Mary Gloria Mascarenas
, - June 13, 2006
Mary Gloria Mascarenas, 61, passed away on June 13, 2006. She is survived by her children, Darnell, Gary, Susan and Raymond Mascarenas, mother, Teodora, sister and brothers, Eloy, Julie and Archie and many other relatives.
Rosary will be recited on Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 7 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Cerro. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, June 19, 2006 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Cerro with interment to follow at Cerro cemetery.
Sabinita Cordoba Arguello
June 13, 2006
Sabinita Cordoba Arguello, 93, of Ranchos de Taos passed on June 13, 2006. She is preceded in death by her parents, Juan Bautista and Francis P. Cordoba, daughter, Cornelia Garcia, infant daughter, Marcia Arguello, grandson, Michael Medina and great grandson, Marcos Brengman. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Fermin Arguello, children, Beatriz Gonzales (Juan), Lucia Medina (Teodoro), Maria Natividad Romo (Felipe), David Arguello (Trinidad), Carlos Arguello (Elena) and son in law, Reynaldo Garcia (Mary). She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Rosaries were recited on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at Rivera Chapel and on Friday, June 16, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral mass was held on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Interment was held at Valdez cemetery.
Dorothy "La Dot" Padilla
, - June 14, 2006
Dorothy "La Dot" C. Padilla, 55, of El Prado passed away on June 14, 2006. She is preceded in death by her father, Alberto Padilla, brother, Laudencio Padilla and sister, Stella Ruedemann. She is survived by her sons, Leroy Padilla (Sharon) and Michael Padilla (Trish) all of Taos, grandchildren, Lily Padilla, Mariah Voigt, Michael Padilla, Kristen Padilla, Andres Rivera, sisters and brother, Frances Espinoza (Billy), Alex and Mary Ann Padilla.
Rosary was recited on Sunday, June 18, 2006. Funeral mass was held on Monday, June 19, 2006. Both services were held at San Isidro Catholic Church in Los Cordovas. Interment was held at Dolores cemetery in Canon.
Ralph Aguilar
, - June 14, 2006
Ralph Aguilar, 42, of Ranchos de Taos passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2006. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Soledad Aguilar. He is survived by his fiancée, Tracy Klain, daughter, Lydia Campbell, mother, Arcelia Martinez (Pat) of Espanola, sisters and brothers, Annie Pacheco (David) of Rio Rancho, Nick Tafoya (Irene) of Talpa, Louisa Sanchez of Talpa, Phil Aguilar of Talpa, Mavilis Tafoya (Berlinda) of Espanola, Larry Tafoya of Talpa, step sister, Pauline Lucero, numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
Rosary was held on June 16, 2006 at Rivera Chapel. Funeral mass was held on June 17, 2006 at Talpa Capilla.
Geraldine Harvey
June 15, 2006
Geraldine DeCoteau Harvey passed away on June 15, 2006, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after having lived in Taos, New Mexico, for over 50 years. She was 17 days shy of her 90th birthday.
Geraldine was born on July 2, 1916, in Wisconsin to a Chippewa Algonquin father and an Oneida Iroquois mother. Whereas she grew up at Manitowish Waters, she later attended boarding schools as a youngster, such as Odanah and Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota. She then became one of the first Native American women to graduate from college, first obtaining a Bachelors of Arts degree from Sioux Falls College, and subsequently a Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin. In her professional life she taught elementary school, traveling to isolated regions of the United States--Menomenies (Wisconsin), Sioux (Montana), Oklahoma, Apaches, Sac and Fox, Cheyennes, and Pueblos (New Mexico)--to work with Native American children. Her methods were ahead of her time, and she believed in fully immersing her students in the educational experience.
Preceding retirement, she taught at Taos and in Tesuque, both communities with large Native American populations. Upon her retirement, a number of newspapers commented astutely that she would be "one tough act to follow."
She is survived by her well-known daughter, the flamenco dancer María Benítez, her son-in-law Cecilio Benítez, her grandson Francisco Benítez, her granddaughter-in-law, Anne Marcy-Benitez, and a large extended family including her first husband and father to her daughter, Josué E. Díaz.
Gathering of family and friends was held on September 09, 2006 at Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home, 818 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM, 505-758-3841. In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to Taos Day School, Drawer X, Taos, NM 87571, 505-758-3652.
