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KEKICH -- Betsy Mercia Kekich, went peacefully to our Lord on Thursday, February 24, 2011. She was born on July 14, 1929, in Devon Port, County Plymouth England, the daughter of Charles and Mercy Mitchell. The fourth oldest of eleven children, Betsy grew up in war torn England during World War II in Weston-Super-Mare. She survived Nazi firebombing and would run to the sea when the town was ablaze "because it was the only thing not burning" with several of her siblings. She enlisted in the British Royal Army in 1947 and was a member of the ATS-Auxiliary Territorial Service stationed at Lark Hill overlooking Stonehenge. She was an NCO in charge of a shift of mess orderlies in a large officer's mess. She served her homeland for two years. Once leaving the army Betsy had several jobs including waitressing and retail clerk. During the Korean War while attending a dance she met the love of her life, this Yank Sailor from Montana on a five day leave who swept her off her feet. A nine month courtship through written correspondence ensued and in those letters a proposal of marriage took place. Betsy being the free spirit and adventurer that she was took a leap of faith and hopped on an ocean liner to come across the sea to marry her American sailor. Due to immigration restrictions, Betsy had to stay in Toronto Canada for a year before she was able to come into the US. Then on Dec 12, 1952, as Betsy would have said "to immigrate into the United States he bought be me for $8.00". On January 2, 1953 she married and began her life in America with Mitchell Kekich and had a beautiful marriage of 56 years. Betsy and Mike lived in Browning, Montana, on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation which was a complete culture shock for this reserved English girl. While in Browning daughter Kim was born and in addition she gained an instant family, Mike's seven and nine year old sons. They left Browning in 1954 and moved to Mojave, California and lived for eight years during which time her other two children Steve and Denise were born. She was an active President and member of the Emblem club which is the women's division of the Elks club. After eight inspiring and exciting years in Mojave, the family moved to the big cities of the Los Angeles basin. There she raised her children and worked as a foreign and disabled student liaison at Cerritos Junior College in Norwalk, Ca. When she retired after 20 years in 1994, she and Mike moved to Albuquerque, NM and has resided there ever since. During her retirement with Mike and occasionally joined by family and friends, saw the world by cruise ship, guided tours, and individually sought destinations. In all, they traveled to 52 different countries around the globe. Most recently was her trip to her homeland of England with her daughter Kim to visit her brothers, sister and many nieces and nephews. Part of their enjoyment of traveling was to attend the reunions off the USS Stephen Potter on which Mike served where met and made many new friends. A great joy of her life of which her family and many friends benefited was her love of cooking. Betsy was preceded in death by her father, Charles; mother, Mercy; her brothers, Micky and Kerry Mitchell; her sister Mary Lewis; her grand-daughter, Amanda K. Kekich; her nephew Colin Lewis; her niece Anita Burns and her beloved husband Mitchell (Mike) Kekich. Betsy is survived by sons, Michael Kekich, and wife, Michelle of Albuquerque, NM, Brian Kekich, and wife, Janet of Missoula, MT, Steven Kekich, and wife, Nanette of Buena Park, CA; daughters, Kim Milosevich of Rio Rancho, NM, Denise Meek and husband, Jim of Rio Rancho, NM; grandchildren, Kristen Elliot and husband John of San Francisco, CA, Stacey Smith and husband, Mike of Missoula, MT, Reagen Dearstone and husband, Larry of Dubuque, IA, Morgan Nichole Luders and husband Ian of Albuquerque, NM, Risto Milosevich of Albuquerque, NM, Jake Brown of Phoenix, AZ, and Jovan Milosevich and wife Jessica of Rio Rancho, NM; great- grandchildren, Kathrine Leddy, Nathaniel Smith, Adrienne Leddy, Timothy Smith, Ivy Dearstone, Toby Dearstone and Mileva Milosevich. Other surviving relatives are Betsy's brother Monty Mitchell and wife Eve, sister Thelma Burns and husband Mac, brother Graham Grey and wife Dottie, great nephew and niece Danny Holcombe and Rhonda Glaze and their families. Betsy is also survived by many nieces and nephews of various locations throughout England. Flowers or contributions may be sent to:Amanda Kekich Memorial Children's Fund, 112 Rolling Green Place, Missoula, MT, 59803. A Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2011, at 11:30 AM with the Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 PM; both will be held at Daniels Family Funeral Services- Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE. Interment will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at: www.danielsfuneral.com Funeral Services are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 505-892-9920
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011

