BENZ, LYLE Age 90, passed away peacefully at home among family, in Estancia, New Mexico, on January 18, 2013. Born October 1, 1922, to John and Mary Benz of Expansion, North Dakota, his early years on the family farm began a lifetime of adventure. In 1944, he married his childhood sweetheart, Grace Jensen, of Hazen North Dakota. Their sixty-six year marriage took them and their seven children around the world. His early interest in flying became a lifelong passion for aviation. He flew as a commercial airline pilot, established an airport in Hazen, North Dakota, in the early years of American aviation, and as an Air Force pilot was a veteran of three wars. While in the Air Force he flew 262 missions in the Korean War, being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three air medals. The course of his military career took him through many assignments all over the world including Asia, Europe, and Africa. From the rebuilding of the Kawasaki aircraft factory in Japan to arctic rescue missions, he welcomed every challenge and new adventure. Retiring from aviation, Lyle returned to New Mexico with his family where he established an alfalfa farm in the Estancia Valley and pursued oil and gas exploration and drilling, while his wife Grace opened the Fabric Shop. In his last year, his enthusiasm for the outdoors and love of fishing took him on a 90-day, 9,000-mile fishing adventure through Alaska with his grandson Nick. He was preceded in death by his wife Grace Jensen Benz; daughter Linda Marie Benz; brother Milton Benz; and sister Marvel Foss. He is survived by brothers John Benz and Gordon Benz, and sister Pauline Townsend. He is also survived by daughters Judith Tamm, Rebecca (John Hinte) Benz, Teresa (Steve) Lockwood, and sons Jason (Christina) Benz, Neal (Carol) Benz, and Curtis (Linda) Benz, & many grandchildren & great-grandchildren. As his grandson Justin said, “There are not enough adjectives to describe my Grandpa. In short, he served our country, was a great father, grandfather and great-grandpa.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Enchantment Legacy, P.O. Box 697, Estancia, NM, 87016.

View Full Notice → Obituary for BENZ

BROOKE, JAMIE E. (MCREE) born 9-1-1921, Ft. Sumner, New Mexico, died Jan 18, 2013 in Friona, Texas at the Prairie Acres Nursing Home. At her side was her beloved daughter Susan Brooke of Belen, N.M, and devoted friend, Laura Garcia of Placitas, N.M. She graduated from Ft. Sumner High School and then became the DeBaca County Court House Clerk. She married Jerome (Jerry) Brooke, also of Ft. Sumner, N.M. Ms. Brooke retired as a Hospital Administrator in Idaho Falls, Idaho. There upon returning to New Mexico where she resided in Placitas, New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Bess and James Paul McRee of Ft. Sumner; husband, Jerry Brooke of Idaho Falls, Idaho; daughter Cathie P. Scott of Albuquerque, N.M.; and sister-in-law, Phyllis McRee of Ft. Sumner, N.M. She is survived by her daughter Susan Brooke, Belen, N.M.; son-in-law John Kynor Sr, Belen, N.M.; beloved brother Frank McRee, of Ft. Sumner, N.M., Lisa Walraven, Mikki Dimitrosf, both of Ft.Sumner, N.M. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Blackwell-Mullins of Friona, Texas. Jamie will remain in our heart FOREVER.

