Duane Shawn Vigil
March 12. 1974 - Oct. 10, 2007
Duane Shawn Vigil, 33, of Shiprock, died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007. He was born March 12, 1974, in Farmington.
Funeral services are pending. A family meeting will be at the Shiprock Chapter House at 5:30 p.m., today, Friday, Oct. 12.
Duane is in the care of Desert View Funeral Home, North Highway 491, in Shiprock; (505) 368-4607.
Orlando Candelaria
June 19, 1940 — Nov. 20, 2007
Orlando "Tommy" Candelaria, 67, was greeted into his heavenly father's arms on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. "Tommy" was born June 19, 1940, in Del Norte, Colo. to Orlando and Viola Candelaria.
He enjoyed camping, fishing, baseball, and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed being "Papa" and giving high-fives to the little children at the daycare.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Orlando and Viola Candelaria; a brother, Melvin; and two sisters, Martha and Dorothy.
He is survived by his wife of seven years, Susanna Candelaria; his son, John Candelaria from New York; two daughters, Rhonda DeVilbiss (Wes) of Farmington and Doris John (Terrance) of California; three stepchildren, Tammy Sanchez (Larry), Pat Atencio (Jessica) of Farmington and Jacob Atencio of Ignacio, Colo. He has seven grandchildren, nine stepgrandchildren and three great grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sisters, Loretta Ullibarri and Margaret Gallegos (Henry) of Bloomfield, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25 at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home at 103 East Ute St. in Farmington. A celebration of his life will be held at noon Monday, Nov. 26, at College Heights Baptist Church at 2700 Harvard Dr. in Farmington, with Pastor Burson Corley officiating.
Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 2182. Reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, a Wells Fargo account has been created in the name of Orlando "Tommy" Candelaria for contributions.
Tommy is entrusted to the care of Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St. in Farmington
Ernest Wallace
Oct. 1, 1946 - Jan. 8, 2008
Ernest Wallace, 61 of Shiprock, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, in Shiprock. He was born Oct. 1, 1946, in Fort Defiance, Ariz.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at Crestview Baptist Church, 4400 E. Main St., in Farmington, followed by interment at Memory Gardens of Farmington.
Ernest in the care of Desert View Funeral Home, North Highway in Shiprock; (505) 368-4607.
Claude T. "Torchy" Smouse
May 12, 1915 - Jan. 9, 2008
Claude T. "Torchy" Smouse, 92, of Bloomfield, died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, of heart failure. He was born May 12, 1915, to Mary Brickley and Jacob Smouse at the Meadows, the family homestead, north of Kirtland. He was the seventh of 14 children.
He graduated from Farmington High School in 1933, where he played halfback and end for the Scorpions. He served two and a half years in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee in the South Pacific after enlisting in 1942.
He is survived by Neva, his wife of 39 years. He was a loving dad to 10 children.
He married Helen Eaker in 1941, and was blessed with four children, daughter, Terri Ramirez and husband, Ramon; and sons, Greg and wife, Molly, Fred and wife, Kerry, and Don Michael.
In 1968, he married Neva Baca and was blessed once again with his six acquired children, four of which he raised; daughters, Yvonne Rhoads and husband, Jim, Beverly Johnson, Neva Longacre and husband, Bill, and Vanessa Bailey and husband, Bill; and sons, Ron Baca and wife, Reida, and Tom Baca and wife, Paula.
He also is survived by 22 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Doris Peters; brother, David Smouse and sister-in-law, Evelyn Smouse; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Mary Smouse; and siblings, Frances Piper, Don Smouse, Ruth Borgrink, Raymond Smouse, Clifford Smouse, Marie Jackson, James Smouse, Woodrow Smouse, and Carl, Bill and Charles.
Claude worked in the oil field and construction after returning from the Navy, and retired in 1978 from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where he was plant manager at Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle.
He loved his rose garden, gardening, fishing, camping, hunting, crossword puzzles, cards and cribbage, but most of all he loved his family. He was also a life member of the Elks. With his failed hearing, he played dueling remote controls with his wife, Neva, while watching football, baseball, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
He was loved and will be missed by many, including his Native American friends and co-workers.
Viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Cope Memorial Chapel in Farmington.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 211 W. 20th St., in Farmington. Graveside service will be at Memory Garden of Farmington, followed by a gathering at the VFW Post No. 2182 hall, 5513 Highway 64 in Farmington.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Zachary Baca, Travis Rhoads, Sandy Baca, Scott Smouse, Alex Smouse and Chad Smouse.
Honorary pallbearers will be the remaining grandchildren, Dawn Gifford, Derek Pierce, Shannon Pierce, Shawna Bruhn, Tara Smouse, Kristi Smouse, Lucas Longacre, Lauren Bruington, Leith Longacre, Jared Johnson, Thomas Baca, Justin Smouse, Rachel Gruette, Cassi Baca, Kayla Baca and Timothy Bailey.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cope Memorial in Farmington; (505) 327-5142.
Beverly A. Monk
Aug. 10, 1974 - Jan. 20, 2008
Beverly A. Monk, 33, of Aztec, went to her Heavenly Father Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, at her residence. Beverly was born Aug. 10, 1974, in Durango, Colo., to George and Eloise (Sanchez) Sisneros.
Beverly was preceded in death by her baby daughter; and maternal and paternal grandparents.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Monk Jr.; her parents, George and Eloise Sisneros; sisters, Rhonda (Bryan) Ussery of Hobbs and Peggy (Gary) Ross of Clovis; nieces, Shaye and Jessie Ussery; nephew, Andrew Ross. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Monk of Robinson, Texas; sisters-in-law, Debra Fryer of Waco, Texas, and Cristie Luby of Lawrenceville, Ga.; and her father-in-law, Thomas Monk Sr.
Beverly and Thomas were married in 1999, and moved to San Juan County after getting married. Beverly graduated from Hobbs High School. She enjoyed camping, hiking, hunting, and was an avid Eeyore collector.
Public viewing will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at Cope Memorial Chapel in Aztec.
Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Aztec Baptist Church, 1219 S. Main Ave. in Aztec, with Pastor Don Stackpole officiating. Cremation will take place after the services.
Pallbearers are Charles Espinoza, Chris Espinoza, Floyd Sisneros, Larry Sisneros, Johnny Cordova, and Jayson Ussery.
Honorary pallbearers will be John Monk, Gary Ross, and Bryan and Ted Ussery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel, 405 S. Main Ave. in Aztec; (505) 334-9332. Daniels Family Funeral Services.
Anthony Robert Pacheco
July 29, 1993 - Jan. 6, 2008
Anthony Robert Pacheco, 14, of Aztec, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Aztec, in an accident. He was born July 29, 1993, in Pleasanton, Calif., to Gary Pacheco and Lesa Alfrey.
Anthony attended Aztec High School in Aztec and Western Rockingham in Madison, N.C. He enjoyed skateboarding, bike racing and music.
Anthony is survived by his father, Gary Pacheco of Aztec; mother, Lesa Alfrey of Stokesdale, N.C.; sister, Amber Pacheco of Stokesdale; maternal grandparents, Herb and Ann Caudill of Stokesdale; paternal grandparents, Gary and Marbeth Pacheco of Aztec; and great-grandmother, Inez McCloud of Aztec.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Alfrey.
Services will be at 1 p.m. today, Saturday, Jan. 12, at Flora Vista Baptist Church, conducted by Dennis Vaughan. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cedar Hill.
Pallbearers will be Ron Stevens, Jim Williams, Jessie Martinez, Guy McKiseen, Curtis Owen and Steve Thomas.
To all those who knew and loved their skateboard Little Dude, Anthony Pacheco, he was a special boy with a special kind of love, who touched the lives of everyone he knew. His spirit will live on in our hearts and lives forever.
You will be greatly missed. We love you.
Arrangements are with Cope Memorial Funeral Home, 405 S. Main Ave., in Aztec; (505) 334-9332.
You will be greatly missed. We love you.
Cope Memorial Funeral Home, 405 S. Main Ave. in Aztec; (505) 334-9332, Daniels Family Funeral Home.
