David Chavez, 36, a resident of Los Chavez, died on Tuesday evening, Sept. 28.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dominica C. Chavez. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruby Chavez; his children, Tanya Chavez, David Chavez, Daniel Chavez, Mikey Hoselton, and Tamara Chavez; his step-children, Phillip Lopez and Emilia Padilla; his grandchildren, Hannah Lopez and Phillip Lopez III; his father, Simon Chavez; his brothers and sisters, Lena Marquez and husband Rudy, Simon L. Chavez, Laurene Gurule, Lillian Gurule and husband Clarence, Sandra Gurule and husband Anthony, Joylene Chavez and Barbara Chavez.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Rudy, Roman, Reyes, Necole, Tracy, Brenda, Dominic, Jackie, Angela, Carlos, Melody, Joseph, Elijah, Julian, DesiRae, Charlie David, and Jessie Summer; his great-nephews, Matthew, Marcos, Paul and Daniel; his great-nieces, Samantha and Dana; his father-in-law, Fred Salazar and wife Carmen; his mother-in-law, Maryann Alderete; and his many aunts, uncles and very close friends.

A visitation was held Thursday, Sept. 30, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Los Chavez followed by a rosary. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, Oct. 1, at Our Lady of Guadalupe with Father David Gallegos officiating. Burial followed in the Our Lady of Belen Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers were his nephews, Phillip Lopez and Rodney Baldonado. Honorary pallbearers will be his nieces and Emilia Padilla. Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Home in Belen.
 
 

Lt. Cdr. Glen Graham 
1925-1999

Lt. Cdr. Glen Graham died in his sleep at home during the early morning hours of Tuesday, Nov. 2. His wife of 48 years, Raynell, and his only child, Beverly, were with him at the time of his death.

He was born in Albuquerque on Oct. 8, 1925, and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1943 with highest honors. He developed an early love of flying and learned to fly as a youngster on the dirt runways of New Mexico.

Upon enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he was accepted into officer's candidate school from which he graduated as the youngest ensign in the Navy. While training as an aviator, he attended Ohio State University.

As a naval aviator, Glen accumulated over 75,000 hours. He also served as a flight instructor including on aircraft carriers. During his career, he survived two crashes. He crashed in the Florida Everglades and was rescued three days later. He also crashed in the Pacific while flying a helicopter in 1958.

After serving in World War II, Glen volunteered after the request of the American Zionist Council to help train the new Israeli air force. In 1948, Israel gained its independence and the country came under immediate attack from Arab forces, especially Egypt. Since Israel had no air force of its own, it requested pilots to volunteer, create, train and develop an Israeli Air Force. Glen responded to the request. During this time, he was awarded Israel's highest honors available to a non-national from Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. This was the result of the destruction of approximately 30 Egyptian tanks on the road to Jerusalem from Bethlehem. He acted as the sole bombing pilot on this road.

Glen's career included serving on the major staff of war planning under Admiral Joy in the Korean Conflict. Glen flew many combat missions from his base at Osaki, Japan. Due to his valor, bravery and success, he received many decorations from the U.S. Navy.

Glen retired from the Navy Reserve in 1970. He became an engineer for Rockwell International. He served as a site manager for a satellite communications center under wartime conditions. His wife was by his side and even helped treat wounded rebels and Ethiopian soldiers. His daughter Beverly was able to visit her parents before being evacuated in 1976. Beverly is a 1975 graduate of Belen High School.

In 1977, Glen became the site manager of the Imperial Navy Technical School in Bandar Pahlavi, Iran. He served there until the Iranian revolution.

That year, he returned to the U.S. and lived with his family in Galveston, Texas, and later in Dallas. He continued to work in the defense communications industry until his retirement in 1987.

Eventually, he was able to return with his family to his beloved blue skies of New Mexico. He was a resident of El Vado Lake community since July, 1998.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 inseparable years, Raynell Graham, also of El Vado Lake community. She is a Lupus victim and Glen loved, supported and helped her since her diagnosis. He is also survived by his daughter, Beverly Graham, of El Vado Lake Communities; his sisters, Louise Graham Hastings of Chama, Marilyn Morrison and Sandra Williams, both of Heron Lake; and his brother, Robert Graham of Chula Vista, Calif.

Glen's mother, Minnie, predeceased him in 1997, and his father in 1985. Both parents lived in Peralta for more than 50 years.