Jose Melcor Sanchez
June 15, 2006
Jose Melcor Sanchez, 77, of Taos passed away on June 15, 2006. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo and Gomicinda Sanchez, sister, Anita Martinez. brother, Elizardo Sanchez and nephew, Paul Sanchez. He is survived by his sisters, Juanita and Julia Sanchez, brothers, Manuel, Aurelio (Bella) and Alberto Sanchez, nephews, nieces and other relatives.
Rosary was recited on June 19, 2006. Funeral mass was held on June 20, 2006. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment was held at Arroyo Seco cemetery.
Robert Charles Rothafel
, - June 15, 2006
Robert Charles (Ekos) Rothafel, born on March 31, 1944 in Los Angeles, CA passed away on June 15, 2006. He is survived by his many friends, daughters, Angelica Z. S. Rothafel and Rosezena R. Hodges and sisters, Robin Burrows and Roxanne Rothafel. Robert lived a rich, full life. He got to travel and see things many people only dream of. Robert (Ekos) was an active part of the hippie movement to Taos. He also drove the Questa and Taos ambulances for many years. His journey brought him back to Taos to be surrounded by all the people who loved him and to be in the place he loved most.
Memorial will be held on Sunday, July 02, 2006. Please call 751-1583 for information. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
Johnny Anthony Lucero
, - June 17, 2006
Johnny Anthony Lucero, 17, of Llano Largo passed away on June 17, 2006. He was a 2006 graduate of Penasco High School. He is survived by his parents, Albert & Gloria Lucero, sisters, Cheryl Lucero of Albuquerque and April Lucero of Penasco. He is survived by his grandparents, Ted & Alice Muniz of Llano Largo and George & Corina Lucero of El Valle, numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Rosary was recited on June 20, 2006. Funeral mass was held on June 21, 2006. Both services were held at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Penasco. Interment was held at Llano Largo cemetery.
Max Mondragon
June 21, 2006
Maximiano V. Mondragon, 89, of Llano Quemado passed away on June 21, 2006. He is preceded in death by his wife, Felonis Maria Mondragon, sons, Daniel & Bonifacio Mondragon, parents, Juan Bautista & Silveria Mondragon. He is survived by his children, Charlie Mondragon, Maxine Baca (Martin), Barbara Mondragon, Roberta Romero (Daniel) all from Llano Quemado. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, and many other relatives.
Rosary was recited on Sunday, June 25, 2006. Funeral mass was held on Monday, June 26, 2006. Both services were held at San Francisco de Asis Church. Interment was held at New Llano Quemado cemetery.
Abran E. Fernandez
June 24, 2006
Abran E. Fernandez, 69, of Taos passed away on June 24, 2006. He retired from the New Mexico State Corrections Department. He is a member LULAC, the Fraternal Order of Police, Vice President of the Farm Bureau and the Stockman's Cattleman's Association. He is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Teresita Fernandez and sister, Priscilla Fernandez. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lilly Fernandez, sons, Steve L. Romero of Espanola, Glen D. Romero (Teresa) of Taos, 2 grandchildren, Alyssa Romero of Albuquerque, Daniel Romero of Ranchos de Taos, his brothers Max Fernandez (Peggy), Herb Fernandez (Ida) both of Albuquerque, sisters, Viola Maes (Joe) of Albuquerque, Jennie Fernandez of Vadito and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Evening service was held on June 26, 2006 at the First Presbyterian Church in Taos. Funeral service was held on June 27, 2006 at the First Presbyterian Church. Interment followed at the Placita cemetery in Vadito.
Sophie Pacheco
, - June 25, 2006
Sophie Pacheco, 80, Local Ranchos de Taos Resident and Community Volunteer passed away on June 25, 2006.
On many occasions at the end of her life some would call her Doña Sophronia. A great honor bestowed upon an ordinary woman with an extraordinary heart. Little in her life was about what she accomplished for herself but about what she gave to others and how she could be of service. The elderly, the needy and the down in spirit were often the recipients of her amazing faith, generosity and goodwill.
