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KOETTER, AMIL H. Age 90, a resident of Los Alamos, NM and later Albuquerque, NM since 1952, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Wilba D. Poarch Koetter of Albuquerque and his five children: Delores Williams and husband, Alan of Rio Rancho, NM, Dan Koetter and wife Jacque of Lordsburg, NM, Joe Koetter of Rio Rancho, NM, Tom Koetter and wife, Pixie of Los Alamos, NM, and David Koetter and wife, Amy of Espanola, NM. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Jeffery Allison and wife, Lori of Bloomfield, NM, Jeremy Allison and wife, Barbara of Katy, TX, Billy Koetter and wife, Antoinette of Las Vegas, NV, Aaron Koetter of Los Alamos, NM, Jed Koetter and wife, Cindy of Las Vegas, NV, Jeremy Koetter of Rio Rancho, NM, Jadawna Freeman and husband, Aaron of Animas, NM, Everest Koetter and wife, Tyna of Albuquerque, NM, and Ted Koetter of Espanola, NM; ten great-grandchildren Jenny Allison, Jacob Allison, Joshua Allison, Caleb Allison, Isaiah Allison, Nia Paige Allison, KoraLei Koetter, Franki Nicole Koetter, Athina Koetter and Nathan Koetter; brother Irven Koetter and wife, Ruth of Hitchcock, OK; sisters Irene Rund and husband, Bill of Okarche, OK, and Norma Sarver of Texarkana, TX; sister-in-law Michelle Koetter of Albuquerque, NM as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mr. Koetter was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Josephine Koetter and his brother Vincent Koetter. Mr. Koetter was a member of the Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Albuquerque. Mr. Koetter worked at Los Alamos National Laboratories until his retirement in 1982 and then relocated to Albuquerque in 1985. Mr. Koetter was an avid card-player at the various senior centers. Friends and family may visit FRENCH - Lomas on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at FRENCH - Lomas on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's. Please visit our online guestbook for Amil at www.FrenchFunerals.com Lovingly Pre-planned at FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
Published on: Sun February 17, 2013
PROWELL, THELMA LOUISE 86, beloved wife of Bill, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2013. She and Bill recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. An avid reader and learner, she attended SMU and Hunter College. She had a well-rounded and positive approach to life, and enthusiastically encouraged and supported the aspirations of her family. Throughout her life, she was a dedicated volunteer in her community. She served as a Girl Scout leader for many years, and was a lifetime member of the League of Women Voters. In retirement, she and Bill volunteered in many other organizations in Albuquerque, including Meals on Wheels, Project Share, and Habitat for Humanity. She was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ. She is survived by daughters Dixie of Albuquerque, Margaret (Bob Hawks) of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and D.J. of Lowell, Massachusetts. She was a devoted grandmother to Benjamin, Vanessa, Alethea, Jessica, Aram and Angela. In her last days, she received compassionate care from staff at UNM Hospital, Advanced Health Care and Hospice and Senior Helpers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the League of Women Voters.
