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ADAMSKO, AL Born Albert Joseph Adamasko, "big Al" to his friends. Born December 9, 1927, died March 15, 2014, at the age of 86. Al's difficult journey with Alzheimer's is over. Al, and his wife of 63 years, Agnes, moved to Albuquerque in 1952 and raised their family with values of hard work and love of God. Al helped support his mother and father during the Great Depression, served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, and was a hard working democrat, AARP lobbyist and hot air balloon enthusiast. His priorities remained God and family first. Husband, dad, grandpa, zedo, brother, uncle - Al was first and foremost a devout Catholic, a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. He was generous to all and helped many people. Retiring from the Gas Company after more than 30 years of service, Al and Agnes traveled to Slovakia to reconnect with family. He enjoyed cutting and selling Christmas trees and firewood. Al is survived by his wife, Agnes; daughters, Sylvia Adamsko, Pamela Pettit and Linda Adamsko; grandchildren, Amanda and husband Adam Lowe, Alex Pettit and Tessa Pettit; great-granddaughters, Grace and Joyanna Lowe; nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends too numerous to count. Vicnaja Pamjat! (Eternal Memory) A viewing is scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial according to the Byzantine Catholic Rite at 11:30, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church, 1837 Alvarado Dr. NE, Albuquerque. Interment will immediately follow the services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of Perpetual Help or to the Alzheimer's Association, Albuquerque Chapter, (505) 266-4473. Special thanks to the stellar staff of Brookdale and Dr. Standoli for their exceptional care and concern. Please visit our online guestbook for Al at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
ALARID, FRANK G. Age 89, a resident of Espanola, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. Mr. Alarid was preceded in death by his parents, Gregorio and Ramona Alarid; brothers, Sam, Phillip, and Jake Alarid, sisters, Emma and Sennie Garcia, and Frances Branch; daughter, Rosemary Alarid; and grandson, Francisco Martinez; sisters-in-law, Aurora, Carise and Josie Alarid, Beverly Martinez and Anna Martinez; brothers-in-law, Robert and Elias Garcia, Alfonso Branch, Bobby Martinez and Carl Becker. Mr. Alarid served with distinction in World War II in the Pacific Theater, his records validate 6 battle stars and one liberation star. He was aboard the USS Montpelier, and he underwent surgery on ship during a major battle. He was in the city of Hiroshima after the Atomic Bomb was dropped. He was an Aircraft gunner. Mr. Alarid retired from the National Laboratory in Los Alamos in 1985 after 35 plus years of service. He had a special gift of influencing young adults to be honorable and respectful. Mr. Alarid is survived by his wife, Betty M. Alarid; children, Edward Alarid and wife Sally, Elma Jean Bessette and husband Terry, Joanna Alarid and fiance Fermin, Susan Alarid and companion David, Diana Alarid Martinez and husband Ernest, and Barbara Alarid; sister, Mary Becker; grandchildren, Geneen Martinez and husband Rodney, Tessa Lucero and husband Chris, Javier Alarid and wife Shellie, Greg Bessette, Colbi Bessette, Alisha Duran and husband Lloyd, Juliet Carmona and husband Sam, Brittney Martinez, Zack Song, Alexandria Martinez and fiance Ian, and Shane Song, great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Jontel, Logan, Joshua, Gian-Carlo, Jolie, Christian, Emma, Destiny, Melayah, Lyrik, Aliyana and Lucas; in-laws, Roy and Betty Martinez, Tom Martinez and Gloria Montoya of Taos and numerous other relatives and friends. Public visitation will begin on Monday, March 24, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. a second Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada, with a burial to follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers, Javier Alarid, Greg Bessette, Josh Lucero, Lloyd Duran, Zack Song and Shane Song. Honorary pallbearers will be the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family of Frank Alarid has entrusted the care of their loved one to the Devargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 - www.devargasfuneral.com
