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ARLOWE -- Norma Jean passed away surrounded by her family and friends on October 16, 2004, following a brief illness. Born Norma Jean Swanson in Greeley, Colorado on July 12, 1932, she grew up in Greeley, graduating from the Colorado State College of Education there. After graduating, she traveled and worked throughout the West before moving to Albuquerque. There she met and married Duane Arlowe in 1966. Norma's heart had an endless capacity for love. She was a lifelong collector of friends and her supply of friendship, caring and compassion only grew with each addition. Her many friends will sorely miss her. Her P.E.O. sisters counted on her love, support and leadership. Throughout her life, Norma sought to be of service to others. She ran the used book store at the Erna Ferguson Branch of the Albuquerque Public Library for 10 years and later became a dedicated Friends of the Library booksale volunteer at the main branch. Besides her family and friends, Norma's two loves were travel and books. Her favorite travel destination was Bandon-by-the-Sea on the Oregon Coast. Her book collection covers the walls of her home, but everywhere she went, there were always so many new treasures to acquire. She is survived by her husband Duane; her sister and brother-in-law Beryl and Thad Van Noy of Oakland, California; her son Steven and his wife Danielle of Minneapolis, Minnesota; her son Robert and his wife Catherine and their children, Barrett and Adelaide. She adored her grandchildren and couldn't wait for the birth of her third grandchild, expected in Minneapolis early next year. She also adored her "honorary" grandchildren, Taylor, Morgan and Asa Tafoya. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Laureen Sheldon and her Mother-in-Law, Georgia Arlowe, both of Oakland, California, as well as her niece, nephews, and grand-niece and nephews. A Memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Albuquqerque on Tuesday, October 19 at 7 pm. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Norma Arlowe Memorial Fund for the Albuquerque Public Library.
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

BACA -- Ismael Baca passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2004. A viewing will be held on Monday the 18th at Salazar & Sons from 5 to 7 PM followed by the wake service, the funeral service will be on Tuesday the 19th at 10 AM, at Salazar & Sons. The Pallbearer will be Manuel Romero. Arrangements by: Salazar & Sons Mortuary 400 Third St. SW 247-4124
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

BERZIN -- Juanita S. Berzin peacefully joined her husband, Joseph J. Berzin on October 14, 2004. They shared a long loving marriage of 35 years until his death in 1983. Juanita's love and devotion to Joseph sustained her every day of her life after he passed. They met in the law firm where they worked in Chicago, Illinois. After many years of friendship, they married and became even closer. Their love was built on a strong foundation of companionship, respect, and admiration. In her own words, "I had one great marriage and that was all I needed." She and Joseph were active members of the Daughters of the Nile and Shriners Masonic Lodge. For many years she served as a volunteer in the Presbyterian Hospital Women's Auxiliary. She was very active in St. Luke's Lutheran Church as an usher and greeter since 1969. She was also active in numerous charitable and community activities of the Church. She enjoyed a very active social life, including weekly dinners and games with her best friends. She loved to entertain at home which included enormous delicious meals complete with her best homemade desserts. Juanita's life is fondly and lovingly remembered by her numerous friends. She made friends fast and easily and maintained her friendships for many, many years. She held all of her friends very close and dear to her heart. She herself would say that she regarded many of her friends as part of her family. Family was the most important and beloved part of her life. She was the most loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to all of her family. She was the matriarch in its most ideal and true meaning in her actions, support, teachings, and love. Juanita Berzin will always be cherished and remembered for her kindness, her sweetness, her generosity, her compassion, her positive disposition, and her unconditional love for everyone in her life. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara and husband Frank Mielneczek; son-in-law, Gilbert Strandberg; granddaughter, Susan Weeks; grandson, J. Steven Strandberg; granddaughter, Elizabeth Diaz-Strandberg (posthumous); grandson, Scott Strandberg; great-grandson, Adam Weeks and wife April; great-granddaughter, Charity and husband Matthew Alcouffe; great-grandson, Joseph and wife Tara Strandberg; great-grandsons, Ryan and Steve Strandberg; great-grandsons, Ysaac, Abram, Diego, and Saim Diaz-Strandberg; sister-in-law, Betty Berzinski and her daughters; and an extended family in the Midwest. A viewing will be held on Monday, October 18, 2004 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fitzgerald & Son at 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, 884-1188. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church at 9100 Menaul Blvd NE, 299-2621. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park at 924 Menaul Blvd NE. Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors 3113 Carlisle Blvd. N.E. 884-1188
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