Published on: Sun February 17, 2013
GARCIA, MARY LOUISE JOHNSON was born November 11, 1918, in Cardeth, Illinois, the third of seven children born to Ed and Mary Johnson. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Garcia; son David; her parents; and five brothers - Arthur, Johnny, Edward, Clarence, and Albert - as well as Albert's son, Danny. Albert, was a prominent Gallup resident, working first for the Gallup Police Department, followed by a career with the New Mexico State of Taxation and Revenue Department, and after retirement, he worked for an armored car company. Louise is survived by her only sister, Dorothy Marie Johnson Sulier of Plano, Texas; Dorothy's two sons and their spouses, Joe and Kimberlee Sulier and Gary and Nona Sulier of Plano; as well as 3 great-nephews, Jonathon & Jeffrey Sulier of Chicago and Ryne Sulier of Washington, D.C. In addition, she is survived by Clem Johnson of Gallup; great-nephews Lance and Billy Bob Johnson (Clem's sons); Julie Johnson of Albuquerque; and great-niece Charla of Albuquerque (Julie's daughter). From Louise's fifteen-year marriage to Nick Bubany, she is survived by her loving stepchildren Nick Bubany of Gallup, Rose Marie Bubany Pajuen of Albuquerque, and Carol Bubany Biava of Rio Rancho. From the time Dorothy was born, Louise became a second mother to the sister she endearingly nicknamed "Do." They shared a bedroom until Louise married Art Garcia at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in 1938. Afterwards, Louise and Art moved to Gallup, where Dorothy visited every summer from the age of 8 until she graduated from Las Vegas High School. Art and Joe became best friends when Dorothy married Joe Sulier in 1952. The four spent vacations, holidays, weekends, and every summer together, often with their children, Louise's two sons, David and Robert, and Dorothy's two sons, Joe and Gary. Louise and Arthur opened a small grocery store on the north side of Gallup. While Art worked for the Port of Entry, Louise ran the store, living in an apartment in the back. Under Louise's keen management, the store thrived, allowing Louise and Art to relocate their store to the middle of Coal Avenue, where they again lived in an attached apartment. In addition to managing the store, Louise handled car registrations and license plates while raising two sons. Due to Louise's astute business sense, Louise and Art were able to buy a house on the hill on Green Avenue, Louise's first dream home; she was ecstatic. Eventually 514 West Coal became available for purchase. In order to buy the property and move the store, Louise and Art had to sell their house. Louise's father, a licensed and professional contractor in Las Vegas, New Mexico, remodeled the store and built an apartment for the family. Ed Johnson promised her a postage stamp-sized yard with grass and a picket fence that Louise had always longed for, and he didn't disappoint his eldest daughter! From that point on, Louise's two sons were old enough to visit Grandpa and Grandma Johnson every summer in Las Vegas. It was then that Art's brother, Bill Garcia, stepped into the picture to help run the store. Louise and Bill were a good team, working seamlessly and tirelessly together to make Art's Market a huge success, and Art successfully ran for State Representative. After Art's untimely death, Louise continued to run and grow her businesses, adding rental properties to her portfolio, leaving a rich legacy to her only living son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Louise's widowed mother, Mary, bought a home in Gallup to be close to her now widowed daughter. Mary moved to Albuquerque in 1979 to live with her other daughter, Dorothy, newly widowed, until Mary's death at the age of 92. Louise and Dorothy had always had a special bond, but now they became closer than ever. With sons grown, Dorothy moved to Gallup to be near Louise, living next door to each other on Aida Court. Daily phone calls between the two sisters continued for well over a decade when Dorothy moved back to Plano, Texas. They often talked for an hour or two every evening. Louise and Dorothy were not only the soul survivors of their family, they were best friends. Dorothy's move from Gallup would have left a tremendous void in Louise's life had it not been for her two most cherished friends who lived across from Louise in the cul-de-sac. Nancy Kester, a registered nurse now living in Farmington, and retired Franciscan nun Sister Mary "Midge" Doiron, now of Jamestown, spent countless hours together. If they weren't talking or running around together, they were playing Scrabble. Not surprisingly, Louise was the Queen of Scrabble! Dorothy's son, Joe, and his wife bought a Victorian home in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in 2005. Dorothy and Louise would meet there, along with valued friend, Sister Midge. Reminiscing, strolling