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
ALEXANDER, JUANITA LUCILLE A long-time Albuquerque resident died Monday, March 17, 2014. She was born April 7, 1918. Juanita started her teaching career in a one room school house and retired from a long career as a reading specialist in the Albuquerque Public Schools. Her love of children and teaching continued through many years as she lead classes in Sunday school at St. John's United Methodist Church. Juanita and her husband Merle Wayne Alexander, who preceded her in death in 1996, enjoyed summer camping vacations into wilderness areas of the Western U.S. and Alaska. They lived a life of purpose, providing much support to the Ford and Alexander families, including her brother Trammell who died in 2000. Her other brother, Kenneth, died while serving in WWII. Juanita is survived by five nieces and nephews who live in California and Oregon. They are Candace Ford Gray (John); Judi Ford Smith (Dan); and children Will, Andrew, Robert, and Danelle; Kenneth Ford (Beverly); and children Megan Ford Smith (Jeramie), and Aleesha Ford Rubini (Nate); Trammell Brady Ford, Jr. (Charlotte); and children Tram and Brian (Naomi); Fanci Ford Stow (Tom) and children Kelly (Jake), Ryan, and Kaelen. She also has numerous great-grandnieces and nephews. Also grieving for her passing is her long time devoted friend, Mary Lou Brito, who became "like a daughter" to Juanita. Mary Lou and her husband Art, and their children Art, Jr. (Sharon); Tanya (Jim); and Matthew (Stephanie). Other especially close friends are Vern and Betty Easley who lived next door to Alexander's for over 50 years and had provided much assistance and companionship to her. Gary Plumlee (Gloria); Juanita's second cousin, also visited with her often at the Manzano del Sol nursing home where she spent her final years. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Oliver and his wife, Kathleen, and their children Wanda Stailey (Ron); Ginger Fisher (Cecil); and Huel. Juanita enjoyed telling stories of her growing up, and retelling stories of her father, Oscar Ford, who was one of the last cowboys to ride the famous Good Night trail in the early 1900's. Many of these stories have been recorded and transcribed as family treasures. Juanita supported her parents in their retirement on the family ranch outside of Las Vegas, NM and has maintained the land for four generations. Visitation Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 2:00pm to 6:00 pm. at Daniels Family Funeral Services. Services will be held Monday, March 24, 2014 at 10:00am, at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St, NE, Albuquerque 87110. Viewing will be on Sunday, March 23, from 2:00pm to 6:00 pm. at Daniels Family Funeral Services, To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 1100 Coal Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
ANDERSON, PATRICIA Our beloved mother Patricia Anderson passed away peacefully on February 20, 2014 surrounded by her family and friends after a long brave battle with kidney disease. Pat was born in French Camp, CA on December 26, 1938. She was a petite, soft spoken, stunningly beautiful woman with a huge heart. Pat was a RN working in ER and ICU for many years. She retired after 25 years from IBM in San Jose, CA. Pat moved to Albuquerque in 2006 to be near her daughter Tani Gallup. She loved cooking and watching baseball and football. She loved listening to music and had a beautiful voice. Pat was an avid reader, and in her youth was a member of MENSA. She enjoyed vacationing in Lake Tahoe, CA and Mexico. Pat was preceded in death by husband of 30 years Andy Anderson. She is survived by her 4 children, Leilani (Tim) McAndrews, Ray Wilson, Tani Gallup and Craig Anderson and her 4 grandchildren, Michael, Melissa, Justin and Parisa. She is also survived by her brothers Raymond Cezar and Gene Cezar and her sister Gina. Last but not least her beloved companion and friend, her cat Angel. Pat will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her. She touched so many lives with her kindness and generosity. Services will be held at a date in the future to be determined. We would like to thank the Hospice Unit at Kaseman Hospital for all their support and kindness of our mother and our family.