He had many interests and was an avid reader. He was also a member of the Humane Society.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, at Romero Funeral Home.
 

Norman Grany Kasten Jr. 
1962-1999

Mr. Norman G. Kasten Jr. died Tuesday, Nov. 2, after a long illness. He was born Feb. 25, 1962, in Tucson, Ariz. In October, 1989, he married Angela Gilmore and they moved to New Mexico in 1992. Mr. Kasten has been a resident of Los Lunas since 1995 and was employed as a sales manager at Enchantment Tire Company. He took care of his family and loved being in the woods logging.

Norman G. Kasten Jr. is survived by his wife, Angela Kasten, of the family home in Los Lunas; his children, Tara LaReigh Kasten, Mystery Norelle Kasten, Amber Nicole Mullen, Amanda Elizabeth Mullen, and Bryan Christopher Mullen; his father, Norman G. Kasten of Showlow, Ariz.; his sisters, Sharon McNeil of Showlow and Judy Thompson and her husband, Joe, of Madison, S.D. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gracie Kasten, in 1995.

Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 5, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Los Lunas with Bishop Tim Jones officiating. Interment followed at the Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen.

Pallbearers were Joseph Jaramillo, Joe Joe Jaramillo, Rick Parker, Anthony Gilmore, Terry Gilmore and Justin Irwin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Society at 201 Eubank NE, Suite B2, Albuquerque 87123. Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Care Center of Los Lunas.
 

Marina "Mary" Peralta 
1910-1999

Marina "Mary" Peralta, 89, passed into eternal rest on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the Belen Sunbridge Nursing Home where she had resided for the last 10 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alejandro Peralta; her parents, Francisco and Cresenseana Sanchez; a sister, Cleotilde Tafoya; and three brothers, Adolfo, Rumaldo, and Celedon Sanchez.

She is survived by a sister, Lucy Chavez and her husband, Ted, of Albuquerque; her brothers, Alfredo Sanchez and his wife, Bennie, Jose Sanchez and his wife, Elia, Ernest Sanchez and his wife, Libby, and Sam Sanchez and his wife, June, all of Belen; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. that afternoon in the Santa Fe National Cemetery, where Mrs. Peralta will be laid to rest beside her husband. Cremation arrangements by the Sunrise Society of New Mexico.
 

Leo Vetter 
1935-1999

Leo Vetter, 64, died at his home on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Emma Vetter, and his sister, Lorraine. He is survived by his sisters, Alvina Raymond and her husband Robert, and Gunhild Vetter; one niece and one nephew.

He enjoyed life and always had a smile for everyone.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8, at the First Assembly of God, 275 N. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms. Direct Funeral Services, 2919 Fourth NW in Albuquerque, was in charge of arrangements.
 

Nona (Winona Joy Corley) Watson 
1931-1999

Nona Watson, the former Winona Joy Corley, 67, a retired educator and counselor, died on Friday, Oct. 29, in Escondido, Calif.

Nona worked for more than 20 years with the Bloomfield School District. She was born on Nov. 19, 1931, in Albuquerque.

Survivors include her husband, Cliff; ex-husband, Lee; sons, Danny, Joe and Tim; a daughter, Cricket (Ann); and six grandchildren, Toby, Samantha, Jessie, Kimiyo, Joey and Jeremiah.

A tribute will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at the First United Methodist Church in Belen. McLeod Mortuary in Escondido, Calif., is in charge of arrangements.
 
 

Maynard Bowman 
1911-2000

Maynard Bowman, 88, a resident of Los Lunas, died on Sunday, Feb. 27. Maynard was born in Colonia Juarez, Mexico, on March 8, 1911. He was the son of Henry Eyring Bowman and Wilhelmina Walser Bowman.

Maynard served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the 1930s and also in World War II. He retired from the NCR Company after 27 years of dedicated service.

Maynard was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Euleta Rumley. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Mary; his 10 children, Marjorie Ellis and her husband, Allen; Lucy Greene and her husband, Don; Toby Lamoreaux and her husband, Keith; Mary Frances Watson; Frank Busch and his wife, Susan; Fred Busch and his wife, Debbie; Gary Bowman and his wife, Brenda; Bruce Bowman and his wife, Suzy; and Edward R. Osborne and his wife, Kathy; 38 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Maynard is also survived by his son-in-law, Clyde Rumley.