View Full Notice → Obituary for BROOKE

KLECAN, JANE FERGUSON passed away peacefully early Saturday morning at the age of 91. Jane was preceded in death by her husband Eugene, her daughter JoAnne and her brother George Ferguson. Jane is survived by eight children, Eugene and wife Darlene of Lake Oswego, Or.; George of Fort Worth; Mary of Fort Collins, Co.; Jack and wife Kathy of Phoenix; Mark and wife Patte of Albuquerque; Janet Santillanes and husband Abraham of Albuquerque; Dan and wife Debbie of Edgewood; and Rick and wife Sharon of Tucson. Jane is also survived by her 13 grandchildren – Greg Klecan, Nell Fahey, Matthew Klecan, David Klecan, Casey Klecan, Molly Klecan, Tammy Greasby, Laura Schmidt, Amanda Klecan, Genevieve Santillanes, Olivia Neidhardt, Alexander Santillanes and Hannah Klecan – and by her nine great-grandchildren – John, Monica and James Klecan; Ella, Ian and Allie Fahey; Adler and Liam Schmidt; and Madeleine Neidhardt. Jane was born in Kansas City, Missouri on July 8, 1921. In 1929, her family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she graduated from Shorewood High School in 1939. She attended Marian College in Indianapolis, Indiana. After Pearl Harbor, her father was called to Washington, DC to work in the War Department, her brother was reported as a prisoner of war and Jane moved to Chicago to stay with her mother. (Her brother George’s life from 1941 to his death in 1945 was chronicled in the best seller “Conduct Under Fire” by John Glusman). In 1942 she married Eugene Klecan in Arlington, Va. During his years in the Navy, they lived in Newport, R.I., Jacksonville, Fl. and Wilmington, Ca. After the war they settled in Kansas City, Missouri where her husband taught at Rockhurst College. In 1953, they moved to Albuquerque where her husband started a law firm. They were honored as Catholic Family of the Year in 1960. They were co-founders of the Christian Family Movement and active in Cana and Pre-Cana lecturing. Jane was a member of St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary where she started the Candy Striper program. She was a charter member of Casa Angelica Auxiliary, its first Vice-President and the Publicity Director for several years. She was President of Loreto Enterprises, a property management company she and her husband founded. Jane was an avid, expert, bridge player, playing weekly until shortly before her death. She was a voracious reader with wide-ranging interests in history, biography, politics & literature. Throughout her life, Jane kept up with diverse interests and activities through the pursuits of her children and grandchildren. Jane’s Catholic faith was a huge part of her life and her family. The family wishes to express our deep appreciation to Ron Kempton and Leta Himes for their long time devotion to their mother. The family also greatly appreciates the care Dr. Carla Herman gave their mother. Rosary will be recited at FRENCH – University, on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at 7 PM. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Nativity Church, 9502 4th St. NW on Wednesday, January 30th, at 9:00 AM, followed by a burial service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Please visit our online guestbook for Jane at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333

View Full Notice → Obituary for KLECAN

POMPEO, BETTY LOU WILTON Was born December 15, 1926 in Fort Smith, AR. She was the daughter of Anna Elizabeth Keener and Louis Raymond Wilton. After a lengthy bout with emphysema and COPD, Betty Lou passed away on January 22, 2013 at the age of 86. Betty Lou was actively interested in music, drama, and art since early school days. She majored in Music and Arts at Eastern New Mexico University, however transferred and graduated in the “Top 10″ of her class of the University of New Mexico in 1947. With music as her passion, she went to New York for further vocal training over a seven year period. She took finishing lessons in Italy specializing as a dramatic soprano, singing several leading roles. Betty Lou also represented the United States at the International Flower Exhibition in Italy. She was a member of many professional societies and organizations such as Kappa Delta Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota, Pioneer, Silver Key, and Euterpean. She was employed by Santa Fe City Schools as an art teacher for junior high school students. Betty Lou also possessed a great love of fashion design and was a very talented seamstress. She spoke French and German, however was particularly fluent in Italian, which lended to her affinity for singing opera. Her mother, Anna E. Keener, was a prominent Southwest artist and educator, and Betty Lou spent much of her growing years in Taos and Gallup, NM, and enjoyed her vacations at their summer home in Cabresto Canyon. Betty Lou married Ernest Pompeo in Taos, NM on December 22, 1954, sharing a common interest in gardening at their Cadiz Road home in Santa Fe. The Pompeos had always shared a keen interest in sports, both as spectators and participants, by attending many regional football and basketball games. They also enjoyed fishing and riding horses at their mountain home, as well as frequented Coronado Lanes in several bowling leagues. Betty Lou was a majority member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and received the Grand Cross of Color, the highest honor a Rainbow girl can achieve. While raising her daughter, she not only served as a board member for Santa Fe Assembly #10, but also served as a Room Mother for her daughter’s classes. Betty Lou is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ernest Pompeo; her daughter, Tsenre Deveraux; son-in-law, Michael Deveraux; and granddaughters, Amber and Lauren Deveraux. Her twin sister was Lou Ann Wilton Hunt. She is also survived by cousin, Robert Linville and his daughters, Linda and Vickie; and niece, Baxanne Doyle and her sons, Kory and Kelly. Betty Lou and Ernest lived in Santa Fe since 1954 and relocated to Albuquerque in June of 2000 to be closer to their daughter and her family. Graveside services for Betty Lou will be held Tuesday, January 29, 2013, 1:30 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rainbow Girls Foundation of New Mexico, 9820 Signal Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. Please visit our online guestbook for Betty Lou at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400

