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SIMPSON -- Mary "Chris" Simpson of Canyon, age 62, died September 3, 2007 in Amarillo, Texas. Graveside Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Dreamland Cemetery. Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Canyon with Dr. David Lowrie, pastor, officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at Brooks Chapel from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mary "Chris" Simpson was born in Waukegan, Illinois on June 2, 1945. She moved to Albuquerque, NM when she was six months old, where she lived until 1997. She married Bob Simpson in June 1965. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and was active in her Sunday school class. She enjoyed making fleece blankets for other people, and she loved providing meals in the church for others. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Peterson, and her parents, John and Mary Peterson. Survivors include her husband, Bob Simpson of Canyon; daughter, Lisa Simpson of the home; and granddaughter, Nicole Simpson of the home. The family suggests memorials be to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, PO Box 1890, Amarillo, Texas 79174, First Baptist Church, 1717 4th Avenue, Canyon, Texas 79015 or favorite charity.
        Published on: Wed September 05, 2007

THOMAS -- DONALD R. Col. Donald R. Thomas, USAF (RET), a resident of Albuquerque since 1966, died Sunday, September 2, 2007 at the Village of Alameda Assisted Living Home after a long and interesting life. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lois; daughter, Jane T. Kight and husband, Tom of Albuquerque; son, Hugh H. Thomas and wife, Rosemary Craft of Manassas, VA; five grandchildren, Thomas Kight, William Kight and Andrew Kight, all of Albuquerque, and Erin Thomas and Jason Thomas, both of Manassas, VA; and other relatives and friends. Colonel Thomas was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth; and sister, Cherry. He was born on March 20, 1912 in Bismarck, ND to John R. and Ida Elmira Arch Thomas, the middle of three children. Donald moved with his family to Idaho when still a small child, where he lived until adulthood. He attended the University of Idaho and graduated, after working his way through college hashing at the Pi Phi house and working for the Forest Service, with a BS Degree in Education and Business and a reserve commission in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After teaching for several years Donald was called to active duty in the Army Air Corps. He was inducted into the Order of Neptune Rex on board the USS Republic after crossing the equator in route to the Philippines on December 6, 1941. After his ship was diverted to Australia, he spent the early war years in Australia and New Guinea, later returning to the United States to be trained to support the occupation of Japan after the end of WWII in the Pacific. After the War, Donald returned to civilian life, marrying Lois Harnett Ryan of Gooding, Idaho. Donald was assigned to Japan in support of U.N. forces during the Korean conflict in 1953, where he served for 3 years with his family who were able to join him in 1954. He was then assigned as a Professor of Military Science with the ROTC detachment at the Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO earning a Masters Degree during this time. In 1960 he was assigned to the Air Force War College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL until 1961. Donald joined the Joint Task Force 8 in Washington DC where he participated in the nuclear testing in the South Pacific, moving to Albuquerque and then Sandia Base with the Task Force in 1966. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1967 as a Colonel after 27 years of service to his country during WWII, the Korean Conflict, the war in Vietnam and the Cold War. During his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force, Donald received many awards, which include the Legion of Merit. After retirement, Donald taught at Albuquerque's Technical Vocational Institute and St. Joseph's University and once ran for the Albuquerque School Board. Donald spent his second retirement with his wife, Lois, at home and traveling across the world, visiting places where he had lived and visiting his children and grandchildren. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date at Santa Fe National Cemetery. We, his family would like to thank the staff at the Village of Alameda, the loving care from Ambercare Hospice, and the guidance of Geriatrics Care Management. In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate memorial contributions be made to the New Mexico Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. French Mortuary, Inc. 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109 (505) 823-9400 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Wed September 05, 2007