BURNS -- Preston Edward My dear Preston, My days since you departed have been empty and sad. How I wish you were still here. I'm lucky to have Ashtray with me; he helps me cope. Much love for you always and forever! Mom
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

CHAVEZ -- Stella B. Chavez, age 74, a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and formerly of Belen, New Mexico, born to Sam and Adelina Bustamante on October 20, 1929, peacefully joined our Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 16, 2004. She was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Albuquerque and was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and also several military spouse organizations. Stella was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Adelina Bustamante, and her daughter, Evelyn Garcia. She is survived by the father of her children, Col. Joseph D. Chavez and his wife, Mary Helen; Stella’s children; Jo and her husband, Lawrence E. Sanchez; Carol and her husband, Jerry Majerus; Donald Chavez and his wife, Monica; Pauline and her husband, Jerry Eller and Vincent Chavez and his wife, Kim; 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; her sisters, Lucille Dixon and Rose Maestas and her brothers: Arthur Bustamante and his wife, Dora; Manny Bustamante and his wife, Barbara; Daniel Bustamante and his wife, Betty; and Leroy Bustamante and his wife, Sydney. All services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 19, 2004, with a visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 8:30 a.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lawrence E. Sanchez, Jerry Majerus, Julie and Craig Zietlow, and J. J. and Tiffany Sanchez. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen.
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

DARNELL -- Alma Darnell was born in Amarillo, Texas on June 8, 1914. The Lord has called Alma home and the angels rejoice. Alma is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas C. Darnell; their only son, Lawry A. Darnell of Albuquerque; their only grandson, Thomas M. Darnell of Las Vegas, Nevada; twin sister, Alpha Clark of Tucumcari, NM and older sister, Rosa Lee Davis of Albuquerque, NM. Alma was a member of the Montgomery Church of Christ. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, on Monday, October 18, 2004, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Alma requests that contributions be made to the Albuquerque Christian Children's Home, 5700 Winter Haven Rd. NW, 87120. French Mortuary, Inc. 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

DOAK -- Robert Bennett Doak, 73, a resident of Rio Rancho, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004. Born in Tulsa, Okla., Robert is the son of Frank William Doak and Clara Octavia Reeves. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Wilma Lee Warden Doak. A CPCU, Robert was a claims manager for 35 years for Cravens, Dargan and Company, later named St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company. He lived in Amarillo, Texas, and then moved to Bloomington, Minn., before coming to New Mexico in 1994. Robert attended West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and received the Purple Heart. He was a member of Alameda Bible Church. Robert was preceded in death by his daughter Charlotte in 2003. Survivors also include his brother Frank Doak of Sand Springs, Okla., and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 19, 4-8 p.m., at Vista Verde Mortuary, 4310 Sara Rd., in Rio Rancho. A funeral service will be Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. in Vista Verde Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Malcom Bicker officiating. Interment will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Victory Christian School, 220 El Pueblo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, N.M. 87114. Arrangements by Vista Verde Memorial Park and Mortuary, 892-9920.
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

GINTHER -- Raymond Donald Ginther, 83, a resident of Rio Rancho since 1975, died Oct. 14, 2004. The carpenter and cabinet maker in the building and contracting business was the son of Raymond Doolittle Ginther and Myrtle Pauline Harman of Connecticut. Ray was a member of Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, B.P.O.E. Lodge 2500 Elks of Rio Rancho. He also was a long-standing and very active volunteer with the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque. He retired in 1986 after more than 10 years of service with the Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute as a member of the Central Engineering Unit staff. Prior to working at the research institute, he was a private contractor on the East Coast for many years. Ray served in the U.S. Navy and is a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Louise Quick Ginther of Rio Rancho; two children, Kenneth Ginther and wife Joy of Tijeras, N.M., and Janet Simmel and husband Tom of Connecticut; two grandchildren, Demian Ginther and life partner Laura of Albuquerque and Heather Guzzi and husband Ralph of Connecticut; one great granddaughter, Lexie Ginther of Albuquerque; one sister, Mildred Tripp of Georgia, and brother, Carl Ginther and wife Pat of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews. Two memorial services will be held for Raymond. The first service, today at 12:00 noon, will be at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 4700 Paradise Blvd. in Albuquerque, followed by a light lunch. A second service and reception at the B.P.O.E. Lodge 2500 Elks, 1530 Barbara Loop in Rio Rancho will be today at 2:00 p.m. Private interment will take place at a later date in Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd. in Rio Rancho. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the B.P.O.E. Lodge 2500 Elks. Arrangements by Vista Verde Memorial Park and Mortuary, 892-9920.
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