View Full Notice → Obituary for POMPEO

SNOWDEN, DANNY W. Age 66, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully Friday, January 25, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Frances E. Snowden; daughters, Laurie A. Stull of Belen, NM, Tammy L. Snowden-Morris and husband Matt, Candice N. Bethoney and husband Anthony; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends. Mr. Snowden was preceded in death by his parents, Burl and Mary Bess Snowden. He served our country in the United States Air Force for 26 years before retiring. Danny was a member of Mountainside Church of Christ. Services will be held at Mountainside Church of Christ, please call the family for more information. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ballut Abyad Shrine Childrens Hospital Fund, 2900 Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL, 33607, 1-800-241-GIFT. Please visit our online guest book for Danny at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500

View Full Notice → Obituary for SNOWDEN

VIVIANI, RICHARD A. passed away on January 24, 2013 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born on July 9, 1955 to Henry J. and Edna M. Viviani. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Henry J. (Bud) Viviani, Jr. Richard is survived by his sister Diana Barasch and husband Guy; brother Thomas P. Viviani and wife Claire; a niece, and several nephews. Richard will always be remembered as good man with a kind and gentle spirit. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.

View Full Notice → Obituary for VIVIANI

View Full Notice → Kathryn Kroshus

LLOYD, JOHN H. age 82, passed away January 26, 2013. He was born March 3, 1930 in Oak Park, Illinois. John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Pauline Lloyd, & his brother, Donald Lloyd. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Lora; brothers, Phillip Lloyd and Edward Lloyd, and sister, Geraldine Rogers; sons, David Lloyd, Robert Lloyd, Gerald Lloyd and his wife, Joni; daughters, Katherine Savage and husband, Robert, Amy Poland and husband, John; grandsons, Jeremy Carter, Gabriel Carter, Judd Lloyd, Jonathan Lloyd and Caleb Birkhauser; granddaughters, Trinity Carter, Jennifer Cary and Haley Birkhauser; step granddaughter, Krista Savage; great grandchildren, Ella Carter, Caleb Carter, Silas Carter and Amari Carter, and longtime friend of the family, Rex Wilson. John was employed at Sandia National Laboratories as an associate engineer for thirty-six years. He was educated at Rockhurst College and Central Technical Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a lifelong Roman Catholic and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was a man who adored babies and little children, wept at beautiful music, grew gorgeous roses, and delicious tomatoes. There will be a Memorial Service at Wednesday, January 30, 2013, 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, January 31, 2013, 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, 2621 Vermont NE with internment at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. John’s life’s work and deepest passion was his family. Dad we miss you so. Heaven is so much richer. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation at www.mhopus.org/ Please visit our online guestbook for John at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500

View Full Notice → Obituary for LLOYD

GERGEL, JENNIE Age 76, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2013. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920

View Full Notice → Obituary for GERGEL

GRAHAM, CHARLES &Quot;JOE&Quot; passed from our world on 23 Jan 13. Joe’s sense of humor will be missed as much as his kind and generous nature. He leaves his beloved wife Lynne; his ever loved children Craig, Meagan, and Kiley; sister Carol; and hundreds of friends who will greatly miss him. An Irish wake will be held in memorial at Howies Sports Page on 09 Feb starting at 1:00 pm at his wish. In lieu of flowers send donations to the American Heart Assn.

