Albuquerque Journal Obituaries

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MILLER, DR. JAMES SR. Dr. James Miller Sr., for five decades one of the foremost educational leaders in New Mexico public schools and community colleges, passed Tuesday, February 24, 2015 in Albuquerque. He was 88 years old. A graduate of Northern Colorado University and the University of New Mexico, Miller was active in public schools across New Mexico since 1954, once serving as Superintendent or Board Consultant in nearly 40 of New Mexico's 89 districts. He taught, was an administrator or school board consultant in Los Alamos, Ojo Caliente, Bloomfield, Gadsden, Santa Fe, Springer, Grants, Alamogordo and Roswell. Miller founded the Santa Fe Community College in early 1983 and the Rio Rancho Public Schools in 1994. In 1996, he was also instrumental in establishing the Western NM University - Mimbres Learning Center in Deming. Many of today's New Mexico teachers, administrators and support staff in the K-14 New Mexico system owe their careers to Miller's encouragement and example. Miller was born June 18, 1926 and raised for a time on a dairy farm in the dusty hills of western Nebraska during the early years of the Great Depression. Later, the family left flood and dust ravaged Red Willow County, moving to Boulder, Colorado. A year later, the family moved on to Greeley, Colorado [now considered the Miller family ancestral home] where they started the Clover Leaf Dairy in 1935. Miller attended school in Greeley, worked in the Dairy processing plant, and graduated from Greeley High School in 1943. He spent a year working on the graveyard shift in the Portland shipyards as a Liberty ship welder, briefly attended the University of Nebraska and then spent two years in the US Army in 1944-46, working with GIs returning from the Pacific Theater. From these experiences, Miller developed a life-long interest in the Nebraska Cornhuskers, in writing, reading and reciting poetry, and helping underprivileged people through the means of an education. It was in Greeley where he met and eventually married the love of his life, Mildred Hotchkiss Miller, also of Greeley. Jim and Millie eventually had four children, Jim Jr. of Alto, NM, Susan, Linda and Amy of Albuquerque. Both Jim and Millie were active in church and community activities in Los Alamos, Anthony, Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Miller moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1954 where even as a third grade teacher, he began leading from the front, as president of the local teacher organization. He would spend the remainder of his career and life in the Land of Enchantment, advancing the cause of education, particularly for women and Hispanics. After a noteworthy career at the Gadsden Independent Schools in Anthony, he worked for the UNM Cultural Awareness Center in the early 1970s while earning a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, one of four Miller family brothers to earn a doctorate. Years later, he was a UNM Adjunct Professor in the College of Education. He went on to become a role model and mentor for many New Mexico educational leaders as well as for his own children, exemplifying the virtues of integrity, honor and purpose. Miller was a consummate and much-in-demand public speaker, spicing his remarks frequently with humor, stories and literary references. He was instrumental in the founding and leadership of AWARE-New Mexico, a Ford Foundation project in the early 1980s which led to an immediate and substantial increase in the number of women in NM public school and community college administrative positions. In 1980, Miller became the Chief of Public School Finance for the State of New Mexico. Later in 1982, he retired to become an educational consultant and in-demand public speaker across New Mexico. His gift for inspirational storytelling and humor touched hearts not only in New Mexico, but across the Southwest. He was a gifted and exceptional leader. Miller had many personal interests. He was an avid fly fisherman, pursuing trout from Montana to New Mexico. From Wyoming's Laramie River, to Colorado's Dolores River and in New Mexico, on the Rio Chama, Miller deftly practiced the art of dry fly fishing. Hiking, desert mountain climbing and cutting firewood in the outdoors were also his outdoor pursuits. He read and wrote poetry, the well-known author of "A Southwestern Dream," a 1960s poem regarding education of Hispanic children in the southwest. An avid reader, he endlessly read literature, enjoyed American and Southwestern history, loved doing Acrostics and crossword puzzles, and loved music and the theater. He loved spending time playing card games like poker and hearts with his grandchildren and friends. Miller was a dedicated NM Lobo fan! Miller is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mildred. Children include Jim Miller, wife Nancy Miller, of Alto, NM; Susan Lester of Albuquerque; Linda Miller of Albuquerque; Amy Miller and her husband Cliff McNary of Albuquerque. Grandchildren include Shannon Miller, Heather Roberts and her husband Dylan Roberts, Holly Krivokapich, Brent Krivokapich, Kiera McNary, Thailen McNary, Kavi Miller, Zunyi Miller and one great granddaughter, Mikayla Roberts. Miller is also survived by his sister Shirley and brothers Dale (wife Betty) and Lynn (wife Jean) and many nieces and nephews. "This land we love it needs them all" penned Miller in the 1960s. "To meet its history's constant call. It cannot waste a people entire and hope to stand the eternal fire that comes to those who learn too late that greatness cannot grow through hate. Who will answer?" Miller led from the front. Miller's life will be celebrated Monday, March 9, 2015, 10:00 a.m., at the UNM Continuing Education Auditorium, 1634 University Blvd. NE. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the James and Mildred Miller Presidential Title V Endowed Scholarship Fund at Santa Fe Community College, 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87508. Please visit our online guestbook for Dr. Miller at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
Published on: Sun March 01, 2015