A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, March 3, followed by a funeral service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Los Lunas. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main in Belen, is in charge of arrangements.
 
 

Estella G. Abeyta 
1909-2000

Estella G. Abeyta, 90, a resident of Los Lunas, died peacefully at home in the arms of her loving family on Tuesday, March 7.

Mrs. Abeyta is the beloved mother of five daughters, Frances Padilla, Dorothy Abeyta, Mary Montoya and husband Rudy, Nellie Padilla, and Victoria Sierra and John Sierra Sr.; one son, Triny Montoya and wife, Ramona; her brother, Severo Gonzalez and wife Betty; 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mrs. Abeyta was a member of the Catholic Church.

A rosary was recited Thursday, March 9, in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel with visitation afterward. Roberto Montoya and Margie Ulibarri recited. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Friday, March 10, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta with Father Albert Gallegos as celebrant. Interment followed in the Chavez Cemetery.

Pallbearers were John Sierra Jr., Robert Montoya, John Sierra Sr., Leroy Padilla, Aaron Padilla, James Gallegos. Honorary pallbearer was Kenneth Rivera. Gabaldon Mortuary in Albuquerque was in charge of arrangements.

Juanita Chavez 
1924-2000

Juanita Chavez, 77, a resident of Belen, died peacefully in her sleep, on Wednesday, March 8. She was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church in which she held a very strong faith. 

Juanita was retired from the Belen Public Schools after 17 years. She was a great strength and inspiration, not only to her family, but also to all her many dear friends. Juanita was also an avid bingo player. 

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Chavez; her parents, Antonio and Doloritas Valencia; her brothers and sisters, Salomon, Gabriel and Librado Valencia, Concha and Sara Sanchez and Doloritas Apadoca. She survived by her loving children, Polly Gabaldon and her husband, Nick; Margaret Gabaldon and her husband, Danny; Lucille Aragon and her husband, Richard; Jeanette Urtiaga and her husband, Cuco; Lawrence Chavez and his wife, Vicky; and her grandchildren, Chris Aragon, Jennifer Aragon, Val Gabaldon, Lawrence Chavez II, Beverly Chavez, Richard Jaramillo and Eva Agnew. 

A viewing was held on Friday, March 10, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church followed by a rosary at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Saturday, March 11, also at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Internment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Lawrence Chavez II, Richard Jaramillo, Mariano Valencia, Christopher "Paul" Aragon, Sam Tapia, and Peter Garcia. Honorary Pallbearer will be Gilbert Chavez. Romero Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Kyle Dillard Jr.
 

1920-2000

Kyle Dillard Jr., 79, a resident of Belen, died on Wednesday, March 8. He was born in Breckenridge, Texas, in 1920. Kyle was a member of the Golf Road Church of Christ in Belen. He retired from New Mexico Tech in 1986. Kyle fought in World War II.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Dorothy "Dot"; his children, Jan House and Denese Auge and her husband, Ed; a son, Kyle III; grandchildren Jeff House and his wife, Rebecca, Steven House, Carrie Auge, David Auge, and Melissa Auge, all of Belen, and Bradley Dillard of San Diego, Calif.; and a nephew, Curtis DuPriest of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by many special friends.

A memorial service was held Friday, March 10, at the Golf Road Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Golf Road Church of Christ. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main in Belen, is in charge of arrangements.

Rachel Sunshine Edgington
 

1919-2000

Rachel Sunshine Edgington, 82, a resident of Albuquerque and formerly of Belen, died on Wednesday, March 8. She was a member of the Church of God. Rachel was a charter member of the PTA for the Belen schools. She was very instrumental in starting the first hot lunch program for the Belen Schools. 

Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, L.E.; her parents, John and Ruby Bernett; her sister, Sylvia Baker; one brother, Albert (Barney) Bernett; son-in-law, Dennis Okamuro. 

She survived by her daughter, Shirley Okamuro of Albuquerque; her son, Jim of South Dakota; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; her two brothers, Ed Bernett and his wife, Louise of Jarales, and Erick Bernett and his wife, Lodema of Bonham, Texas. She is also survived by her many loving nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, at the Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main Street, is in charge of arrangements. 