VALDEZ -- Santana Valdez was born October 28, 1988 and died August 31, 2007. She is survived by her mom, Crista Valdez and stepdad, Dennis Romero; brother, Lucas; grandparents, Luciano and Carmen Valdez; Uncle Luciano and wife, Angela; and Anastasia who is a very special cousin, she took care of her and the two were very close; her father, Gabriel Lopez; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and numerous close friends in Bernalillo, Placitas, Albuquerque, Roswell, and Colorado; her ninos, Alex and Logie Lucero; her special friends, Cristina and Erica Ceniceros and Kedemah Callwood from Albuquerque, NM. She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Ricardo and Gregorita Gutierrez; great-grandpa, Nemecio Lopez; a very special grandma, Delphine Romero; and cousin, Edward (Gino)Lucero. Santana was our Angel on earth. A very Happy and special person to everyone who knew her just by walking in a room. Santana's smile would brighten everything up and make everyone happy. Santana loved going places with her mom, always together at concerts, movies, summerfest, anywhere that people hung out at. Santana loved life everyone and everything around her. Santana graduated in May 2007 from Nuestros Valores High School. Santana will be greatly missed by her family especially her momma. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bernalillo, NM at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 a.m. also at the church. Interment will follow at the Placitas Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Leon Lucero, Alcario Castro, Greg Reams, Shane Donahue, Justin Reams, Carlos Candelaria, and Brian Gutierrez. Honorary pallbearers will be Albert Gutierrez, Joey Gutierrez, Marco Gutierrez, Gilbert Candelaria, Gene Gutierrez, Steven Gutierrez, Gabe Gutierrrez, and Jose (Pepe) Valdez. Funeral Services are in the care of: Daniels Family Funeral Services, Alameda Mortuary, 9420 Fourth St. NW, 898-3160.
        Published on: Wed September 05, 2007

WELSHKO -- John Welshko, 76 of Chandler, AZ, passed away peacefully at home on August 29, 2007. A loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be missed by all who knew him. John received commendations for his service in the US Navy and was proud to have served his country as a submarine sailor with the USS Archerfish. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice Hughes Welshko; five daughters, Barbara, Theresa, Mary, Susan, and Ann; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and many friends. A private memorial service attended by immediate family members has been held. Arrangements by Bueler Mortuary.
        Published on: Wed September 05, 2007

WILLIAMS -- Katherine (Gramma Kay) was born in 1910 in Saginaw, Mi and after a long and good life passed away peacefully at her home in Albuquerque on September 1, 2007 at 97 after a valiant effort to recover from both shoulder and hip surgery. She was very grateful to Dr. Sean Hassinger who agreed to operate to give her the best chance to recover completely. As a former RN she told him she knew the risks, "went all the way to dead. Operate!" Kay also worked as an assistant physicist for Douglas Aircraft during the Second World War and later owned New Mexico Hearing Aid Center in Albuquerque. Kay was dearly loved and an incredible inspiration to her family and to everyone at Liberty Gym, Quota Club, and the Presbyterian Ear Institute. She amazed all with her willingness to try what ever caught her interest, never letting her age get in the way. No one at the gym could slack off after watching her on the chin-up machine or the free weights. She believed in giving to the community and participated in all Quota's, projects. She stayed aware of the projects at the Ear Institute and supported them with her time and resources. She rode her bicycle into her 80s and drove her car into her 90s without terrifying her loved ones too much. She was an avid oil painter, world traveler and a superb best friend. Kay is survived by her son, Brian Tyree, his wife, Sandra and grandson, Ryan Gunter. Also by: T.L and Sue Lancaster, Wally Book, Cindi and Jon Sundell, Tami and Larry Ortiz, Scott and Sheila Gunter, Margaret and Roy Morgan, Jean and Mike Westfahl, Molly and Jim Brandau, Jinkle Seagrave and Bill Rahe; plus many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Kay was preceded in death by her son, Tom Tyree and granddaughter, Sheri Book. The family is very grateful to Ambercare Hospice and Alternative Nursing Services for the loving care they provided. Kay requested cremation and no services but rather "a party", date to be announced later.
        Published on: Wed September 05, 2007

