Catalina “Katie” Suazo, 78, of Northglenn, Colo. and formerly of Los Córdovas passed away on June 15, 2002. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jose Aureliano Suazo in 1982, parents, Gregorita & Celso Trujillo, sisters, Dorothy Chávez and Elvira Archuleta. She is survived by her sons, José E. Suazo of Colo. and John R. Suazo of Calif. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Jose A. Trujillo, Estella Ledoux, Andrellita Chávez, Daniel Trujillo, Prescilla Trujillo, Mac Trujillo and Manuel Trujillo. Rosary was recited on June 20, 2002. Funeral Mass was held on June 21, 2002. Both services were held at San Francisco de Asís Catholic Church. Interment was held at Santa Fe National cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Précides M. Gallegos, 73, of Taos passed away on June 19, 2002. She is preceded in death by her son, “Mickey” Michael Philip Romero, brothers, Preciliano, Eduardo & Fares Barela and sister, Celia Sánchez. She is survived by her children, Billy Vigil (Aggie) of Española, Gerald Gallegos, Wanda Romero (Nick) all of Taos, Johnny Gallegos (Stella) of Arroyo Seco, Albert Gallegos (Natividad) of Taos, Laura Gallegos of Chamisal and Roger Galleogs (Annette) of Taos. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and special close friends. Funeral Mass was held on June 21, 2002, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home
Dilia Graham, 64, of Lower Ranchitos passed away on July 14, 2002. She was co-owner of Graham’s Superette with her loving husband. She is preceded in death by her parents Eduardo & Soledea Mondragón and father-in-law, Don Graham. She is survived by her husband, Robert Graham, children, Roberta Sandoval (Al), Grace Graham, Don Graham (Carolee) all Santa Fe and Leonard Graham (Katie) of Taos. She is also survived by special friend who was like a daughter, Yvonne Salazar, grandchildren, Nicole, Cleo, Samantha, Lenny, Tori, Rebeka, Cristofer, mother-in-law, Soledad Graham brothers, and sisters, Tony Mondragón, Molly Archuleta, Abelardo Mondragón (Ida), Margarito Mondragón (Elvira), Chris Mondragón (Corrine), Ruby Montoya (Joe), Linda Gonzales (Johnny), Gilbert Mondragón (Arlene), Uvaldo Mondragón (Ruby), brothers-in-law, Toby Graham, Leroy Graham (Geneva), Rueben Graham (Carla), sisters-in-law, Sally Graham, Dolores Chavez (Faustin), many nieces and nephews. Rosary was recited on July 16, 2002. Funeral Mass was held on July 17, 2002. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Graham Family cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Dorothy J. Miera, 83, of Los Colonias passed away on July 21, 2002. She was a member of the Sacred Heart League and worked at The Taos Ancianos. She is preceded in death by her husband, Eliseo Miera, Jr. on May 8, 1995, stepson, Moises Miera and grandson, Jim Aguilar. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Anderson of Santa Fe and brother, William O. Adams (Dorothy) of Reno, NV. She is also survived by grandchildren, April Hunter, Melissa Anderson, Joey Aguilar (Leah), Jennifer Davis (Steve) six great-grandchildren, numerous friends, Miera family and other relatives. Rosary was recited on July 24, 2002, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, July 25, 2002, at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with interment to follow at Miera Family cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Elvira V. LaCome, 85, of Questa passed away on July 26, 2002. Ms. LaCome was a liaison for Taos County Community Action Agency for many years and was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, Juan María LaCome, infant son, Gerald LaCome, her parents, four brothers and sister. She is survived by her sons, Marshall LaCome (Mida) of Salt Lake City, UT, Paul LaCome (Mary), Donald LaCome (Renee), Clarence LaCome all of Questa, and her daughter, Gerry Ortega (Clyde) of Las Cruces. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Rose Vigil of Salt Lake City, UT, Minnie Vigil of Chimayó, brother-in-law, Elmer LaCome of Questa, numerous nieces and nephews. Rosary was held on July 29, 2002. Funeral Mass was held on July 30, 2002. Both services were held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa. Interment was held at San Antonio cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
John Marshall Clark, 75, of Taos and Midland, TX passed away on July 18, 2002. He is survived by his wife, Rosamaría Clark, daughter, Susan Clark of Taos and son, Roger Clark of Midland, TX. He is also survived by grandchildren, Luis Vargas of Taos, Heather McNeely of Midland, TX, Gable Clark of Oklahoma City, OK, Josh Clark of San Marcos, TX, Amanda Schwisow of Ft. Collins, CO., great grand children, Zoey McNeely, Robert Jones, Jr., and Lacy Schwisow. The family respectfully requests donations to The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation, P.O. Box 1891, Taos, NM 87571 or the Harwood Museum at 4080 NDCBU, Taos, NM 87571.