MARTINEZ, HENRIETTA AGNES Henrietta Agnes Martinez, age 85, our beloved mother, sister, and friend passed away on December 21, 2014 at her home. Henrietta was born July 31, 1929 in Albuquerque to Anita Springer Perea and Gabino (GG) Perea, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband Joe R. Martinez. She is survived by her sisters, Angeline P. Black of Goodyear, AZ formerly of Albuquerque, Rosalie D. Perea of Albuquerque, her adopted sister, Sandi O'Neal of Albuquerque, and her loving caregiver Belia Parra. She is also survived by all four of her children, Sandra M. Martinez and her husband, John R. Van Ness of Bethesda, MD, Robert J Martinez and his wife, Kathleen McCleery of Corrales, NM, David B. Martinez and his wife, Kimberley J. Martinez of Albuquerque, and Jo Anne Martinez-Kilgore and her husband, Charles Kilgore of Albuquerque. She leaves behind eight grandchildren, Jason M. Martinez, Kellen M. Martinez, Alejandro Rettig y Martinez, Elena M. Martinez, Madelaine M. Martinez, Santiago Van Ness Martinez, Ana C. Kilgore and Fiona J. Kilgore; and two step grandchildren, Heather Van Ness and Hilary Westdijk, their husbands and their four children. Henrietta graduated from Albuquerque High School and attended the University of New Mexico where she met her future husband, Joe. She was a dynamic person who brought energy, passion and knowledge to all that she did. She organized Harpers Bazaars at the Albuquerque Academy and fundraisers for Casa Angelica. She assisted with her husband's construction business and was a wonderful caregiver to him. She launched a career as a personnel consultant at the age of 49 and eventually founded her own business, Henrietta Martinez Personnel Services. She loved her service with the San Felipe De Neri Parish, with a DOVES group and serving on the Liturgy Committee as Hospitality Coordinator and with Art and Environment. She loved all her family, her children, her grandchildren, her numerous godchildren, her many nieces and nephews, and her many dear friends and was devoted to them to the end. A woman of courage, resilience, compassion, and grace, her presence on earth will be missed greatly by her children, larger family, many friends, and the community she served and loved so much. Rosary will be recited on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at San Felipe De Neri Church, 2005 N. Plaza NW. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at San Felipe de Neri Church with internment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are being made by FRENCH - University, 1111 University Blvd. NE, (505) 843-6333. If you wish to make a donation in Henrietta's name, we suggest CASA Albuquerque Inc., 2340 Alamo Suite 112 ABQ, NM 87106 (www.casaabq.org), where she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children. Please visit our online guestbook for Henrietta at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333
Published on: Mon December 29, 2014