Elias R. Maez
 

1899-2000

Elias R. Maez, 100, a lifetime resident of Valencia, peacefully died on Friday, March 10, surrounded by his family. 

Elias was one of eight children born to Manuel and Emilia Maez. During his lifetime he was a farmer and rancher. He eventually retired from the Santa Fe railroad in 1966. 

His hobbies were traveling, gardening, visiting, and enjoying his time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Elias was a generous and proud man who gave to his community, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Estella Apodaca Maez of 50 years in 1971; his two sons, Polo Maez in 1978 and Manuel Maez in 1951; one daughter, Mercy Sena in 1978; his son-in-law, Archie Vigil in 1981; one grandson, Albert Sanchez in 1968; as well as four angel babies. 

Elias is survived by his seven loving children, Delicia "Dellie" Sanchez and her husband, Johnny; Dolores "Dodie" Sanchez and her husband, Modesto; Martha Moya and her husband, Salomon; sons, Gilbert Maez and his wife, Lita; and Elias "Lejoe" Maez Jr. and his wife, Patsy; his daughter-in-law, Arcida McQuinn, 35 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; and his two sisters, Lucinda Apodoca and Cecilia Sanchez.

A viewing will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, at the Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Monday, March 13, also at the Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Valencia cemetery. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. in Belen. 

Albert Olguin
 

1925-2000

Former County Commissioner Albert Olguin of Peralta and a longtime resident of Valencia County began a new journey on March 10. He was born on Dec. 9, 1925, and preceded in death by his brothers, Eugenio and Fidel Olguin.

Albert is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth Olguin of the family home in Peralta; eight children, Ronald and wife, Patsy, Carl and wife, Anna, and Robert and wife, Maxine, all of Peralta, Debbie and husband, Norbert Gabaldon, of Albuquerque, Bryan and wife, Gabby, of Peralta, Karen and husband Paul Viramontes of Farmington, Renee and husband, Billy Bouma, and David Olguin, all of Albuquerque; 17 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He devoted his energy and persevered to improve the quality of life for people in Valencia County through his philanthropic efforts and civic duties at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, over 20 years at Peralta Elementary’s Halloween carnival, the community action program and as a Little League coach. He was a veteran of the Korean War.

His spiritual energy will remain with family and members of the community to continue his promotion for change and personal growth, his family wrote.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Ernest Olguin, Robert Olguin Jr., Norbert Gabaldon Jr., Mark Olguin, Matt Olguin, Paul Ricco Gabaldon.

Viewing will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 12, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta followed by a rosary at 6 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday, March 13 at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Interment will take place at the Valencia Catholic Cemetery. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main in Belen, is in charge of arrangements.

Gaynell Lynette 
 

Wright-Gonzales

1959-2000

Gaynell Lynette Wright-Gonzales, 40, a resident of Aurora, Calif., on Saturday, March 4. She is survived by her husband, Ricardo; her two children Janae' and Regena Williams; her mother Bettie Jean Wright of Belen; her brothers and sisters; Richard Fisher, of Albuquerque; Billy F. Wright and his wife, Kim of Yakima, Wash.; Dylan D. Wright; Kevin F. Wright; Beverly Jenkins and her husband Dwain; and Veda Wright, all of Anchorage, Alaska. 

Gaynell is survived by her many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Visitation is being held on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pipkin Chapel of Peace in Denver, CO. 

A visitation was held on Friday, March 10, at Romero Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 11, also at Romero Funeral Home with Reverend Milford Misener officiating. 

Interment will take place in the Terrace Grove Cemetery. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.
 

Jerry Leo Baca
1947-2003

Jerry Leo Baca, 56, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, and formerly of Belen, passed away on June 9.

Jerry was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. He was a 1965 graduate of Belen High School. Jerry attended Highlands University and went on to volunteer for the U.S. Army with the 4th Armored Division from 1966-1969.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leo G. Baca in 1975, and his uncle, Philip A. Barajas in 1999.

Jerry is survived by his mother, Gloria G. Baca of Belen; his sister, Loretta (Jan) Jeffries of Anchorage; his niece, Mary Margaret Camden-Sanchez and her husband, Tony, of Los Angeles, Calif.; one aunt, Rachel Barajas of Albuquerque; two great nephews; and one great niece.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, followed by a funeral Mass being celebrated at 10 a.m., with Deacon Norbert Sanchez officiating.

Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen.

 

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