HERRERA -- Robert "Bobby Joe" Herrera Jr. passed away in Albuquerque on Friday at the age of 43. Funeral services are pending and will be announced at a later date. Funeral services are in the care of: GARCIA MORTUARY 717 Stover Ave. SW 243-5222
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

MAEZ -- Mrs. Helen P. Maez,78, a resident of Albuquerque passed away on October 17, 2004. Mrs. Maez was born and raised in Casa Colorada, NM to Gregorio Chavez and Luz Ortiz. Mrs. Maez is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Mr. Horacio Maez; 11 children, Rosalie Olivas and husband, Orlando, Joe Maez and wife, Esther, David Maez, Tony Maez and wife, Loretta, Linda Sedillos and husband, John, Lucille Hagerty and husband, Bob, Sylvia Cooney and husband, John, Jeanne Chavez and husband Ruben, Michael Maez, Peter Maez, and wife, Stephanie, and Mary Candelaria and husband, Conrad; 6 sisters; 7 brothers; 40 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mrs. Maez was a member of the Catholic church, a third order member of the Society of St. Pius X, member of the Eucharistic League, and was a choir member. She enjoyed gardening, singing, sewing, and taking care of her children and grandchildren. A visitation for Mrs. Maez will be Tuesday evening from 6:30pm until 7:00pm at the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, 1000 Old Coors Rd. SW., with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00pm. Final Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 10:00am until 10:30am with Mass of the Resurrection to be celebrated at 10:30am at the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel by Father Gonzales. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Maez, David Maez, Tony Maez, Michael Maez, Peter Maez, and Steve Olivas. "We will always love you Mama, thank you for being the perfect mother. We will miss you." Arrangements by: Gabaldon Mortuary 1000 Old Coors Rd. SW 243-7861
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

MINUCCI -- Olivia Minucci, 86, a resident of Albuquerque since 1961, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2004. She was born November 22, 1917 to George and Laura Echols in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She is survived by her step-daughter, Gayla King of California; granddaughter, Shelley Frazier and husband, John and their children Alexa and Brendon of California; grandson, Jason King of California; nieces, Dorothy Eddleman of Albuquerque, Linda Chelemedas, Sally Padgett, Olivia Dabney all of California, and Helen Peters and Mary McClure, both of Arizona; nephews, Allen Mercer and wife, Helen, Harold Mercer and wife, Donna, all of Albuquerque, and Dennie Ray Echols and Daniel David (D.D.) McIntyre, both of California. Olivia also left behind numerous great- and great-great nieces and nephews and many, many, many friends. Olivia worked for Phelps Dodge in Ajo, AZ for 20 years and retired as manager of the camera department at Furr's Family Center in Albuquerque after 19 years of service. She was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church and was a past Matron of Eastern Star #33 Oasis Chapter in Ajo, AZ (member since 1952), as well as a member of the Elks' Ladies. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxillaries of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Senior Center. She always stayed involved in a multitude of activities including bowling, dancing, and fishing. She gave of herself tirelessly, selflessly, and continuously to her friends and families. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 10:00 a.m., at St. John's United Methodist Church, with Rev. Clyde Stanfield officiating. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel on Tuesday, October 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87110 or to the charity of your choice. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