VALENTINE, WILLIAM "BILL " PETER William "Bill" Peter Valentine, 86, former resident of Raton and Springer, NM, Soldiers Grove WI, and Lubbock, TX, passed away on November 9th, 2014 in Lubbock, TX. Bill was born in Raton, New Mexico on October 22, 1928 to Jack Valentine and Amelia Tomasi. He is survived by his wife, Tina Valentine of Lubbock, TX; his children, Jim Hoschouer, (Cindy) of Bozeman, MT, Cindy of Twin Falls, ID, William Jr, (Dung) of Duncanville, TX, Patricia (Bill) of Scottsdale, AZ, Susan (Ronnie) of Raton, NM, Frank ( Teri) of Blancherville, WI, Linda (David) of Richland Center, WI, Jackie of Prairie du Chien, WI, John of Soldiers Grove, WI, Ralph (Christine) of Sun Prairie, WI, Paul of Deerfield, WI; step-sons, Joe (Carrie) Garcia of Austin TX, John Garcia of Rowlett TX; brother, Tom of Aubrey, TX; sisters, Dora (Hartman) of Susanville, CA, Betty (Brown) of Raton, NM; 29 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 38 great- grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers, Frank, Jack and Joseph; his sisters, Mary Ann and Katherine. Bill was a life-long dairy farmer, avid cowboy and a veteran of the Korean War. He also worked at the New Mexico Boys School in Springer, NM; the Wyalusing Academy in Prairie du Chien, WI; and with Pinkerton Security in Richland Center, WI. He was a member of the Soldiers Grove American Legion Post 220. He will be missed for his kind heart, love of family, warm smile, and great sense of humor. Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18th, 2014, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills, WI and also one hour before the service at the church. The memorial Mass will be held November 19th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Catholic Church, Gays Mills, WI, with interment immediately following at St. Philip Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the veterans' organization of your choice.
Published on: Sun November 16, 2014

WAYNE, SHIRLEY ANNE Our dear Shirley Anne, 83, returned to her Heavenly Father on October 15, 2014 in the comfort of her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by loved ones. She was met with loving, open arms by her son, Shane, her parents and many other dear relatives and friends. Shirley was born to Ralph August and Corinne Valentine Springer. She lived in Kaysville and graduated from Davis High School before attending St. Benedict's School of Nursing and later Weber State College. She married Brooks Bair in 1950. They lived in Layton and became parents to four children. They later divorced. She married James Wayne in 1972. They lived in Utah, Colorado and California before retiring in New Mexico. Shirley loved nursing and spent many years providing tender and loving care to others. She loved knitting and had an exceptional talent for counted cross-stitch, sharing her beautiful creations with family and friends. She also enjoyed making felt Christmas ornaments and tree skirts and was well-known for her Christmas fudge and cookies. She had a great laugh and a wonderful sense of humor, which she kept to the end. Shirley is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Scott Bair (Patti Thomas), Missoula, MT, Yvonne Rentmeister (Alan), Syracuse, UT and Bruce Bair (Susan Jones), Albuquerque, NM; her sister, Judy Pilcher, Malad, ID; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In honoring Shirley's wishes, there will be no viewing or funeral services. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, UT. The family wishes to thank Carla Franco and her associates for their loving care, and Ambercare Hospice for their compassionate assistance. Please visit our online guestbook for Shirley at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
Published on: Sun October 19, 2014

SANCHEZ, PAULINE FLORES passed away October 13, 2014 in Albuquerque, NM. Pauline was born to Flora and Eugenio Flores in Las Vegas, NM in 1913 and just celebrated her 101st birthday with her usual dignity. Pauline was a teacher's teacher who started teaching in small northern New Mexico villages at age seventeen. She taught grade school in Las Vegas, New Mexico and Sunnyvale, California and home economics in Las Vegas. During WWII she worked in the Kaiser Shipping Yards where she fell in love with San Francisco. She was a member of the Pan American Round Table, the Palo Duro Senior Center and the Albuquerque Doll Club. Pauline returned to our roots in New Mexico in 1978. She was a Highlands graduate with a masters degree. Pauline was from a pioneering New Mexico family whose roots are traced to 1598 with the coming of the Spanish colonists to New Mexico. She was raised by three aunts, Braulia, Petra and Estefanita, next to the Flores compound in Las Vegas. She was preceded in her passing by her husbands, Edmundo Angel, and Manuel Sanchez Jr., and her son Dennis. Pauline is survived by her sons Albert Angel of Tuolumne , CA, Michael Angel of Las Vegas, NM, Armando Angel of Las Cruces, NM, and James Angel of Springer, NM. She leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Per her wishes she will be cremated and a celebration of a wonderful and full life will celebrated with a Rosary to be recited on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 7:00p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM. With a Mass on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 9:30a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows followed by internment at Monte Calvario Cemetery in Las Vegas, NM. A Celebration of Life will be at the Spic and Span on Douglas Ave, at 12:00p.m. in Las Vegas, NM. In lieu of flowers donations may be given in Pauline's honor to a scholarship for teachers at Highland University which has been established. Mom, you are now free to join ours in Heaven, say hello to Aunt Estefanita for we will follow you shortly. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-821-0010
Published on: Thu October 16, 2014