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
BARTHOLOMEW, JUDITH Age 87, a resident of New Mexico since 1988, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2014. She is survived by children, Stephen A. Bartholomew and wife, SueEllen of Bosque Farms & Carolyn Bartholomew of Washington, DC; grandchildren, Devon and Jenelle Bartholomew of Bosque Farms; and many loving friends. Mrs. Bartholomew was preceded in death by husband, Edward Alan Bartholomew; & sons, Colin and Brian Bartholomew. After retiring from teaching on the Navajo Reservation, Judith was an active volunteer in the cancer survivor community. She also volunteered with KNME. For nine years she served as a Consumer Liaison for the UNM IRB. She was an active member of the Daughters of the British Empire. The Bartholomews had an amazing life, immigrating to the United States, from England, in 1950 with $13 in their pockets. She lived the American Dream and finished her career working in education based in Many Farms, AZ. Cremation has taken place and her life will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - University. Should friends desire, contributions may be made in her name to Cancer Support Now, PO Box 37338, Albuquerque, NM 87109 or New Mexico PBS, 1130 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Please visit our online guestbook for Judy at www.frenchfunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-843-6333
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
BAYES, JAMES E. (JIM) 
Age 80, passed away recently at his home in Glenwood, Arkansas. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 24, 1933 to EH (Tokie) and Hazel Bayes. He was preceded in death by a son Brent and both parents. Jim is survived by his wife Jill of Glenwood; son James C. (Jimbo) and wife Jackie Bayes; grandson J.T. Bayes of Finchville, Kentucky; mother-in-law Margaret Reece of Belleville, Kansas; brother Billie J. Bayes and wife Elaine of Albuquerque; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was born in Lansing, Michigan and with his family moved to Albuquerque in 1947. He graduated from Albuquerque High in 1951. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1954. He then went to work at Sandia Base for the AEC. He became involved in the horse racing industry and became a world class farrier traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Most recently he owned a farm in Glenwood, Arkansas. A memorial service is planned for March 31st at 12:00pm at the Chapel at Oaklawn Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
BERTETTO, CATHY LYNN Cathy Lynn Bertetto, 58, of Albuquerque, passed away February 20, 2014. Though she was born in Alton IL, June 13, 1955, she made Albuquerque her home after relocating with her parents in 1957. She graduated from Del Norte High School in 1973. After high school, she continued working for Furrs Supermarket, which became a 30-year career and where she became a long-time member of the Retail Clerks Union. After leaving retail, Cathy started a second career as a realtor where she worked for KB Homes for eight years before retiring. Cathy loved traveling, had elegant taste in home decorating, and centered her life around her friends, her family, and her two cats. Preceding Cathy in death were her parents, Verna and Mike Bertetto JR, brother, Mark Bertetto and nephew, Richard Bertetto. Cathy is survived by her brother, Mike Bertetto and his wife Suzie; sister-in-law, Stacy Bertetto; nephew, Steven Bertetto, his wife Taryn, and their son Landon; and her niece Jennifer Bertetto. As a result of having Marfans Syndrome, Cathy decided to donated her body to the University of New Mexico School of Medicine for research on Marfans. At Cathy's wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 1PM, at her residence, (contact family for the address). Cathy loved her two cats so in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Animal Humane Association.
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
BOWERS, MELISSA K. Melissa K. Bowers, age 44, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2014 after a long illness with her loving family by her side. Melissa was a life long resident of Albuquerque. Melissa most recently worked for Direct Buy. She was known as a super sales person. Several times she ranked as the top, or near the top, sales person in the nation for that company. More important to Melissa was her relationship with her God, Jehovah. Everyone who came into contact with her soon found that out. She loved to share her hope in God's Kingdom with everyone she met. Melissa was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1984 and served her God faithfully right up to her last breath. She was preceded in death by her siblings Kimberly and Matthew Bowers. Melissa is survived by her parents Ron & Karin Bowers; Larry Mills; grandmother Thea Gallegos; brother Kenneth Bowers, his wife Courtney; brothers Patrick Bowers and Adrian Mills; niece Elizabeth Chavez; nephew Timothy Bowers; uncle Bob Bowers; Marian Davis, her husband Henry; Jasmine Briggs, her husband Rocky; many loving cousins and countless special friends. Melissa touched many lives with her love, spirit, and strength. Perhaps one of her most outstanding qualities was her generosity. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter what circumstances she herself was in. She always looked for the best in others. She definitely affected the lives of those she touched. She will be greatly missed. Her confidence in the resurrection hope was strong to the very end. She was sustained by Martha's words to Jesus in the Bible at John 11:24 "I know he (I) will rise in the resurrection..." We look forward to that reunion. What a joyful day that will be! A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 6509 Signal NE, at 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 22, 2014.
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
DANIELS, DAN J. 
Danny "Dan" Joseph Daniels was born on December 15, 1940 in Albuquerque and passed away on March 14, 2014 in Albuquerque at the age of 73. Dan attended Valley HS and UNM School of Engineering. He was preceded in death by his parents Sherwood "Dan" Daniels and Inez (Marsden) Daniels and by his sisters Jean Roland and Peggy Bradshaw. Dan is survived by his loving wife Kay and three children. Dan worked as a road contractor, as a satellite tracker, telescope equipment designer. Dan was also an entrepreneur who ran several businesses including car washes, gas stations, rebuilding exotic cars, semiconductor equipment refurbishing, and computer manufacturing. Dan was a long time member of the Southwest Cherokee Township. Memorial service to be held Monday, March 24 at 11 a.m. in the Centennial Urn Garden at Sunset Memorial Park.
