 ANAYA "BEN" BENNY E. Age 75, a man with a servants heart went to our Lord's loving arms on Friday, March 8, 2013. Ben was born in Tajique, NM on February 3, 1938 to Abel and Juanita Anaya. He married the "love of his life", Emily Gutierrez on February 25, 1963. They were married for 48 years before her passing on December 19, 2011. After retiring from the City of Albuquerque on December 31, 1986, he stayed home a couple of months doing some "honey do's" then went to work at his parish, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church for 10 years. In the early 1970's he also worked part-time at Swift & Co. with his brother-in-law, Mores Gutierrez. He loved his church and together with his wife Emily, served joyfully in several ministries: Eucharist Minister, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul (served as President for several years) and the Fiesta Committee where he was the Fiesta Chairman for 25 years. Ben and Emily were honored with the St. Francis de Assisi Award, presented to them by Archbishop Michael J. Sheenan. Thirteen years ago, Ben received the best gift a person could get - a gift of life! His brother Abel "Jr" gave him one of his kidneys for which Ben was forever thankful. Ben, a very kind, humble and unselfish man was always willing to help everyone without complaining; whether it be making pancakes for the church breakfasts, helping his family with home projects, handing out food boxes to the needy or fixing a flat tire for his granddaughter, Melanie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Abel and Juanita Anaya; beloved wife, Emily Anaya; brother, Dan Anaya; mother-in-law, Elijia Gutierrez; brothers-in-law, Vicente Garcia, Johnny Cruz and Mores Gutierrez; great-granddaughter, Kaprese Garcia and nephews, John Cruz and Victor Walker. Ben is survived by his daughters, Fernie Gallegos and husband Vince, Daisy Anaya and partner Arlene Moya and Jasmine Anaya; grandchildren, Melanie Nicasio, Amber Garcia and husband Jonathan and Eli Gallegos; great-grandchildren, Carissa Romero, Dominic, Paradise & Michael Gallegos, Kaylee Garcia, Benito and Santiago Anaya and Silas Gallegos; brothers, Laco Anaya and wife Priscilla, Abel Anaya, Jr and wife Alice, Honario Anaya and wife Rosalie, Sammy Anaya and wife Carol, Carmel Anaya and wife Carmela and sisters, Lita Cruz and Beatrice Varela as well as many nephew, nieces, cousins and friends. A Rosary will be recited at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5415 Fortuna NW on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date. Ben will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Garcia Mortuary 717 Stover Ave. SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-243-5222
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