MONTOYA -- Leo E. Montoya, June 4, 1931 - October 14, 2004. Leo celebrated his life experience with immeasurable energy and enthusiasm. As an eleven-year-old lad with Basque ancestry, he herded sheep, alone, for the summer season in the mountains around his family's ranch in Cuba, NM. After attending the Menaul School, Leo held a series of sales jobs until he joined the post-war military. He served in the U.S. Army and National Guard as a Master Sergeant, and eventually managed Armory in Gallup. Leo organized public dances and hosted a Spanish language program on the radio. He promoted wrestling matches, was part owner of two taverns in Albuquerque, and found his eventual career niche in his own successful business in jewelry sales. To us, Leo was a modern day Huck Finn who tasted life and drank deeply of its joys. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Ninfa Montoya of Cuba, NM, four brothers, Paul, Richard, Archie, and Jimmy and two sisters, Dubie and Delores Duran. He is survived by his life partner, Marion Ryan, and one sister, Olivia Smith of Albuquerque, and numerous nephews and nieces. As Pastor McGregor assured Leo on his last day with us, "You are the lucky one Leo, it's a beautiful day, the sky is blue and the air has a crisp New Mexico feel, and on this day YOU'LL see the LORD." Leo Montoya, our source of joy, perseverance and strength, will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. Rest in peace Leo, we love you and will miss you. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Asbury United Methodist Church (Care Ministry), 10000 Candelaria Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

SPROUL -- Clarence G. Sproul, Jr. passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2004 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Clarence was born in Fork Ridge, Tennessee, on January 23, 1913 to Clarence G. Sproul, Sr. and Esta Imes Sproul. His mother passed away form typhoid fever when Clarence Jr. was only 9 months old; he was sent to be raised by his maternal grandparents, Harrison D. Imes and Martha Imes. His sister, Evelyn Sproul, was sent to live with her paternal grandparents. Clarence was raised in Wellston, Ohio, where he had many fond memories delivering newspapers from his bicycle, sneaking under the ballpark fence to attend games, playing in the summer with his cousin, Gene Imes, and playing basketball for Wellston High School. After high school, he played basketball for the Wellston Merchants who sponsored both men and women's teams. It was through the basketball league that he met Claudine Hudson of Wellston, and they married on August 7, 1933. He worked for Denver Lewis' Trucking Company in Wellston, Williams Shoe Company in Portsmouth, Ohio, and Superior Die and Tool in Columbus, Ohio. He was then recruited to work on the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He drove cross-country through several snow and ice storms and reported to the Los Alamos check-in office in Santa Fe the first workday of January 1945. After completion of the Los Alamos contract in July of 1945, Claudine came west on a troop train to Lamy, New Mexico with their 3 small children; David, Jane and Jeff. Clarence and the family moved to Albuquerque where he had several small jobs before the University of California (now Sandia National Labs) hired him to work. He retired form Sandia National Labs and spent more than twenty years traveling the US with Claudine. He loved to fish in the Chama River, Bluewater Lake and Vallecitos Lake and loved deer hunting in New Mexico. In the late 1940s and 1950s, some South Valley farmers would welcome Clarence and his shooting buddy, Alan Putnam, to "take out" their crows. They spent many a Saturda y morning in the South Valley. Their grandchildren have fond memories of traveling with them. Clarence was a great storyteller and loved to share his life experiences including endearing and humorous recollections of his years spent at Sandia Labs. Clarence is survived by his loving wife of seventy one years, Claudine Sproul, Albuquerque; step sister, Mary Dale Freeman, Williamsburg, Kentucky; son, David Sproul and wife, Sue, Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Jane Bickelman, Albuquerque; a son, Jeff Sproul and wife, Mary, Albuquerque. He is also survived by grandchildren; Kevin Sproul and wife, Becky, Conifer, Colorado; Chris Sproul and wife, Pam, Camarillo, CA; Deborah Bickelman Burns and husband, Robert Burns, Santa Fe; Eric Bickelman and wife, Becky, Albuquerque; Carol Bickelman Boren and husband, Rance Boren, Brownwood, Texas; Sarah Sproul Cole and husband, Cisco Cole, Blair, Nebraska; and Jeffrey Sproul, Albuquerque. He has 10 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the earthly angels at The Cottages who cared so lovingly for Clarence. Service will be held at the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel, Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE., on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Michael Brunk, of Christ United Methodist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations for research in his name to Alzheimer's Association of New Mexico, 8100 Mountain Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004

VALADEZ -- Juanita (Jennie) Valadez died Thursday, October 14, 2004. A Rosary for Jennie will be recited on Monday, October 18, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 also at St. Francis Church where the Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery.Arrangements by: Salazar & Sons Mortuary 400 Third St. SW 247-4124
        Published on: Mon October 18, 2004