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
FLORES, HUGO Longtime Albuquerque, NM resident Hugo Flores, 90, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 20, 2014. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. He was born on May 06, 1923 the 2nd of 10 children born to Ramon and Rumalda Flores. He graduated from Tularosa High School in 1941 and worked at the Civilian Conservation Corps until World War II began when he joined the US Marines. A Veteran of WW II He served in an infantry unit in the pacific theatre and later participated in the Bikini Atoll atomic bomb tests. Hugo met his Bride (and his match), Lorraine Frost in Bremerton, Washington. Their love and their life would last for over 60 years and in concert they had six children. The couple moved to Albuquerque and purchased the house they would call their home for the remainder of their lives in 1952. Hugo worked at Sandia Labs for 25 years where he was initially a security officer and later a security supervisor rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He then worked as a service officer for the New Mexico Veterans Department of Veterans Services for several years at the Albuquerque VA Hospital assisting Veterans until vision impairment forced him to retire. Hugo was very active in the American Legion. He was a founder and lifelong member of Post 72 and served as its Commander and additionally served as the New Mexico Department Adjutant. He was additionally active with the Legions Boys State Program. A lifelong Catholic and member of Queen of Heaven Parish in Albuquerque and founded their Cub and Boy Scout troops 281. He along with his wife Lorraine, were avid fans of the Lobo men's basketball team never missing a game. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; mother and father; sisters, Virginia, Consuelo, Faviola, and Emily; and brothers, Arnulfo, Gilbert, Jacobo, and Raul. He is survived by his sister, Elisa; daughter, Carol Torres and husband, Eddie of Tularosa, NM; son, Gregory Flores & wife, Deborah; son, Richard Flores and wife, Barbara; his son, Michael Flores and wife, Barbara; daughter, Pamela Highum, all of Albuquerque, and son, Tim and wife, Susan of Tularosa, NM; 16 grandchildren, and 35 great- grandchildren. A viewing will be on Sunday, March 23, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University. A Rosary and Mass will be held Monday, March 24, 2014, 12:30 p.m., at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5311 Phoenix Ave. NE. Interment services will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 9:00 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons, Robbie, Todd, Jason, Kenny, Aaron, Adam, Jerrod, Parker, Phillip, and Chris. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite Veteran's organization. Please visit our online guestbook for Hugo at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
GALBIATI, MYRA HOWES Myra Howes Galbiati passed away peacefully in Albuquerque, March 19, 2014 at age 91. She was preceded in death by her parents Marjorie (Eaman) Howes and Whitney Pratt Howes, of Gaines New York, sister, Jean (Howes) Brown, of Perry, New York, and son Joseph Whitney Galbiati. She is survived by loving and devoted husband of sixty years, Donald Vincent Galbiati of Albuquerque, NM; her children: Margaret Sue (Galbiati) Hodun, of Bremerton, WA, Vincent Howes Galbiati, of Chicago, IL, and Lynda (Bitter) Galbiati of Valparaiso, IN; and her five grandchildren: Megan Denise Hodun, of London, England, Daniel Bruce Hodun, attending Montana State University; Gianni Vincent Galbiati, attending New York University; and Joseph Nicco Galbiati and Tess Angeline Galbiati both attending Arizona State University. Myra was born February 14, 1923 in Albion, New York. She attended Albion High School and Geneseo State Teacher's College, graduating in library sciences. Myra served as a civilian employee of the United States Army in Germany, post-World War II. Upon her return she accepted a teaching position in Hayden, Arizona where she met and married Donald, a metallurgical engineer whose work lead their family to adventures in Maryland, Nevada, Chile, California, Indonesia, Australia, Louisiana, Connecticut, West Virginia and New Mexico. After retiring in Albuquerque with Don in 1999, Myra volunteered as a docent at the Albuquerque Pueblo Center until 2012. Myra was an arts enthusiast, world traveler, cancer survivor & devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother who was cherished and will be missed by her family and friends. She was a truly a wonderful, extraordinary and pioneering woman.