Throughout her life she had a strong relationship with the Presbyterian Church. In particular the Ranchos de Taos Church, serving in many capacities, including board member and volunteer extraordinaire of the Loma Verde Summer Camp for children. In her later years she would devote herself tirelessly to Habitat for Humanity as a board member, fundraiser, and a hand with a hammer and a broom, working locally and in Mexico and Cuba. Even when immigrant rights and environmental conservation were not popular Sophie was in the forefront in her community finding resolution and educating those around her by example. She is known to many for her constant attention to conservation, and her daily bike rides to work. She was making and delivering meals, long before "Meals on Wheels" and always had someone she needed to visit with a smile and a prayer.
Over the past 20 years serving as sales clerk of Navajo Silver and recently The Covered Wagon - stores owned by her son and daughter–in law, George and Lyndee Cook - she was an ever pleasant greeter for those travelers seeking not only Native American crafts but local advice and stories given with a warm heart. She had a great affinity for the Hispanic and Native American cultures, understanding the importance of keeping those cultures vibrant and alive in this ever-present movement towards assimilation.
With her heart always in Taos, even when she left to reside elsewhere she always returned, as she has once more. Born and raised in the then small villages of Ranchitos and Ranchos de Taos, to Ramoncita Vialpando Pacheco and Manuel Lauro Pacheco, on April 14th 1926. She was one of six sisters & four brothers with only the oldest and youngest sisters, Juanita Isabel Garcia of Ranchos de Taos and Maria Laura Riddle, of Hartsville, PA. surviving.
From her first marriage to Gaines Allen Cook, daughter Catherine Cook Gerry and her son, of Stone Ridge, NY and son George Allen Cook and his five children of Albuquerque, NM, survive her. David Cook, a second son from her marriage to Mr. Cook, died at the young age of three of accidental causes. She missed him dearly. From her second marriage to Tito Martinez, an only son Arthur Martinez and his life long partner Cathy Baca survive her. Many nieces and nephews also survive her.
For those who knew and loved her, the last six months of her life were a gift of love and support for all as she struggled with bone cancer. She can now rest in peace as she has gone home. Ahora está en paz al lado de Dios.
Evening service was held on, June 28, 2006 at Rivera Chapel in Taos. Funeral service was held on June 29, 2006 at Ranchos Presbyterian Church. Interment was held at Descanso cemetery.
Elevinio Espinoza
, - July 2, 2006
Elevinio Espinoza, 58, of Albuquerque and formerly of Valdez passed away on July 02, 2006. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marcos and Clorinda Espinoza and brother, Manuel Espinoza. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Elias Espinoza (Connie), Eloy Espinoza (Marcella), Archie Espinoza, Dolores Pacheco, Estella Casias, many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Rosaries were recited on July 04, 2006 at Rivera Chapel in Taos and on July 05, 2006 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Arroyo Seco. Funeral mass was held on July 06, 2006 at San Antonio Catholic Church in Valdez. Interment was held at San Antonio cemetery in Valdez.
Jay Allen Tuft
, - July 3, 2006
Jay Allen Tuft, 52, of Angel Fire went to be with the Lord on July 03, 2006, the result of a one car accident. Born September 24, 1953 in San Bernardino, California to Robert and Marjorie Tuft, Jay was a graduate of Northwest Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He served in the U.S. Forest Service in California before moving to New Mexico in the early 1980's. He loved to ski and worked as an instructor at Red River Ski Area during winter months while building log homes in the summer, eventually founding Tuft Construction Company after moving to Angel Fire. He was an avid
golfer. He married
Judy Mellas, the love of his life in 1989. The couple soon became vital members of their churches Faith Mountain Fellowship Church of Red River and later Angel Fire Four Square Church. They overcame physical challenges with kidney failures, diabetes and several organ transplants and served the Lord in Africa, in teaching ministries and in nursing home assistance. He is survived by his wife Judy Tuft of Angel Fire, a son Beau Tuft of San Marcos, Texas, parents Robert and Marjorie Tuft of Coquille, Oregon, brother and sister-in-law Richard and Heather Tuft and brother Dale Tuft of Auburn, California, stepson and daughter-in-law Homer and Cara Mellas, granddaughter Taylor Mellas, father and mother-in-law John and Clara Schmidt, sister-in-law Sherrie Lacey and nephew Phillip Saxon.
Memorial Services were held on July 06, 2006 at Faith Mountain Fellowship Church, 100 So. Copper King Trail, Red River, N.M.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the National Diabetes Association.