Miguel S. López, 19, of Chamisal and mostly recently of Ranchos de Taos passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2002. He is survived by his father, Earl Lee López Sr., and mother, Mary B. López both of Chamisal. He is also survived by brothers and sisters, Earl López, Jr. (Bernadette), Candida López (Kenneth), Alisha López, Jeremy López all of Chamisal, nieces, Calista Chacón, Chelsea Herrera, nephew, Peter Martinez, Jr., grandmother, Adelina Medina of Llano Quemado, many other relatives and friends. Rosaries were recited on July 29, 2002, at Rivera Chapel and on July 30, 2002, at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Peñasco. Funeral mass was held on July 31, 2002, at San Antonio de Padua Church. Interment was held at Chamisal cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Paula Alonso-Contador, 44, of Llano Quemado passed away on July 24, 2002. She is survived by her son, Juan Iglesias. Rosary was held on July 28, 2002. Funeral Mass was held on July 29, 2002. Both services were held at San Francisco de Asís Church. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanon Funeral Home.
Vickie R. Larsen, 60, of Angel Fire, NM passed away on July 21, 2002. Vickie shared her love, patience and generosity and truly touched the lives of everyone she met. Her nature made her the beloved pre-school teacher that she was for 13 years, children were the light in her life that she then passed to family and life long friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Richards and brother, Ryan Richards. She is survived by her husband, Ron E. Larsen, children, Robyn Whiting (Barry) of Glendale, AZ, Tina Keil (Steve) of Knoxville, TN, Scott Larsen (Jana) of River Vale, NJ, Heidi Larsen of Dallas, TX and father, Leland Richards of Magna, UT. She is also survived by her brother, Steve Richards (Viki) of West Valley City, UT, grandchildren, Taylor, Lainie and Paige Whiting. Memorial service was held on July 24, 2002, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Taos. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memoriam to the following organizations, Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, 800-272-3900 or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Office of Donor Services, 1311 Mamoraneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605 or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, LDS Foundation, 15 East South Temple 2nd Floor East, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, 801-240-5567. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home, Taos, NM.
Chuck W. Holden, died Friday in Taos, June, 20 doing what he loved most, paragliding. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held at the Old Blinking Light Restaurant, Friday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m. We encourage Chuck's friends to stop by. He is survived by daughter, Talie Holden, mother, Lois Tope & sister, Sherry and brother-in-law Dave Mussett, sister, Laura Sanchez, best friend and partner in life, Martha Gilbert. Memorial donations can be made for his daughter’s college fund to Sherry J. Mussett, 11505 Heathrow Dr., Austin, TX 78759-4427.
Helen R. Martíenez, 82, of Las Cruces, and formerly of Taos, NM died Tuesday, May 25, 2004 surrounded by her loving children. She was born March 12, 1922 in Taos, NM to Alberto and Teresita Montoya Trujillo. Helen was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church where she retired as a cook for the Holy Cross Catholic School. She loved to crochet, knit, was a great cook and her passion in life was for her family. Mrs. Martínez will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her three sons Joe Martinez of Las Cruces, Victor Martínez and wife Pamela and Antonio Martínez all of Albuquerque, NM; four daughters Alice Lujan and husband Harry and Charlene Aguilar all of Las Cruces, Olivia (Libby) Trujillo of Taos, NM and Judy Cunningham and husband Vaughn of Grand Prairie, TX; brother Leo Trujillo and wife Loucella of Taos, NM; 11 grandchildren Alejandro, Connie, Ruben, Diana, Gabe, Joey, Darlene, Ben, Christina, Michael and Isabella; 23 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Antonio J. Martínez Sr., son Ralph; grandsons Caesar, Albert and Tom also by 7 sisters and 3 brothers.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, May 27, 2004 at Getz Funeral Home where a rosary will follow at 7:00 PM. The funeral mass is at 12:10 PM Friday, May 28, 2004 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Msgr. John Anderson officiating. Rite of Committal will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens cemetery.
Pallbearers are Antonio Jr, Victor and Joe Martínez, Larry Lopez, Alejandro Aguilar and Ben Luttrell. Honorary Pallbearers are Ruben Trujillo, Vaughn Cunningham, Harry Lujan and Gabe Martínez.
Cora Ann Olonia Trujillo, 90, passed away suddenly July 23, 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born July 25, 1913 in Taos, New Mexico to José Lucimado and Francisquita Trujillo Olonia. She married
Abenicio "Ben" Trujillo in 1934 in Taos, New Mexico. He died June 21, 1987.
Her seven children all graduated High School. Enjoyed traveling including Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Hawaii, Oregon, California. Hunting and fishing were favorite pastimes. Rock collector. Member of the Catholic Church. Moved to Delta 34 years ago.
Survived by Sons and Daughter: Joe Ben (Hope) Trujillo, Delta, UT; Gilbert (Pat) Trujillo, St George, UT; Manuel (Teresa) Trujillo, Los Angeles, CA; Lee (Mary) Trujillo, Tillamook, OR; Corrine Paratore, Delta, UT; Frank (Theresa) Trujillo, Phoenix, AZ; 21 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brothers: Joe (Virginia) Olonia, Albuquerque, NM; Manuel (Bennie) Olonia, Rinconada, NM; Frank (Rose) Olonia, Taos. She was preceded in death by Son: Samuel; Grandson: Robert Anthony Olonia; Sister: Esther Trujillo; Brothers: Mike Olonia and Flavio Olonia.
