbearers named are, Mariah and Matthew Pacheco and Shawn and Christopher Fernandez. The Fernandez family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
Robert R. Suazo
Age 68, a resident of Santa Clara Pueblo, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2008 following a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his father & Mother Florencio & Clara Suazo; Niece, Coleen O. Garcia; Mother-in-law, Peggy Tafoya; Sister-in-law, Lila Suazo. Sito was always in traditional village dances and special days. He worked for Santa Clara Pueblo at Puyé and Santa Clara Canyon as a Ranger. Sito enjoyed all sports especially, basketball, baseball, and football. He enjoyed fishing and joking around with friends. The family would like to thank Santa Clara Pueblo and all the many other villages who came to support the family. Special thank you to Dr. Donald Bonnell at the Santa Clara Clinic and his staff. To Amber Care, Nurses, Espanola Health Care, Dr. Snyder at N.M. Cancer Center, and the other doctors who took care of “Sito.” Sito is survived by his wife, Shirley Suazo of Santa Clara Pueblo; Mother of his children, Lucy Trujillo of Abiquiu; Children, Arnold Suazo and companion Dolores Allison of Rio Chama, Vangie Lopez and husband Ernie of Hernandez, Granddaughter, Lanaye Suazo and companion Eric Purly of Albuquerque; Great-granddaughter, Aliah Purly of Albuquerque; Special God Sons, Brian and Donald Suazo, other God sons, Tyler Roller, and Zachary Suazo all of Santa Clara; Brothers, Henry Suazo and wife Genevieve, Joseph H. Suazo and wife Anita, Alfred Suazo, Charles Suazo and wife Sandra, Anthony Suazo and wife Bela, Ronald Suazo and wife Ebby; Sisters, Margaret Garcia and husband Wilfred, Nancy Gallegos and husband Andrew; Aunt Marie Tafoya; and many special nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
CORDELIA ROYBAL
Age 79, a resident of Velarde, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2008 following a short illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reyes Roybal; parents, Julio and Elizama Romero and sisters-in-law, Amada Martinez and Ruth Salazar. Cordelia was a very loving mother and grandmother. She was also a great cook who worked for the schools for 10 years. Her family enjoyed the great meals she would prepare for them. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. Ms. Roybal is survived by her children, Pam Roybal, JoAnn Glick and husband Larry all of Velarde, Gloria Martinez and husband Belarmino, Mildred Montoya and husband Benny all of Lyden, Loyola Trujillo and husband Elmer of Albuquerque, Doreen Montoya and husband Leroy of Cuyamungue, Joyce Herrera and husband Ben of El Guache, Karen Martinez and husband Paul of Chimayo, Clarence Roybal and Hilda of California, Rex Roybal of Velarde; grandson raised like a son, Marcos Roybal of Velarde; brother, Bobby Romero and wife Orlinda of La Villita; sister-in-law, Irene Maestas and husband Luis of La Puebla; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers, Marcos Roybal, Benny Montoya, Bubba Martinez, Benjamin Herrera, Joseph Roybal and Rod Trujillo. Honorary pallbearers named are all her grandchildren. The Roybal family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
ANDREW “MIKE” BARELA
Age 36, a resident of Peñasco passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 16, 2008. He was preceded in death by his father, Patrick Barela; paternal grandfather, Herson Barela; maternal grandparents, Reymundo Griego and Leonardita Martinez; aunt, Eva Griego; uncles, Macario Griego and Michael Barela. Mike loved to play drums and listening to heavy metal and spanish music. He loved going to concerts and to movies at the theater. He enjoyed watching all the classic movies on TV Land, and Mike especially loved spending time with his son and all his family. He is survived by his son, Andres Barela of Chamisal; mother, Patsy Griego of Peñasco; sisters, Sonya Gurule and husband John of Albuquerque, Felisha Tollardo, and Andrea Griego and companion Michael Fernandez, all of Peñasco; paternal grandmother, Viola Barela of Rio Lucio; mother of his son Andres, Cheryl Lovato of Chamisal; maternal uncles and aunts, Elmer and wife Virginia Griego, Esther and husband Bob Medina, Reymundo and wife Julia Griego, Judy and husband Johnny Casados, Annette Martinez, and Freddy Martinez; paternal aunts and uncles, Nancy Trujillo, Larry and wife Kathy Barela, LouAnn and husband Mike Grisham, Boyd Barela, Rita Valdez, and Cathy Barela and companion Mike Silings; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. The family of Andrew “Mike” Barela has placed their trust in DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley.
STEVEN DIEGO BALDONADO
Age 59, beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle and a resident of Española, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Senaida Baldonado; sister, Agustina Trujillo and beloved grandson, Adam Baldonado. Steven was born in Canjilon on November 24, 1948. He was a veteran and served in Vietnam from 1968 through 1969. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Mr. Baldonado is survived by his children, Dorina Baldonado, Amy Baldonado and companion Mark Chacon; son, Manuel Baldonado; brother, Joe R. Leyba and wife Rebecca of Albuquerque; sisters, Orlinda Rivera and husband Ben, Marina Ochoa and husband Robert all of Santa Fe; grandchildren, Matthew Baldonado, Mark, Destiny and Jarrett Chacon; God-sons, Christopher Rivera and Chris Lopez and God-daughter, Gina DeVargas and numerous other relatives and friends. Honorary pallbearers, Jake Trujillo, Christopher Rivera, Joe Leyba, Ron Abbrams, Pete Lopez, Chris Lopez, Felipe Vigil and Mark Chacon. The Baldonado family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley.