View Full Notice → Obituary for GRAHAM

KEAHEY, VERA ELLEN age 82, joined the Lord on January 26, 2013. She was born March 7, 1930 in Raton, NM. Vera is survived by three children and ten grandchildren: son John and his wife Carla, their three children, Carrie, Drew and Colin; daughter Linda and her husband Bob Oberdorfer and their children, Danielle, Nicole, Matthew and Marisa; and son Robert and his children, Tamara, Craig and Eric. She was preceded in death by her husband John; daughter Laura; sister Gladys Rupert; and brothers Don and Marshall Quackenbush. Vera was truly and dearly loved and will be forever missed by family and friends, who were blessed to experience her many gifts, including her kindness, compassion, strength, and love. She was a wonderful and special daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She truly saw -and brought out- the best in everyone with her beautiful heart and non-judgmental spirit. She loved the Lord and was a long-time member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, Feb. 2nd at St. Andrew, 5301 Ponderosa Ave. NE, Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Albuquerque Rescue Mission, 525 2nd SW, 87102.

View Full Notice → Obituary for KEAHEY

CANDELARIA-NAVARRETE, MARY LOURDES Mary, was a resident of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on January 10, 2013 after a long battle with an illness. She was born in Albuquerque, NM on August 5, 1945 to Pedro Candelaria and Juanita Montoya. She was preceded in death by both her parents and her brother Refugio Hernandez. She is survived by her children, Dennis Crawford- Navarrete and his wife Karen of Los Lunas, NM, Suzanne Rampe- Kielbasinski and her husband Salwek of Hermosa Beach, CA, Benjamin Navarrete of Las Vegas, NV, Dolores Navarrete-Nelson and her husband Jerry of Los Lunas, NM, Juanita (Nita) Navarrete of Henderson, NV. Also surviving are two sisters, Lupe Sandoval, Lorraine Apodaca and her husband Ben, both of Albuquerque, NM; three surviving brothers, Robert Paul Candelaria and his wife Concepcion of Los Lunas, NM, Primitivo Montoya and his wife Eppie and Ruben Montoya, both of Albuquerque, NM. Mary was blessed with seven grandchildren & seven great-grandchildren. Mary also had an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. While living in Albuquerque, Mary was part of the Foothill congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and The Anthem congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Henderson, Nevada. Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Crematory on February 2, 2013 at 10:00 am.