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
GONZALES, ESTER M. Age 89, a longtime resident of Pecos and Albuquerque, went to be among the angels on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. She is survived by her children, Eva Lujan of Albuquerque, Captain Anthony J. Gonzales (USN Retired) and wife, Julie of San Diego, CA, and Angeline Maldonado and husband, Kenneth of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Lisa Guevara, Luke Smith, Loyd Smith and wife, Terri, Markus Lujan, Michael Gonzales and wife, Jessie, AJ Gonzales, Adriana Maldonado, and Mia Maldonado; great-grandchild, Tessa Hernandez, Lauren Gonzales, Cruz Antonio Guevara, Ava Gonzales; and numerous extended family and friends. Ester was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Gilbert; daughter, Laura E. Smith of Albuquerque: grandson, Jonathan Gonzales; sister, Margaret Salazar of Raton, and brother, David Nelson of Australia. The Rosary will be recited Sunday, March 23, 2014, 5:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Monday, March 24, 2014, 10:30 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper Ave NW. Interment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 10:30 a.m. Pallbearers will be Luke Smith, Markus Lujan, AJ Gonzales, Pat Maldonado, John Ullom, and Tom Welch. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kenneth Maldonado, Loyd Smith, Michael Gonzales, and Cruz Antonio Guevara. A special thank you from the Gonzales family to the staff and care givers at Presbyterian Hospital and Anna Kaseman Skilled Nursing and Hospice and to our extended family and friends for their love and support. Please visit our online guestbook for Ester at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
GRIEGO, MARGARET L. Age 86, beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully, Monday, March 17, 2014. She was a lifelong resident of Albuquerque. Margaret retired after 30 years of service with San Felipe Catholic Church. She was a lifelong servant of San Felipe Church, Margaret devoted her life and time to those who asked the Lord to be in their lives. In addition Margaret was a devoted NANA/Auntie who gladly gave all her love to those around her. In her quiet time one would always find NANA/Auntie with a word search book or sewing. It was with both her busy heart and busy hands that we will always cherish. Margaret was always surrounded by many little angels who loved and treasured her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Manuelita and Eduardo Griego; and brother, Vincent Griego. Margaret is survived by her loving children, Laurinda Zook and husband Jay, Patrick Gonzales and Crystal Sedillo; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her siblings, Frances Gonzales and Pat Gonzales, Raymond N. Griego; sister-in-law, Sandra Griego; and many other relatives and friends. Margaret will be greatly missed by all. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services - Alameda Mortuary, 9420 Fourth St., NW. A Rosary will be recited Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. at San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church in Old Town. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Patrick Gonzales, Paul Griego, Alexander and David Duchaussee, Krista Duran, and Miranda Zook. Honorary Bearers will be Crystal Sedillo, Carlos Duran, Adrian Lucero, Kayla Zook, Cate Wilson, Kristin Giesek, Andrea Zook, Layla Duran, and Jordyn Gonzales. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services ALAMEDA MORTUARY 9420 Fourth St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 898-3160
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
HANKS, EUGENE RALPH 
Eugene Ralph Hanks, CAPT U.S. Navy Retired, WWII fighter pilot Ace, jet test pilot, Blue Angel, "Top-Gun" squadron commander, mountain land developer and resident of Mora, NM, died peacefully in Albuquerque on March 13, 2014, at the age of 95. Born in Corning, CA, Dec. 11, 1918, He attended Red Bluff H.S. in Red Bluff, CA, and California Polytechnic State College San Luis Obispo before joining the U.S. Navy in Oct. 1941. He completed flight training and received his wings and commission in Aug. 1942. CAPT Hanks served 28 years in the U.S. Navy through several wars earning the Navy Cross, two Distinguished flying Crosses, seven Air Medals, the Legion of Merit, and various other medals and citations. He served as Commanding Officer (CO) of three jet fighter squadrons, including being the first CO of the famous "Top-Gun" squadron. During WWII in the Pacific near Tarawa Island in Nov. 1944, he became the first Navy Hellcat pilot to become an "ace" in a day by shooting down five enemy planes in the first five minutes of his first aerial combat, a feat few, if any, fighter pilots have accomplished. After WWII, he was a test pilot at Patuxent River Naval Test Center in Maryland, testing the Navy's first jet planes when they simply said, "Get in and fly." In 1950, he was a member of the Blue Angels, the Navy's aerial demonstration team, flying the Panther jet. Hanks was also the CO of the Navy's first jet training squadron of select pilots; a member of the first operational jet squadron on the West Coast; a pilot testing the Navy's first jet fighters to use air-to-air missiles; the CO of the first squadron with jet fighters with missiles; the CO of the first military unit to have the F-4 Phantom II fighter jet, the fastest operational fighter in service at the time; the first operations officer on the new USS Constellation, the largest conventional aircraft carrier at that time; the director of Aerospace and directorate operations at the Naval Missile Center; and the test director and the naval representative to a joint military task force. While living in New Mexico, he acquired land around the Mora Valley and developed Christmas Tree Canyon Ranch and mountain cabin properties, where he lived for more than 40 years. In various who's who publications, he characterized himself as a "land developer, cattle rancher, [forester, and] retired naval officer." He was married for 58 years to Frances Elliot Herrick of Philadelphia until her death in 2002. He is survived by his three sons Herrick of Watsonville, CA, Russell of St. George, UT, and Stephen of Albuquerque, NM; and daughter Nina of Albuquerque, NM; as well as 11 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. A reception for family and friends will be held at Christmas Tree Canyon, Mora, NM, on Sunday, March 23, 2014, 1-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Presbyterian Hospice, Albuquerque, NM.