SEARS, WILLIAM FRANKLIN Age 86, died at his home in Montezuma, NM on September 12, 2014 after an extended illness. He was born in Las Cruces, NM on August 24, 1928 to Thurman and Marie Sears. He married Marian Morgan Sears in 1950, and the couple raised two daughters together. After their divorce, he married Mary Timney Sears in 1987, and lived with her until the time of his death. William (Bill) graduated from Las Cruces Union High School in 1946. He attended New Mexico State University, and then entered Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas in 1949. After graduating with his M.D. in 1953, he completed a psychiatry residency in Norman, Oklahoma. He then served for 2 years as a Captain in the Army at Fort Riley, Kansas. Dr. Sears returned to New Mexico in 1959 where he began a private practice in Los Alamos. In 1962 he relocated his family to Las Vegas, New Mexico where he worked at the State Hospital and also served boarding home patients in the surrounding area. His early career included the design and implementation of NIMH sponsored research grants which helped enhance mental health services for the residents of New Mexico. As his work expanded to include community psychiatry, he traveled extensively throughout the state, often piloting himself in his beloved Bonanza aircraft. He frequently commuted to Albuquerque, Springer, Gallup, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe. For the past 21 years he enjoyed retirement with his wife, Mary, at their home in Montezuma. Bill will be remembered for his generosity, his heart-centered listening and support, his humor, and his creative and loving contributions to family and community. He studied The Course in Miracles, and enjoyed sharing this with his family. Bill loved flying planes, the beauty of Northern New Mexico, listening to classical music, visiting with family, eating ice cream, outings to El Porvenir, watching the river near his home, and working in his garden. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, Mary, and adored her delicious cooking. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Montezuma, NM; two daughters, Margaret Peake, of Ojai, CA, and Pamela Ridgway, of Spokane, WA; his niece, Carolyn Fulfer, of Mountainair, NM; his wife's sons, Bob Richards, Chris Timney, Mike Timney, and Rick Timney; his grandchildren, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers James and Arthur Sears. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 1:30 PM at Roger's Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The family thanks New Mexico Cancer Care Associates, Ambercare, and family friends for their help and support during his illness. Please visit our website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave, Las Vegas, NM, 1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511.
Published on: Tue September 16, 2014

MARTINEZ, HELEN M. Helen Marie West - Martinez Age 91, passed away September 10, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, George in 1996 after 54 years of marriage and her son George Lee in 2010. She is survived by her son Robert Asa and wife Sharon Morrison Martinez; grandchildren, Courtney and husband Bret Wentworth; Travis and wife Teresa Martinez; Alyson and husband Richard McDonald; Jessica Martinez; four great-grandchildren Asa and Shayden Wentworth, Rocco and Lily Martinez; sisters-in-law Jean McLaughlin; Margarite Arellano; Cora Archuleta. Helen was born on March 23, 1923 in Cimarron, NM to Asa and Maude West, who had moved to New Mexico from West Virginia in 1916. Mr. West and family owned two small grocery stores, one in Cimarron and one in French, NM, which later moved to Springer, NM. Helen met her husband George in French. George and Helen were married May 7, 1941 while George was in the U.S. Army Air Corps, stationed at Lowry Field in Denver. He later served overseas in the Pacific while Helen raised Robert with her parents in Springer. When George returned home from the service, they moved to Albuquerque where George Lee was born. They owned and operated the "Park Avenue Cleaners" for many years. Helen also worked for Jill's Bakery while her boys were growing up; later worked for Mary Kay for 25 years. They were very proud of their small rural home in the north valley. George and Helen were very involved in the Republican Party. George worked for Governor Edwin Mechem and later senator Mechem; George was also republican state vice chairman with Helen always by his side. They attended several national conventions and loved their involvement in politics. She was loved by everyone who met her. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth St NW, Albuquerque, NM. Inurnment to follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192
Published on: Sun September 14, 2014

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