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Baca -- Liberato Baca, 53, went to be with the Lord December 23, 2000 at the Veterans Hospital. Services are pending. Direct Funeral Services 343-8008, 2919 4th NW.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Bell -- The last chapter in the Book of the life of Ray Liberty Bell, (the Forest Ranger who plucked�Smokey the Bear cub from a burnt tree after a forest fire in the Capitan Mountains) has been completed this 21st day of December, 2000. Ray died early Thursday morning at his home in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico after a long, tough battle with cancer. He was 89 years old. Ray was born October 3, 1911, in Frederick, Oklahoma, to Thomas Grovner "Pop" Bell and Mary Ruth Sturdy"Mombell" Bell. He first came to Yeso, New Mexico in 1912 in a covered wagon with his parents. At the age of six, Ray and his family moved to Bergen, North Dakota. In 1928, at the age of 17, he threw his saddle on a horse and headed south, back to New Mexico, ending up in the small community of Mangus where he homesteaded 160 acres. In 1931, Ray traveled back to North Dakota and completed his junior and senior courses to graduate from high school in one year. He returned to Mangus in 1932, where he met Mary Ruth Wilson. They were married in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1933. While Ray lived in the Mangus/Quemado, New Mexico area, he worked as a cowboy. He rodeoed professionally, riding saddle broncs, steer wrestling, and calf roping to supplement his family's income. Ray was the first cowboy ever to bulldog a buffalo in a rodeo. Ray was with the United States Soil Conservation Service during 1935-1936. From 1936-1939, he was a field representative with the United Pueblo Indian Service where he assisted the Santo Domingo, Santa Ana, Hopi and Laguna Pueblos with their livestock. In 1940, Ray moved to the New Mexico Game and Fish Department as a Deputy Game Warden. When Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941, he joined the United States Army Air Force and served his country until the end of World War II. During the war he served as a tail gunner, remote control turret mechanic on a B-29 Bomber in India and Tenian. During his tenure in India, Ray broke his foot when he jumped off the wing of a B-29 onto a �sacred cow� to bulldog it. He nearly caused an international crisis for his effort with the �sacred cow. It seems the people in India don't take kindly to cowboys assaulting their cows. They aren't as understanding as the Indians in New Mexico. At the end of WWII, Ray rejoined the New Mexico Game Department and on January 1, 1946, was stationed at Capitan, New Mexico. While he was stationed in Capitan, he completed flight training and received his private license. In 1948 Ray became the pilot of the first plane ever purchased by the State of NM for the Game and Fish Department. He was regarded as one of the top five single-engine pilots in the Southwest and was called upon time and again to locate lost hunters and hikers. In May 1950, as Chief of Law Enforcement for the NM State Game Dept., Ray was called upon to fly the game department plane to Capitan to assist with a forest fire that was out of control in the Capitan Mountains. Ray flew over the fire and helped direct the placement of equipment and personnel. At the conclusion of the fire it was discovered that a six-week-old, four pound, black bear cub had been brought into the fire camp by a 19-year-old Fort Bliss soldier who was assisting fighting the fire. The bear was injured with burns on its paws and belly and needed medical attention. Ray flew the bear to his home in Santa Fe and had a veterinarian dress the burns. The bear was cared for by Bell and his family for two months before�the living symbol for Smokey The Bear was flown to The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Ray Bell has been identified for the past fifty years as the"ranger who brought Smokey the Bear out of a forest fire. Ray devoted more than 60 years of his life to the preservation of the environment. 50 of those years were spent as Spokesman for Smokey Bear, the world famous�fire prevention bear,� a prominent figure in the preservation of natural forests. Ray was a main stay promoter of the Smokey Bear Museum in Capitan. In 1958, Governor Ed Mechem appointed Ray Bell as Director of the newly formed New Mexico Department of State Forestry, a post which he held until his retirement in 1971. Ray was a Shriner and a 50-year member of Carrizozo Lodge #41, AF & AM. Ray is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ruth Wilson, the mother of their son, in 1980; their adopted daughter, Judith Lynn Bell, in 1982; and his second wife, Esther Braatten, Velva, ND, who passed away in 1997. Ray is survived by his only son, Donald R. Bell, wife Joy, of Las Cruces, New Mexico; one sister, Bell Steel, husband, Howard of Alamogordo, New Mexico; five grandchildren, Jeri and Johnna of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Nolan of Corpus Christi, Texas, Charles of Ft. Worth, Texas and Mary of Ft. Hood, Texas; eleven great-grandchildren, Dallas, Dilan, Dustyn, Brice, Ross, Jessie, Justin, Morgan, Marshall Ray, Mary Ruth and Diana. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2000 at the Sierra Funeral Home Chapel. Ray's grandson, the Reverend Charles S. Bell, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the �Capitan High School Alumni Association� for the RAY BELL/SMOKEY BEAR Scholarship. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 944, Capitan, NM 88316-0944. Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Sierra Funeral Home, 507 West McAdoo Street, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, 505-894-4428.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Boyden -- Rex Lee Boyden, 60, of Clovis, passed away December 20, 2000, in Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. He was born April 9, 1940, in Humboldt County, Iowa, to Samuel F. and Hazel L. Boyden. The family moved to New Mexico in 1949 graduating in the class of 1957 from Highland High School. Rex was a contractor and built hundreds of homes across the state as well as a number of commercial structures in Albuquerque. He was also a fine-woodworker and cabinet-maker. Rex loved knowledge. He would confront a subject and immerse himself in it. In that way, with varying success but unvarying enthusiasm, he was a Renaissance man. He is survived by his mother, Hazel Boyden, of Albuquerque; his wife, Bertha; and sons, Chris and Sam Boyden of the home in Clovis, son, Joe Boyden and wife, Lynn of Tijeras; daughter-in-law, Denise Boyden of Tijeras; sister, Phyllis Uhde of Albuquerque; three granddaughters; and one grandson. He was preceded death by his father, three brothers and one sister; and his son, Jeff, in 1992. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2000, at Central United Methodist Church, 1615 Copper, NE, Albuquerque NM. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Rex Boyden Memorial Fund c/o Wells Fargo Bank or a charity of their choice.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Cantrell -- From the family of Caitlin Aurora Cantrell-Miller: We thank all of you, our community of family and friends, for the generous and continuous outpouring of your love and support. Your tender compassion gives us comfort and strength during this difficult time. To the community at large: Many of you have asked how you can help Sharon and Benjamin. Tax deductible donations can be made to Jewish Family Service. All funds will be sent directly to the family. Please make checks payable to Jewish Family Service-Cantrell/Miller Fund and send to JFS, 5850 Eubank NE Ste. B32, Albuquerque, NM, 87111.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Cothren -- William Cothren, 71, a resident of Albuquerque since 1974, died Wednesday, December 20, 2000. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Virginia Cothren of Albuquerque; daughters, Anita McCoy and husband, Jim, and Sheila Cockran and husband, Rhett, all of Albuquerque; sons, William Cothren and wife, Geanna of New Orleans, LA and Keith Cothren and wife, Dodie of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Seth, Farah, Lenae , Shannon, Tiffany, Zachery, Chancey, Noel, Amanda, and Kasey; sisters, Ruby Brown and husband, Rob of Florida and Thelma Cothren of Georgia; and brothers, Henry Cothren and wife, Thelma and John Cothren and wife, Inez, all of Georgia. Mr. Cothren served his country proudly for seven years in the Armed Forces. He had a love of country, life, and his family. Services will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2000, 10:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, with Rev. Lance Baker officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Tuesday, December 26, 2000, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Farber -- Joseph R. Farber, 99, a resident of Albuquerque for 70 years, died Sunday, December 24, 2000. He is survived by his first cousins, Jack Dogendorf of California and John Schultz of Florida; nephew, Ted Gaston of Ohio; and longtime friend and caregiver, Ben Chavez of Albuquerque. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine, of 70 years. Joseph was born in Hungary. He was the owner of Farber's Hardware and was a pioneer business person on the Westside. He was a proponent of Westside Development. Joseph was a former member of the Lions Club and Elks Club. He has been cremated and Memorial Services will be held at a later date. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Franklin -- Jean Franklin, 64, a lifelong resident of Belen, New Mexico and an eight year resident of Albuquerque, died Thursday, December 21, 2000. She is survived by her daughter, Tamara Franklin-Lang and husband, Mike of New York, NY; son, Jerry Glen Franklin of House, NM; granddaughter, Anna Franklin of Clovis, NM; sisters, Joan Wilson of Albuquerque, Sue Tabet and husband, Richie of Los Lunas; brother, Harvey Woodall of Pittsburgh, PA; nieces and nephews, Troy Tabet, Todd Tabet, Travis Tabet, of Albuquerque and Chad Tabet, of Los Lunas, NM, Aaron Wilson and wife, Peggy of Rio Rancho, David Wilson and wife, Midge of Las Cruces, NM, Natalie Woodall, Mark Woodall of Phoenix, AZ, Matthew Wilson and Elizabeth Wilson; cousin, Steve Caldwell of Denver, CO; uncle, Earl Caldwell and wife, Mary Jane of Palm Desert, CA. Jean was preceded in death by her mother and constant companion, Lois Woodall on July 24, 2000. Jean was associated with the family business, H. Caldwell Motor Co., Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealership in Belen, NM where she attended school and raised her family. Jean was loved by so many family and friends who know her as a gracious and kind hearted person with a great sense of humor. Her love for her family and friends was larger than life itself. Services will be held Tuesday, 1:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Park, at the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel, Menaul and Edith NE, with Pastor Dave Row, of Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque officiating. Entombment will follow. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Gabaldon -- Final visitation for Fred J. Gabaldon Jr. will be Tuesday morning in the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1818 Coal Pl., SE from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. with Mass of Christain Burial to be Celebrated at 9:30 a.m. by Father Bob Chabot. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rudy Wright, Gene Gabaldon, Paul Heckman, Corey Grossette, Moises Klingaman, Eric Padilla and Joseph Espinosa. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Dr., SW in charge of arrangements.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Gallegos -- Harriet Rita Hood Gallegos, age 57, passed away on December 23, 2000. She is survived by her husband, I.D. Mike Gallegos, Jr. and her children, Marguerite Moye and her husband, Bryan, and grandson, Devyn, of Los Angeles, CA, Monica Workman and her husband, Matt, and granddaughter, Emily, of Winchester, VA, Anthony C. Gallegos of Los Angeles, CA, Nicole Craner and her husband, Stephen, and grandchildren, Chad, Tyson, Hannah, and Cassie of Albuquerque, NM, Peter J. Gallegos and his wife, Yumi and grandson, Edward of San Diego, CA, Mark S. Gallegos and his wife, Megan, of Albuquerque, NM, and sisters, Regina Hood Fay of Albuquerque and Germaine A. Hood McCaffrey of Springfield, IL. Services will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Risen Savior, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE, with Father Richard Olona, officiating.Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Goatcher -- LaDonna J. Goatcher, 63, a resident of Albuquerque for 30 years, and previously from Longview-Kelso, WA, died Saturday, December 23, 2000, at her home with her family at her side after a brief battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Loyd; sons, Jay Goatcher and wife, Loretta, Larry Goatcher and wife, Karen; daughter, Kelly Carmody and husband, Jeff; five grandchildren, Jessica and Jacqueline Carmody, Kristye Grissom, Kaley and Kalvin Goatcher; mother, Jessie Hand; father-in-law, Loyd Goatcher, Sr., all of Albuquerque; sister, Betty Silva and husband, Lou of Crow, OR; two nieces; and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her father, Jay Hand and son, Richard Goatcher. LaDonna was co-owner of Samon's Electric and Plumbing Supply with her family. Services will be held Thursday, December 28, at 11:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE. Entombment will follow at the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum, Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE on Wednesday, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Melissa Vialpando, 5800 Lomas Blvd. NE, 87110; Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 209 Palomas Dr. NE, 87108; or to the Alzheimers Association, 1330 San Pedro NE, Suite 205, 87110. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Gordon -- Roz Gordon, 81, a resident of Albuquerque since 1982, passed away Friday, December 22, 2000, and is now resting peacefully with Ralph. She is survived by her daughter, Gail and her significant other, Bernie of Albuquerque; granddaughters, Leigh of Atlanta, GA and Amanda of Phoenix, AZ; son, Kenneth and wife, Judith; and grandson, Nicholas, all of Phoenix, AZ. Roz was a member of Congregation Albert. She was a devoted volunteer to the Albuquerque Public Library and The Storehouse. She worked for many years at Service Merchandise. Graveside Services will be held Tuesday, 3:00 p.m., at Fairview Memorial Park, 700 Yale Blvd. SE. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Blvd. NE, 87110. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Gutierrez -- Zaqueo "Jack" Daniel Gutierrez, age 65, of Austin passed away Saturday, December 23, 2000. He was born November 21, 1935 in Albuquerque, NM to Zaqueo and Anita Gutierrez. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Leos Gutierrez; son, Joel L. Gutierrez and wife, Cristina; daughters, Bertha Gutierrez, Marie Mercado and husband, Alvin E., Christine Barba and husband, Luis, and Sarah Surita and husband, Antonio Andrade; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sisters, Cornelia Ruiz, Corina Chavez, and Rosie Pohl and husband, Albert all of Albuquerque, NM. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2000. Arrangements by Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress, Austin, TX 512-442-1446.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Jackson -- Harold H. Jackson, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2000. He is survived by his wife, Claudette, and other family members. Visitation for Mr. Jackson will be held on Tuesday, December 26, at Riverside Funeral Home between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. at the El Cerro Mission Baptist Church with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Home, 864-4448.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Littrell -- IN LOVING MEMORY THOMAS LITTRELL JUNE 23, 1961 TO DECEMBER 26, 1999My son, you have been gone for a year now. We all miss you so much. We have so many regrets of all the lost times that we can never make for now but we also have a lot of wonderful memories we both shared. We love you. You are in God's loving care now, He will take care of you. Loving you always, Your Mom, Dad, Brothers and Sisters
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Montoya -- A Rosary for Mr. Ernest L. "Tata" Montoya will be recited this evening at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, in Bernalillo Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. also at the Church. Interment will follow at the family ranch in San Luis, N.M. Funeral Services are entrusted to Alameda Mortuary, 9420 4th Street NW.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Murphy -- Visitation for Mr. Robert L. Murphy will be Tuesday evening in the Santuario de San Martin Catholic Church from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Final visitation will be Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to be Celebrated at 10:00 a.m. by Father Dan Farris. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Gabaldon Mortuary, 1000 Old Coors Dr., SW in charge of arrangements.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Patton -- Scott E. Patton, 43, a resident of Gallup, died Friday, December 22, 2000. He is survived by his son, Jesse Patton; parents, Roy and Waldine Patton; brothers, Michael Patton and wife, Holly, and Royce Patton; nephews, Allan, Shan and Brian; niece, Crystal; grandmother, Dea Cook; and his beloved pugs. Scott graduated from Sandia High School in 1974. He owned Scott's Distributing Co. in Gallup, NM. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2000, at 3:30 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Pastor George Hunsaker officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ballut Abyad Temple, Transportation Department, 6600 Zuni Rd. SE, 87108. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Peters -- Walter J. (Pete) Peters, Jr., 52, an Albuquerque resident since 1986, died Saturday, December 23, 2000. He is survived by a son, Dylan A. Peters; daughter, Katherine A. Peters, both of Albuquerque; parents, Walter and Elizabeth Peters, Sr. of Freeport, NY; brother, Donald Crockford-Peters and wife, Susan of Branford, CT; sister, Elizabeth (Betsy) Peters of Freeport, NY. He was a graduate of Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Pete was a member of La Mesa Presbyterian Church. He was currently working with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter as a financial planner. Pete loved soccer and had served as a coach for several years, coaching both boys and in the AYSO and Duke City Soccer League. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at La Mesa Presbyterian Church, 7401 Copper Ave, NE. A reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to La Mesa Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd, NE.
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000

Sanchez -- Maria Antonia (Toni) Sanchez, 86, beloved and devoted mother, grandchildren, and sister was called home to be with the Lord, Friday, December 22, 2000. Toni was born on September 19, 1914 in Albuquerque to the late Mariano and Beatrice Lucero; she was a parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church; and was a member of the Legion of Mary. She was preceded in death by her husband, Telesfor Sanchez; two sons, Mariano Sanchez and Cruz Sanchez. She survived by her loving children, Mary Romero, Pauline Valdez and husband, Edward, Reynaldo Sanchez and wife, Ernestine, Richard Sanchez and wife, Melisa, and Gilbert Sanchez and wife, Rita; 18 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother, Modesto Lucero; daughter-in-law Patsy Sanchez. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and those who knew and loved her. Visitations will be today from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Alameda Mortuary, where a Rosary will be recited this evening at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, December 27, 2000 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Gordon Foster, Phil Sanchez, Franco Sanchez, Samuel Sanchez, Michael Romero, and Gilbert Sanchez, Jr. Funeral services were entrusted to Alameda Mortuary, 9420 4th Street NW. .DMP
        Published on: Tue December 26, 2000