View Full Notice → Obituary for CANDELARIA-NAVARRETE

MATTHEWS, PHYLLIS TERRY With sorrow at our loss but with joy at the gain that her faith assured her, the family of Phyllis Terry Matthews wishes to inform you that, on January 17, 2013, Phyllis left this earthly realm. Phyllis was born in Julesburg, Co., to Thomas C. and Esther Frederick Terry. She grew up near Alliance, NE, then lived in Julesburg, CO and Huntley, WY, where she attended high school. Living through the roaring 20′s and drought and depression 30′s did not prevent Phyllis from becoming a precocious, intelligent, vivacious and beautiful teenager; an outstanding basketball player and accomplished musician and a scholar. She received a scholarship to UW in Laramie, and studied literature and psychology. Illness interrupted her education, in her fourth year. Returning to Huntley, she met and married a fresh-faced, charming, farm boy-from-Maxwell/CSU Graduate and now teacher/coach at Huntley High School, Glenn Matthews. Glenn taught and coached and they welcomed their first child, Terry in 1942. They then moved to Glenn’s hometown of Maxwell, NM, where he taught and coached. Their second son, Gary, was born in 1943. In 1944, Glenn entered the Navy and served 2 1/2 years during WW II. Returning to Maxwell, He left education to become a farmer and rancher with his father. Their third child, Mary Lynn, was born in 1948 and Janette, was born in 1952. They then moved into the house on Tinaja Avenue, which they shared for the next 44 years, and where Phyllis lived for the majority of her remaining 72 years. Phyllis was the quintessential stay-at-home homemaker. The challenges of a small, rural town, she met with patience, grace and determination. She was a fantastic cook and an accomplished seamstress, creating most of her young children’s clothes. She nurtured a love of learning in her children, and encouraged participation in Cub Scouts, 4-H, music lessons and sports. She was a member of the Maxwell Methodist Church, and taught Sunday School. She was on the Maxwell School Board, in the Home Demonstration Club and member of the weekly Bridge Club. In the Order of the Eastern Star, she became Worthy Matron. With the children gone, and at the age of 60, she became a farmhand with Glenn, operating equipment and “bunking out” at the farm during irrigation and haying. She relished the role of grandmother beyond any other, and welcomed 13 grandchildren to their lives. During these years, Phyllis began her “seeking years”, exploring her faith in greater depth. In 1993 she fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a writer, and prepared a column, “Soul Thoughts”, for the Springer Tribune, in which she shared her thoughts on life, family and her faith. Glenn succumbed to cancer in 1994, and though it created a void in her life, even at 74, she began to explore new opportunities. She traveled to Great Britain and took a cruise up the NE U.S. coastline. She immersed herself in the study of the Bible and in her service to the (now) United Methodist Church, expanding her involvement in the U M W and the N M Annual Conference, and sharing her faith and wisdom with a whole new generation of her faith family. In 2006, Phyllis was selected to receive the Living Archives Award from the New Mexico Conference of the United Methodist Church. While contemplating the nature of support systems during Glenn’s illness, Phyllis wrote in one “Soul Thoughts” entry: “All these things have made me think that God has a way of supplying people with the spirit that He divided among the elders so that we have a circle of support surrounding us and can experience a divided burden, much lighter for being shared by so many.” How true and prophetic this was for her; as her own family and many in her church family were there for her as she slowed down and lost some of the independence she had treasured for so many years. Phyllis was also preceded in death by her parents; and by all of her siblings, save Adda, who resides in San Rafael, CA; and by: sisters-in-law–Ruth Jones, Opal Schneider and Marjorie Copeland. She is survived by her children–Terry (Susan) of Fort Collins, Colorado; Gary of Maxwell and Plano, Texas; Mary Lynn Matthews Smith of Maxwell, and Jan Donop (Larry) of Brady, Texas; and by 13 grandchildren; and 22 1/2 great-grandchildren; and by her sisters-in-law–Kathy Yaksich of Maxwell, Laura Pompeo (Tom) of Albuquerque, and Donna Terry of Reno, Nevada; as well as by really numerous nieces and nephews. Phyllis requested memorials be sent to the Maxwell United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on March 16, 2013 at the Maxwell United Methodist Church. (Time: TBD).