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
MONTOYA, LOUIS "LOUIE" The Montoya family is saddened to announce the death of Louis "Louie" John Montoya, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather and friend. Louie blessed us with many gifts-- his integrity and generosity, his good humor and incredible work ethic, his love of God, family and friends. Through these, Louie inspired us all. Louie was born in Albuquerque on May 6, 1925, the fifth of six children of Andres and Tomasita Montoya. He served in the Pacific theater and attended Iowa State College during his service with the US Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to Albuquerque, where he met his wife of 65 years, Ruth Montoya, and began a career in the US Postal Service. He worked as a mail carrier until retirement, in addition to maintaining an eclectic array of secondary jobs, including landscaper, bartender, and jeweler. Always athletic, in retirement, Louie became an avid golfer. Louie was a respected member of Queen of Heaven Parish, and a devoted volunteer with St Vincent de Paul. He made friends everywhere he went. The great joy of Louie's life was his family. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his sister, Lena Gutierrez; his three daughters, Marlene Baca and husband, Rick, Patti Montoya and husband, John Tansey, and Karen Montoya; six grandchildren, Alan Baca and wife Maile, David Baca, Jenny Montoya Tansey and husband, Chris Cassidy, Hallie Montoya Tansey, Amanda Montoya Duran, and Alysha Huerta; three great-grandsons, Nicholas Montoya Duran, Dominic Molina, and Declan Baca; and many nieces and nephews. A rosary and funeral mass will be held Monday, March 24, 2014, 10:30 a.m., at Queen of Heaven Church, 5311 Phoenix Avenue NE. Louie will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 4120 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Please visit our online guestbook for Louie at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
MOZE, TRUDY MARIE (BROWN) Age 80, passed away on March 15, 2014 while undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. Trudy was born October 18, 1933 in Chicago, Ill. She moved to Albuquerque with her extended family while in the sixth grade and graduated from Albuquerque High in 1951. She attended UNM, joined Pi Beta Phi, and met Elliott Mozee the following year. Soon she became an Air Force bride. In 1955 the couple moved to California to begin what was to be a 35 year sojourn. Trudy completed her degree at U.C. Santa Cruz and enjoyed working as a travel agent for a number of years. They moved back to New Mexico in 1990 as retirees. Trudy had a talent for interior decoration and over six decades employed this talent on their twelve homes in California, Florida and New Mexico (Taos, Corrales and Albuquerque). She made many, many good friends easily. To know her was to love her. Survivors include her husband; son, Ben (Laurie) Akron, NY; son, Brad (Gaby) Orinda, CA; and daughter Janine (David) Davis, CA. A daughter Gayle died in 2010. Also surviving are ten grandchildren. Others include her brother, Fred Johnson (Shirley); uncle Wentworth Brown; and cousin Doug Carter (Betty Jo), all of Albuquerque. Cremation services were handled by the Neptune Society. A memorial service will be arranged in the near future.
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
SMITH, ROBERT E. (BOB) Age 73, passed away on March 15, 2014. Bob was born in Baker, Oregon on February 21, 1941. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cecilia (Lia) of Albuquerque; a daughter; Lesley Worrell and husband Kevin, a son; Evan Smith, all of Albuquerque; two grandchildren; Dameon N. Smith and Kyla C. Worrell; one sister; Jo Ann Greene of North Carolina, and his mother-in-law, Hester Holtman of Albuquerque. Bob was an industrial sales representative prior to operating Travel & Cruise with his wife, until retirement. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at FRENCH - Wyoming at 2:00 p.m. Please visit our online guestbook for Bob at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
Published on: Sat March 22, 2014