LOPEZ -- Sharon Lopez, "Sherri", age 54, a long time resident of Albuquerque, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 06:30 am peacefully with her family by her side. Sherri was born on May 26, 1956 at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a longtime member of the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 49, and a member of the New Mexico Pet Rescue. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nadine Hunt and Stepson, Joseph Lopez. She is survived by her father, Darrell Hunt; sons, Jason and Joshua Kinkelaar and Gabriel Carruzo; sisters, Denice Hunt and Carol Abendroth; Nieces, Courtney and Megan Abendroth; nephew, Aaron Abendroth, two great nephews, one great niece, two granddaughters and other family and friends who love and will miss her. The viewing will be private. A funeral service will be held at the American Legion Post 49, 11005 Central Ave. NE, between Juan Tabo and Eubank, on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 3:30 PM, with a celebration of her life following the services, where anyone wishing to express their condolences can attend and celebrate with the family. In lieu of flowers any contributions should be made to the Albuquerque Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 21280, Albuquerque, NM 87154 or SPCA International, P.O. Box 8682, New York, New York, 10001. In loving memory, you will be missed, may you rest in peace! Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services 2919 4th St. NW ABQ. 87107
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011

LOWRY -- Dorothy Jean Lowry, 83, born in Lumberton, NC on April 3, 1927, a resident of Albuquerque since 1972, succumbed to lung cancer and died peacefully on February 22, 2011 in Peachtree City, GA while in hospice care. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Carlee S. Lowry. She is survived by her five children, Tony Lowry, of Prescott, AZ; Carl Lowry of Peachtree City, GA, Shelley Lowry of Phoenix AZ, Mary Rose Metzger of Castalian Springs TN, and Christopher Lowry of Pearland, TX; Extended family includes 15 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. Dorothy led an active lifestyle and exercised many talents. Her outgoing personality and great sense of humor were welcomed in all social circles. She will be sincerely missed by her family and friends. A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., at French - Lomas Chapel. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Cancer Society, 10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 87111. Please visit our online guestbook for Dorothy at: RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011

LYMAN -- Judith Dennard Lyman passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, after a two year battle with metastatic breast cancer, surrounded by her husband and children -- her fighting spirit a part of her to the end. Judith is survived by her loving and devoted husband of nearly 46 years, Jerry R. Lyman; daughter, Erin Samantha Lyman of Charlotte, NC; son Derek R. Lyman & his wife Nelie Bettress Lyman, and two adorable twin grandsons Carson and Garrett Lyman, of Thomaston, GA. She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. William E. (Bill) and Juanita P. Dennard of Albuquerque, NM; and her father- and mother-in-law Mr. Carson F. & Elizabeth P. (Betty) Lyman of Bethesda, MD and later Sea Island, Georgia. Judith is also survived by her brothers Brian Dennard (Joanna) of Austin, TX and W. Jeffrey (Jeff) Dennard (Kathy) of E. Greenwich, RI; nephew Brendan Dennard of Boston, MA and niece Shannon Dennard of Brooklyn, NY. Born June 15, 1942 on the Coronado Island Naval Base in California, Judith was raised in Albuquerque, NM. She graduated high school from The Barstow School in Kansas City, MO and attended the University of New Mexico. Judith met Jerry Lyman in California in 1964 at a Young Republicans event for Barry Goldwater. Politics and conservative political causes would be a passion they shared for all the years of their life together. They were married March 6, 1965 in Albuquerque at the home of the late Irish & Doris Seligman. After a few moves around the country, they settled in Potomac, MD in 1972 when Jerry was named General Manager of WGMS AM/FM. During their many years in the Washington area, Judith served on the board of St. John's Child Development Center, was a member of Chevy Chase Club, and was active in the schools attended by her children. She served on the Board of Trustees at St. Andrew's Episcopal School, and chaired numerous events including auctions, school festivals, sports banquets, etc. In 1985, the family relocated to Madison, New Jersey where Judith became involved at Morristown Beard School, helping to create new fundraising events and supporting the prep school's various athletic programs. Judith & Jerry returned to Potomac, MD in 1989 as empty nesters. In 1996 Judith served as head of the Voter Support/Correspondence division of the Dole/Kemp Presidential campaign. Following her work on the campaign, she began an 8-year career with Discovery Communications in 1997. She enjoyed her years as an Executive Assistant, working with company leaders in marketing, educational products, and for the president of Animal Planet. Judith not only excelled in her work at these venues, but she developed treasured friendships, as she seemed to do wherever she went. In 2005, Judith & Jerry retired to St. Simons Island, GA, following a lifelong love of the area developed through years of family vacations at the Sea Island home which was in the Lyman family for more than 50 years. Judith became involved in a women's group at Hampton Point, where she lived, and helped organize efforts to support U.S. military families through coupon clippings. She also volunteered with the Women's Auxiliary of Hospice of the Golden Isles, just before her own cancer returned. Judith was a passionate book lover, avid reader of newspapers, sports fan, collector of "bunnies," loved to plan a great party, and spoiled her loved ones with elaborately wrapped gifts. She never met a stranger, and wherever she lived, she created a home that was filled with love and friends at all times. Judith's greatest joys came from her family and friends, and all were more than blessed to have had her in our lives. If you would like to honor Judith's memory, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Pkwy., Brunswick, GA 31525 or www.hospice.me. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011