Duane Lee Miller
Oct. 14, 1938 - Jan. 8, 2008
Duane Lee Miller, 69, of La Plata, passed from this life on earth to a land which he would call the promised land, "Heaven," on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. He was born Oct. 14, 1938, in Maywood, Calif., the middle child and only son of Louis Miller and Janet Cowan Miller.
Duane grew up in Bell Gardens, Calif., and graduated from Bell Gardens High School in 1957. He married Ramona Rivera-Gabaldon after graduation. They remained married until 1979, and had three children together, Steven, Craig, and Christina.
Duane moved his family from California to Bloomfield in 1975, where he began a career as a millwright and carpenter. He went on to become a successful general contractor owning and operating Miller Construction for 25 years, specializing in residential properties and building some of the finest homes in San Juan County. Duane belonged to the New Mexico Home Builders Association for many years and served as president for several years. He retired in 2005, but went on to become a real estate developer, establishing the Hartley Springs Ranchos subdivision in La Plata.
Duane was a member of the "Over the Hill Gang" car club in Durango, Colo., where he enjoyed spending time with his sister, Ginny and her husband, Ron, and other members of the car club. In 2005, he met Susan E. Taylor and they married Oct. 14, 2006, in a barn he built specifically for their wedding.
Duane attended Aztec Baptist Church where he met Pastor Don Stackpole who was not only his preacher, but also his friend. It is there that he came to know the Lord and accepted Jesus as his personal savior, with the promise of God's word found in John 14:1-2.
Duane's passion was his family, his ranch and searching for gold. He loved his new life out on his property with his wife, Susan, and his stepson, Andrew Taylor.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Janet Louise Beeson; and by his stepson, Andrew Taylor.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Taylor-Miller, of La Plata; his son, Steven Lee Miller and wife, Lucy; grandchildren, Jared and Andrea of Bloomfield; his second son, Craig Lee Miller and Rebecca Zamora; grandchildren, Craig Jr., C.G., Michael, and Amanda; great-granddaughter, Kayle of Albuquerque; his daughter, Christina Lee Piper and husband. John; grandchildren, Brianna, Somer, and John Jr. of La Palma, Calif.; sister, Ginny Archer and husband, Ron, of Ignacio, Colo.; brother-in-law, Scott Taylor and wife, Patty, of Denver, Colo.; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
It is the legacy that Duane leaves behind that we will all cling to. His reputation of honesty and integrity in the Farmington community precedes him. Duane was a simple, honorable man with great dignity and decency. He will always be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, dear husband, and treasured friend. It will be his smile, the sparkle in his beautiful blue eyes and his generosity of spirit that will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A public viewing will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Cope Memorial Chapel in Farmington.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at Aztec Baptist Church, 1219 S. Main Ave., in Aztec (one mile south of Aztec on Highway 550), with Pastor Don Stackpole officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Farmington.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Archer, Gary Beeson, Rick Beeson, Arvie Martin, Todd Martin, Chad Martin, Larry Groen and Charlie Howell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Bob Maras, Dale Niehaus, Jim Patterson, Jerry Prince, Scott Taylor, John Wayne and Nathan Yarbro.
Duane is in the care of Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St., in Farmington; (505) 327-5142.
Kenneth Deloss McKinney
Jan. 4, 1934 - Jan. 8, 2008
Kenneth Deloss McKinney, 74, of Clovis, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, Jan. 8, 2008, in Clovis. He was a member of The Potter's House Christian Fellowship Center.
Kenneth was born in Tucumcari, on Jan. 4, 1934, to Buck and Leona McKinney. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1960, as a mechanic, truck driver and cook. When he was 19, he met Eulene Potts from Duncan, Okla., at a party in Tucumcari, and married her three weeks later on May 5, 1953. They were happily married for 54 years.
His favorite pastimes were deer hunting and spending time with his family. He loved to hunt with his dad, four brothers, many nephews and various other family and friends. During deer hunting season, they hunted around Corona every year for almost 40 years.