View Full Notice → Obituary for MATTHEWS

AVES, BETTY JO (JODIE) LEONARD 86, passed away Sunday, January 27 at the Presbyterian Hospice in Albuquerque NM. She is survived by a daughter, a brother-in-law, two nieces, two nephews, one cousin, grand nieces and nephews, and ennumerable friends who had became a part of her extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Arnim Aves in 1991. She was born September 12, 1926 in Ranger TX to Roy Bryan Leonard & Verna Ogden Leonard; granddaughter to C.E. and Belle Ogden of Andrews Co., Texas. The family lived in Odessa, where Betty Jo and her sisters worked in the family Cafe as soon as they were big enough to stand on a stool to wash dishes. She attended Odessa High School, playing clarinet in the band. For college, she went to Texas Tech, in Lubbock, studying Geology. It was there that she met her life partner, Charlie, a geology student and teacher, who called her “Jodie”. Both eventually worked for Gulf Oil Co in Houston, after settling in Spring. Jodie stopped her desk work and became a real worker when their daughter was born in 1954. The family always enjoyed traveling, mostly to national parks and areas with interesting geology. It was not unusual to see the jeep pulled to the side of a highway cut out, the geologists chipping and bagging samples for future analysis. It was this travel which led to one of the most exciting events anyone, especially a geologist (or a 5-yr old) can have; that being in Yellowstone National Park on August 17, 1959 for the 7.3-magnitude Hebgen Lake earthquake. In 1967, the family moved to Albuquerque where Jodie had family. When the daughter started school at UNM, Jodie and Charlie moved to the Hill Country in Texas, buying property which came with its own flock of sheep; her love of dying and knitting skyrocketed. They eventually moved to Odessa to care for Jodie’s mother. After Charlie passed away there also, Jodie returned to Albuquerque where she spent the remainder of her life. Jodie loved travel and in the last ten years of her life visited Alaska many times, Israel, New Zealand, cruised the Panama Canal, the Galapagos, sat with the penguins in Anarctica, and watched the polar bears above the Arctic Circle at Svalbard and Iceland. She never went alone; being accompanied by family and friends, these were all special trips with many memories. In Albuquerque, she was very active at Central United Methodist Church. Whether Little Sunbeams, Vacation Bible school, Logos, Bible studies, she was there helping and learning. She knit caps for the homeless program, and designed and needle-pointed kneelers . Jodie was always a knitter; “always” meaning there was always a project in her purse “in case she got stuck somewhere.” Her passion for spinning and knitting saw her become involved in most every fiber group in Albuquerque: Las Aranas, Sheep to Shawl at the State Fairs, Knitwits and the annual meeting of SOAR. She was president of the Las Aranas Spinners & Weavers Guild from 1999-2001, and helped the Sheep-to-Shawl exhibit’s dying experiment expand. She was one of the first attendees to SOAR (Spin Off Autumn Retreat) and missed only three of the thirty retreats. Many a beginner found her gentle ways of instruction helpful before proceeding on their own paths. Her generosity, her love of life and people, her humor, and her sense of adventure and her love of her God have touched many lives. We were not ready for her to leave, but we cherish the time she was here. Services will be held at Central United Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 5 at 2:00pm. Donations may be sent to the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, Betty Jo Aves Memorial, 2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Alb NM 87107. 505-344-7240

View Full Notice → Obituary for AVES

View Full Notice → Penelope Allen

BEAN, DOROTHY ALICE Age 88, passed away January 30, 2013. Dorothy was born on November 4, 1924 in Birmingham, Alabama to Walter Newhall and Sara Maskery Johnson. She was married for 30 years to the love of her life George Edward Bean, who preceded her in death in 1975. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Walter Hamilton and Robert Bruce Johnson both formerly of Birmingham, Alabama. Surviving Dorothy are her daughters, Sara Katherine and husband Rodger Romans of Palmdale, CA, and Margaret Anne and husband Col Terance L. Jahnke (USAF Ret). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dorothy Jennifer Romans of Palmdale, CA, Daniel David Carrington and wife Heather of Albuquerque, NM, Brian Duncan Carrington and wife Lindsey, and great- granddaughter Chloe Adea of San Diego, CA. At her request, Dorothy was cremated and private family services are planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the charity she supported: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

View Full Notice → Obituary for BEAN

BRONNER, ROBERT ALLEN Went to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ, on January 9, 2013. He is survived by his two daughters, Judith Moore and Diana Koester (Larry); three grandsons, Cameron Sholly (Jill), Christopher Koester (Alissa), and Chase Koester (Trisha); one granddaughter, Alexandra Tyson (Calvin); and great grandchildren, Cade, Cole, Cooper, Easton, Kaley, Alexis, Avery and Aidan. He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews. In 1944 he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Anderson, who passed in March of 2011. Their love endured seventy-five years. Robert was born in South Bend, IN to Robert J. and Florence A. Bronner. He was the brother to Louise Genda who passed many years ago. He moved with his parents to Pekin, IL when he was very young and he, coming from a musical family, became a trumpet soloist by the age of twelve. He was selected by Kryle to travel with Kryle’s Symphony Orchestra during the late 1930′s. The tour brought him to New Mexico and he never forgot how beautiful New Mexico was. Robert attended the University of Illinois, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Educational Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Music and Psychology from Bradley University in Peoria IL, where he was a member of Beta Sigma Mu. At the beginning of WWII, he joined the United States Marines where it was recommended that he attend Northwestern University, Midshipman school. He graduated in the top ten percent of his class, and from there his Navy experience began. He was a communications officer and navigator, and taught navigation while serving on the USS Cottle and the Auriga, Pacific Theatre Operations. He was awarded many medals and ribbons. In 1960, he moved with his family to Albuquerque as the managing agent for Banker’s Life of Des Moines, IA. He continued to live a full and productive life. He completed his CLU degree and he developed training materials with regards to pension and educational materials for insurance companies. He was an accomplished musician, teaching high school band and orchestra and private brass lessons. He was a swimming instructor and an Elder in the Presbyterian Church for fifty years. He was a wonderful human being, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, loving all his family very much. He had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh and to swim and he loved the United States Navy. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery. We love you Dad! FRENCH 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400