MARTINEZ -- Robert E. Martinez, age 82, born July 27, 1928, passed away February 24, 2011. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Martinez and his grandson, Salanito Candelaria. His survived by five daughters, Mary Splichal and her husband Michael, Emily Cordova and her husband Jerry, Joann Lewis, Bernice Martinez and Yolanda Martinez; two sons, Felix Martinez, and Marina and Peter Martinez; 15 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren. Prayer services will be held Sunday, February 27, 20011 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Friendship Baptist Church, 1200 Atrisco Road SW. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 28, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., at the Friendship Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be Peter Martinez, Felix Martinez, Jerry Cordova, Michael Splichal, Solano Candelaria and Antonio Martinez. Interment will follow in the Santa Clara Cemetery, 611 Foothill Dr. SW. Services for Robert are under the care of Salazar and Sons Mortuary, 400 Third Street SW, 247-4124 salazarandsons.com
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011

MATTHEWS -- Virginia A. Matthews, 83, died February 19, 2011. She is survived by her loving husband of greater than 60 years Donald E. Matthews; her four children, Linda and husband Fred (Doroshow), Gary, Mark and wife Becky and Kathy (Kaestner) and her husband Steve; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her two sisters Ruth (McAuley) and Dorothy (Schnittgrund). Private services were held in Deming, New Mexico.
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011

MONTERO -- Evaristo J. Montero, age 52, passed away February 21, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Katherine. He is survived by his two sons, Jonathan and Michael Montero; two brothers, Tony and Albert Montero; four sisters, Ginny, Christina, Theresa and Carmen. Evaristo was a 20 year veteran with the US Army and US Navy. A Rosary and Memorial Service will be held Monday, February 28, 2011 at 9:00 am at the Salazar and Sons Mortuary, 400 Third Street SW. 505-247-4124. salazarandsons.com
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011

MONTS -- Pat E. Monts, age 91, passed away February 12, 2011 at his home in Edgewood, NM. He was a World War II Veteran. Graveside Services were held Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 11:30 am in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico with full Military Honors. Arrangements are under the direction of the Salazar and Sons Mortuary, 400 Third Street SW. 505-247-4124 salazarandsons.com
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011

NEGLIA -- Jennie Neglia, 67, a resident of Albuquerque, born in Brooklyn, NY, passed away on February 19, 2011. Jennie is survived by her sister, Lizzie Mercandente; her brothers, Leo, Augie and Tony Neglia; and her nephew Arthur Petronio and wife, Christine. Private disposition will take place. Please visit GabaldonMortuaryInc.com to sign the online guestbook. Arrangements by: Gabaldon Mortuary, Inc. 1000 Old Coors Dr. SW 243-7861
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011

PIERCE -- Margaret Mary (Peggy) Pierce, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother was called home to her Lord Monday February 21, 2011 at age 75. Margaret Mary was born August 12, 1935 in Dublin, Ireland to Patrick and Olive Delaney. On February 1, 1959 Margaret Delaney and Eldon (Don) Pierce were united in Holy Matrimony at the Anglican Church of St. Phillip & St. James, a parish church in Whitton, Middlesex, England that has served the surrounding community since 1862. Margaret is survived by her devoted husband Eldon Pierce and their three children; Steven and Mary-Margaret (Brandt) Pierce of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Elizabeth (Pierce) and Jeff Johnson, and Michael and Alicia Pierce of Albuquerque. Margaret is the grandmother of Grace Vanderhor, daughter of Elizabeth. Shortly after Margaret was born, her parents moved to London for work and a better life. Later, in the Battle of Britain and the bombing that followed, her family lost their home four times. Margaret has told her children many stories of the wartime hardships and the courage that the Londoner children exhibited, often caring for each other in the absence of their parents. After completing his career with the United States Air Force, Margaret and Eldon settled in Albuquerque where they attended St. Matthews and later, St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Margaret had an abiding interest in reading and collecting books of all kinds, food preparation and cooking demonstrations, and on stage acting. Most of all she enjoyed sharing her skills and interests with her children and friends and many extravagant cakes found their way from Margaret's oven to wedding parties. Margaret and Eldon founded Don's Bookstore that has been a family business for over 40 years. Today, the business is managed by Margaret's daughter Elizabeth Johnson. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday March 4, 2011 at Christ the King Church, 5300 2nd Street NW in Albuquerque. Reception follows. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Margaret's name to Animal Humane New Mexico, 615 Virginia St. SE, Albuquerque NM 87108.
        Published on: Sun February 27, 2011