Kenneth retired from El Paso Natural Gas Company in Bloomfield, after 27 years of faithful service as a pumper and plant operator. Most importantly, he was a fun-loving family man to his wife, daughters, son-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents, nieces, nephews and all his many other relatives.
His orneriness, humor and laughter will be greatly missed by all of us who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Eulene McKinney; his daughter, Robin Urioste; son-in-law, Mike Urioste Jr.; granddaughters, Violet Leona Urioste and Vanessa Faith Urioste; grandson, Mike Urioste III, all of Clovis; a brother, Roy McKinney (Brenda) and a sister, Elenora Perez (Joe), both of Tucumcari; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Jimmy McKinney and Jerry McKinney; a sister, Beatrice Willson; and a great-nephew, Quinn Wade McKinney.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at First Baptist Church in Tucumcari.
Maralee Kramer
July 25, 1942 - Jan. 7, 2008
Maralee Kramer, 65, of Kirtland, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2008, in Plano, Texas. She was born July 25, 1942, in Farmington.
She was a beloved mother and former manager of Southwest Connections Call Center.
Ms. Kramer is survived by her daughters, Judy Pruitt and husband, Kevin, of Farmington, and Cheryl Malato and husband, Joseph, of Plano; as well as three grandchildren, Brent and Hayden Pruitt of Farmington, Jessica and Mankin Lee of Albuquerque, and Shaun and Cheree Pruitt of Burley, Idaho; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. today, Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Kirtland LDS Chapel, 473 CR 6100, in Kirtland.
Eddie Hale
Sept. 16, 1968 - Jan. 8, 2008
Eddie Hale, 39, of Shiprock, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, in Shiprock. He was born Sept. 16, 1968, in Shiprock.
Funeral services are pending with Desert View Funeral Home, North Highway 491 in Shiprock; (505) 368-4607.
Edd Coffey
Dec. 22, 1922 - Jan. 8, 2008
Edd Coffey, 85, of Farmington, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, after a long illness. Edd was born Dec. 22, 1922, to Edd and Leora Stephenson Coffey, in Eola, Texas. Edd Coffey was a rancher, a horseman, a professional rodeo cowboy and a general contractor.
Edd spent the early years of his life in Texas ranching and training horses. In 1941, he moved with his family to California, where he worked at Lockheed building P38 fighter planes, worked for a time in the film industry with small parts and as an extra in Western movies, managed stockyards, trained horses, was a mule skinner and a sheep rancher and rodeoed in between.
In 1943, at age 21, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a bombardier in southern Italy doing bombing runs over Munich, Nuremberg, and Frankfurt, Germany.
Upon returning from World War II, he married Wanda May Hinds on Dec. 4, 1945, and began rodeoing full time, participating in calf roping and bulldogging events.
He was most proud of being a charter member of the Turtles Association, which later became the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and rodeoed successfully until about 1955, when he retired from rodeo and began a horse training and construction business in Farmington, later forming Coffey Construction Company in 1963.
Edd was an ordained deacon and served as deacon and a men's Sunday School teacher for over 35 years at Crestview Southern Baptist Church.
Edd is survived by his wife, Wanda; his children, Carol Lee (Peter) Carryer of Rochester, Minn., Susan (Gail) Sheppick of Fort Pierre, S.D., and Mark (Rondi) Coffey of Phoenix, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Carryer, Shelly (Stuart) Sheppick, Jolie Sheppick, and Sam (Sara) Sheppick; three great-grandchildren; a brother, William (Violet) Coffey; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dale Ann; and grandson, Michael John Carryer.
Services will be at 1 p.m. today, Saturday, Jan. 12, at Crestview Southern Baptist Church, 4400 E. Main St., in Farmington, with the Rev. Calvin Partain and the Rev. Timothy Castillo officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery of Farmington.
Pallbearers are Mark Coffey, Peter Carryer, Gail Sheppick, Jeff Carryer, Sam Sheppick and Eddie Coffey.
Honorary pallbearers are Elton Poor, James Dotson, James Farley and Bob Gay.
Funeral arrangements are with Alternative Choice, 804 N. Dustin Ave., in Farmington; (505) 325-9611.