Funeral services will be held on July 27, 2004 at 10 am in the St John Bosco Catholic Church. Friends may call at the Nickle Mortuary on Monday July 26, 2004 from 6-7 pm prior to a Rosery at 7 pm and at the Nickle Mortuary on Wednesday from 9-9:45 am. Additional services will be held in Taos, New Mexico on Thursday evening and Friday. Burial will be at the Jesuscristo de Nazareno, Las Cruces in Taos.
Frank Van Deren Coke, 83, Photographer, Writer, Educator, Museum Director.
Van Deren Coke died in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on 11 July 2004. He was born on Independence Day 1921 in Lexington, Kentucky. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945, first as an intelligence officer, then as a gunnery officer on a Destroyer escort in the Atlantic and later as a commanding officer of an LST in the Pacific, including the Okinawa Campaign. In 1956, Van left Kentucky to study at Indiana University for an MA in Art History and an MFA in Sculpture. Later, while an Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Florida, he studied during the summers at Harvard for his PhD in Art History. After a short time teaching at Arizona State University in Tempe, he was appointed in 1962 as founding Director of the University Art Museum, Chairman of the Department of Art and Professor of Art History at the University of New Mexico. During this time he wrote Taos and Santa Fe: The Artist's Environment, 1882 - 1942, and then he wrote The Painter and the Photograph: From Delacroix to Warhol. In 1970 he was first appointed Deputy Director, then Director of the International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House (Kodak), Rochester, NY. Van returned to New Mexico in 1972, resuming his university appointments as a Professor and Director of the Art Museum. He taught as a Visiting Professor at a number of schools, including the University of California, Arizona State University, St. Martin's School of Art in London, England, and Auckland University, New Zealand. In 1979 Van was named the Director of the Department of Photography at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, organizing many seminal exhibitions and catalogues, including Avant-Garde Photography in Germany 1919-1939 and Photography: A Facet of Modernism (with Diana Dupont). He remained in this post until his retirement in 1987 when he moved to Santa Fe. Van continued to lecture and stage exhibitions, until early this year, lecturing in the fields of art history, the history of photography and Mexican folk art. He also continued to write books one of which about painting in New Mexico will be published posthumously. As a recipient of many national and international awards, his eightieth birthday was celebrated publicly in Santa Fe and, despite his long absence from Kentucky, he was made an honorary Kentucky Colonel. Van is survived by his second wife Joan (née Gillberry) and by his daughter Browning Coke and son Sterling Coke, both of Albuquerque. His first wife Eleanor died in 1984. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 18 at 1:00 pm in Keller Hall in UNM's Center for the Arts. A retrospective exhibition of his work will be held concurrently at the University of New Mexico Art Museum. In lieu of flowers Van asked that donations be made to the: Van Deren Coke Graduate Scholarship Fund, Dept. of Art and Art History, MSCO4 2560, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Alb. NM 87102, 505-843-6333.
On December 1, 2002, Julia Black, known about Taos in the 1970’s for her Kit Carson Road gallery, died at the age of 65. At noon on August 1st her husband and children will gather in her memory at the Taos Gorge Bridge. All that knew and loved Julia are welcome.
Julia always looked back on her friends and experiences in Taos as some of the most rewarding, encompassing a period of deep personal and professional growth.
She is survived by her husband, William Ransom, her two children, Laura Black and Julie Black, and her grandchildren, Shannon Rousselot and Julio Torres.
Stella M. Vargas, 75, of Des Montes passed away on July 19, 2004 at Holy Cross Hospital after a lengthily illness. Stella worked for Funks 5 & 10 Cent Store on the Taos Plaza for over 20 years; she worked for the Taos County Road Department and ended her career working for Wal-Mart. Sigue en muerte a Su Padre, Francisco “Frank” Martinez y Su Madre, Dorotea Cisneros de Martínez. Stella is survived by her husband of 50 years, Gilbert C. Vargas of Des Montes and her children, Dorotea Martínez of Des Montes, Roger and Rose Mary of Des Montes, Carlos and Theresa also of Des Montes and Patsy Cordova and Nick Jaramillo of Arroyo Hondo. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, brothers and sisters, Felima and Dan Archuleta of El Prado, Domascio Martínez and Polly of Des Montes, Jenny Perego of Las Vegas, NV, Clora Gallegos of Brighton, CO, Cora and Luis Cárdenas of Questa, Consuelo Velásquez, Phyllis and Ernest Rael, Loretta Durán, Victoria Garcia, Jake and Marie Martinez, Lollie González, Theresa Martínez and Lola López all of Denver, CO.
Rosaries were recited on July 21, 2004 at Rivera Chapel and July 22, 2004 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Arroyo Seco. Funeral mass was held on July 23, 2004 at Holy Trinity Church. Interment was held at Arroyo Seco cemetery. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