View Full Notice → Obituary for BRONNER

DIETERICH, ROGER M. SR. Age 86, a resident of Albuquerque since 1950, died Saturday, February 2, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Cossette; daughter, Peggy Murtagh and husband, Michael of Albuquerque, NM; son, Roger M Dieterich Jr of Seattle, WA; sister, Dorothy Wick of Dubuque, IA; sister-in-law, Beverly Schmeltzer of Albuquerque; six grandchildren in Denver; and numerous other relatives. Memorial Services are pending. Please visit our online guest book for Roger at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE 505-823-9400

View Full Notice → Obituary for DIETERICH

DURAN-CHAVEZ, CRYSTAL MARIA Loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister, granddaughter, nina, niece, & friend, went home to be with our Lord and Savior Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the age of 29. Crystal was an amazing mother who adored her family and loved spending time with them. She was an artist of many trades from flower designs to traditional Dia de los Muertos art, face-painting and portrait paintings. She loved the lifestyle of Venice Beach, CA. and the boardwalk. She enjoyed Thursday night, Girls Night, “The Pink Ladies” bike rides, she loved Gwen Stefanie music, techno music especially by DJ Beato. She enjoyed car shows, bon fires and BBQ’s at Casa de BRAVO with all the Freaks. She enjoyed participating with the young adult group at Queen of Heaven. Crystal truly lived life to the fullest. A true friend to all she met, very loving and patient and always willing to help others. She is preceded in death by her grandmother, Sally Martinez; uncle Jerry Duran; brother-in-law, David Chavez Sr. and cousins, Renee Blea and Anthony Duran. Crystal is survived by her devoted husband of six years, Adam “Chavo” Chavez; precious children, Tobias Nico, Isabel Star and Silas Orlando; mother, Shirley Ann Duran; step-father, Mark Martinez; brother, Mark Paul Martinez; sister, Sal Martinez; grandparents, Orlando and Helen Duran, grandma Ruth; great-grandmother, Feloniz Duran; father-in-law, Albert; mother-in-law Lucy; Doreen “Tia” Duran; Jimmy “Tio” and wife Jennie Duran; cousins, Ashley, Veronica, Joseph and Carlos Duran; numerous cousins; extended family and friends. A Rosary will be recited at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5311 Phoenix Ave NE, Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 7:00 pm; Mass of Christian burial will also be celebrated at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 12:00 pm; Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Pallbearers are Paul and Sal Martinez, Ash, Ver, Car and Joe Duran. Honorary Bearers are Manuel, Filbert, Eligio and Raymond Duran, Moonie Blea, Tio and Tia Duran, David Chavez Jr., Bradley Chavez, Brittany Chavez, Cassi Miller, and Alexander Brito, and Freaks of Nature Worldwide Family. Crystal will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. To view Service information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Garcia Mortuary 717 Stover Ave. SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-243-5222

View Full Notice → Obituary for DURAN-CHAVEZ

GATES, ELIZABETH &Quot;LIZ&Quot; Happy Birthday, Mom. We love and miss you. Your loving family

View Full Notice → Obituary for GATES