AKERS -- William L. "Bill" Akers passed peacefully at home September 3, 2007 with his family present. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Joyce Akers; daughter, Kim Akers; sons, Steve Akers, Frank "Tom" Akers, Bryan Akers, and Bryan's wife, Karen Akers, all of Albuquerque; grandson, Aaron Akers of Albuquerque and granddaughter, Shannon Akers; grandson, Beau Akers of Caballo, NM; sister, Joanne Farris of Clifton, CO; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as dear friends all over the country. Arrangements for cremation have been made with French Mortuary. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family for a celebration of his life at son Steve's home, September 15, 2007 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army or a homeless shelter of choice.
        Published on: Thu September 06, 2007

APODACA -- Celina Apodaca. The family would like to thank all of their relatives and friends who attended the Rosary and Funeral Services. They would also like to express their gratitude for all the love, care, and compassion that has been shown to them. Arrangements by: Salazar & Sons Mortuary 400 Third St. SW 247-4124
        Published on: Thu September 06, 2007

APODACA -- E. Edward Apodaca passed away August 31, 2007 in Albuquerque at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna. Eddie leaves behind his two daughters, Verna Rockey and husband, Robert, Tillie Vigil and son-in-law, Mike; and four beloved grandchildren - E. Edward Rockey and wife, Debra, Cabrini Rockey, Brian Vigil, and David Vigil; and many sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews. He was born in Garfield, NM and moved to Albuquerque in the late '40s. He opened Community Grocery in the South Valley and operated it for over 50 years. In his lifetime he enjoyed betting on the horses, gardening and a good game of Gin Rummy with his family. A Remembrance Gathering will be held at the Vigil home on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place. For directions please contact Tillie 235-6577/Mike 238-3263.
        Published on: Thu September 06, 2007

ARMIJO -- Santiago Armijo (Jimmy). The family would like to thank all of their relatives and friends who attended the Rosary and Funeral Services. They would also like to express their gratitude for all the love, care and compassion that has been shown to them. Arrangements by: Salazar & Sons Mortuary 400 Third St. SW 247-4124
        Published on: Thu September 06, 2007

BLADERGROEN -- Herman "Hank" Bladergroen, 83, of Bonita Springs, FL passed away on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at Joanne's House at Hope Hospice. Hank had been a resident of Bonita Springs since 1994 coming from Ft. Pierce, FL. He was born on December 31, 1923 in Rochester, NY. He was a proud veteran of WWII and Vietnam having spent 32 years in the U.S. Air Force retiring as a Lt. Colonel. During WWII, he was a member of the CBI "Hump Pilots" flying C-47's over China, Burma and India and later C-130's over Vietnam. After retiring from the Air Force, Hank work for 12 years for the State of Florida DOT retiring in 1991 as the Turnpike Services Coordinator. He was a member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, the Quiet Birdmen, the American Legion Post 303 and the VFW. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Margaret N. Bladergroen; five sons, Michael (Bridget) Bladergroen of Placita, NM, Brian Bladergroen and Kevin (Anja) Bladergroen all of Albuquerque, NM and Neil and Shaun Bladergroen of Bonita Springs, FL; two daughters, Noreen (Jaemes) Shanley of Albuquerque, NM and Patrice (Don) Lomelino of Bonita Springs, FL; two daughters-in-law, Lynne Bladergroen of Albuquerque, NM and Michele Bladergroen of Ft. Pierce, FL and six grandchildren, Ian, Kathryn, Brett, Kyle, Dewey, and Kacey. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert and Charles. The family will receive friends Friday, September 7, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Walter Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Tr. So., Bonita Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 2:00 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church. Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Joanne's House and suggest that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Hank's name be made to Joanne's House at Hope Hospice 27200 Imperial Pkwy., Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Walter Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home 992-4982 Family Owned Since 1978
        Published on: Thu September 06, 2007