the gardens, dining on Joe's gourmet cooking, going to Mass at the church where Dorothy was married, and spending evenings playing Scrabble or Canasta with Midge and family filled their days and nights. Carol, Marilyn Scott, long-time friends, new friends and neighbors came to see the Grand Dames of 6th Street, sitting on the big front porch, filling the air with endless conversation and merriment. These visits back in their hometown of Las Vegas were precious moments for Louise and Dorothy. Louise had many good years, and though she was greatly loved and revered by her Johnson family, stepchildren and friends, the last few years took its toll on her. Louise and Dorothy were kept from communicating in any way with each other, and the same happened to Louise's closest friends, Midge and Nancy, and Louise's devoted stepchildren. With much time and effort, Nancy finally found Louise in a nursing home in Belen. Word quickly spread so that others could also see or talk with Louise. Each time Louise was moved, Nancy, Midge, and Carol persevered in their quest to find her. Their unrelenting pursuit paid off and The Lord smiled down upon Louise. Nancy and Carol were able to visit with Louise, offering the comfort, companionship, and affection that Louise was so grateful for and desperately missing. Unfortunately, Midge would never again be able to see or talk to Louise after she was moved from Gallup. Louise managed to call her adored "Do" a couple of times in the last year, confirming the eternal bond the two shared. Those calls and visits will forever be treasured. By the Grace of God, and the river didn't rise, Dorothy learned of Louise's passing on January 23, 2013. With this advanced knowledge, Dorothy was able to attend the funeral service, accompanied by her two sons, daughter-in-law, Midge, Nancy, and Carol and her husband, John. Louise would surely have approved of and appreciated our need to pay tribute to this truly remarkable lady! Louise had always told Dorothy that nothing could ever come between them. Louise was right. Walk in Peace, dear sister, until we are together again forever!
Published on: Sun February 17, 2013
FLORES, PETE J. SR. Happy Valentines Day to Pete, beloved husband and father, who went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; sons, Pete J. Jr., and Bill; brothers, Steve and Leroy. May the Lord watch over you until we are reunited in Christ.
Published on: Wed February 13, 2013
SANCHEZ, WILLIE DR. age 84, a resident of Las Vegas, New Mexico, passed away Friday, February 8, 2013. He was born on December 20, 1928 in Dixon, NM to Juan de Dios Sanchez and Corita Velarde-Sanchez. He enjoyed reading, writing, fishing, reminiscing and being with his family. A lifetime Catholic, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Marie Sanchez; his parents, Juan and Corita Sanchez; infant sister, Adelaida Sanchez; brother, Ernest Sanchez; and grandson, Juan David Sanchez. He is survived by his six children, William "Billy" Sanchez, Beverly Sanchez and companion Louie Maestas, both of Las Vegas, NM; Lorenzo and Geraldine Sanchez of Arroyo Seco, NM; Mark Sanchez of El Paso, TX; Dolores Sanchez-Sena and Vernell Sena of Las Vegas, NM; and Tim Sanchez and wife Maria Seesz of Alamosa, CO. He is also survived by his four siblings, Corita Rodriguez of Albuquerque, NM; Steve and Judy Sanchez of Dallas, TX; Emily and Bill Kinzy of Albuquerque; and David and Evelyn Sanchez also of Albuquerque, NM; special friend Viola Garduno; and numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Dr. Sanchez was born and raised in Northern New Mexico during the 1930's and 40's in a time when life in this area was rural and pastoral. The language, religion, culture and lifestyle had been unchanged for centuries. Schooled in the nearby St. Joseph Public High School, Willie excelled in all subjects. Music, literature, writing and mathematics became his passion. As a young boy his trumpet playing skills were evident and were often displayed at dances and fiestas in the surrounding towns. The family regularly spent their summers harvesting crops as migrant workers in the fields of the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. Before graduation from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fairfield Suisun Army Air Base in Central California. When he was discharged he went straight to San Francisco and began working a day job and "blowing a horn" at night in the skid row bars of San Francisco. At his father's insistence he returned to New Mexico and entered Highlands University on the G.I. Bill. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Julie. She was vivacious, popular and Las Vegas- raised while he was quiet, studious and country bred. Their chemistry was immediate. The two embarked on an adventure of accomplishments, Willie devoured academia while Julie raised the family. Willie started his teaching career in Truchas, NM. He quickly became recognized as an excellent instructor. Willie was soon teaching at Espanola High School and, although he was but a few years older than his students, his influence on them was far-reaching. Accepting scholarship offers from many prestigious Universities including Colorado College and Washington University in St. Louis, MO, Willie and the family moved many times during this period, finally settling back in Las Vegas in 1964 to teach mathematics at Highlands University. Throughout his career as a College Professor and Administrator he was recognized As an innovator and free thinker. The family home became a gathering place for artists, politicians, bohemians and other like-minded types that emerged in this period. During Summer breaks the family would jump in the Volkswagen van and venture deep into Mexico. Avoiding the tourist spots they would sleep out in the trucker camps or small villages off the beaten path, absorbing the atmosphere and lifestyle of the interior. Dr. Sanchez was the first Hispanic Vice President of Highlands and served as Associate Academic Dean in the College of Education at the University of New Mexico. He taught in Quito, Ecuador for the University of New Mexico and spent Sabbatical in Guadalajara while Julie studied dance and art at La Universidad Autonoma. He wrote numerous proposals to garner funding for local educational institutes including the creation of Northern New Mexico College and Luna Community College. All these were done in the spirit of advancing the children and students of Northern New Mexico, who, like him, may not have had the chance at education. Both Willie and Julie believed in the spirit of education and creativity and spent their entire lives trying to encourage people to better themselves by advancing their education. Retiring Professor Emeritus in 1986, watching boxing, fishing, cruising and telling stories of his experiences were his pastime. Dr. Sanchez took sheer enjoyment in "wasting time constructively!" and hanging out at Dick's. He will be dearly missed. The family expresses special thanks to Qu i rina (Kitty) Herrera and all who aided in Dr. Sanchez's care. Rosary and Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas, NM with Father George V. Salazar as Celebrant. Please visit our website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online guest book and send a message to Dr. Sanchez's family or for more information. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, NM, 1-800-479-3511 or (505) 425-3511.
Published on: Wed February 13, 2013
GONZALES, CONRAD FRANK Age 64, of Corrales, passed away on February 4, 2013. Frank was born on March 23, 1948 to the late Conrad I. and Ina Mae Gonzales. Frank was 6th generation Corralino who's family dates back to 1790 to Captain Don Juan Gonzales who was the original Land Grant families. Frank grew up in his Corrales home, which served the community with a general store, post office and gas station from 1933-1958. To his good friends and neighbors he was known as Poncho, a nickname given to him by Mr. Sandoval the school crossing guard. In the early years of film production in New Mexico, Frank, with his father, visited the filming of "Lonely are the Brave" in the Sandia Mountains. This inspired him to begin his film career in the 1980's. He owned a documentary film production company. He also performed as a stuntman in western films. During this same time he operated a trail ride and chuck wagon with his lifelong friend Boots. To this day you can see his 1954 Chevy truck and horses in such films as "Silverado." He also wrote and produced television advertisements. In the 1990's Frank began his love for Yoga and Tai chi and studies of all religions. He operated the Center for Yoga Studies in 1995 with Judy Pimentel. Frank served in the Corrales Village counsel and represented Corrales and small farmers in Washington DC in a special meeting with then President Bill Clinton. Surviving are his son, Paul Christian Gonzales; his daughter, Tracie Lynn Gonzales. sister Lynda Gonzales; grandchildren, Ashley Gonzales, Travis Rutherford, McKenna Gibson, Pablito Gonzales. The family cordially invites you to join them and share stories in the celebration of the life of Frankie, Horseman, activist, environmentalist, writer, poet and healer during the Memorial Mass which will be celebrated at 11:30 am Thursday February 14, 2013 at San Ysidro Catholic Church, 5015 Corrales Rd., Corrales. A reception will follow the Mass at The Old Corrales Church next to the cemetery. Please visit Frank's on line guest book at www.salazarandsonsmortuary.com Salazar and Sons Mortuary 400 3rd St. SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-247-4124
Published on: Wed February 13, 2013
HILLIARD, JANE MAUK age 93. Funeral services for Jane Mauk Hilliard, 93, of Portales will be at 2:00 PM, Thursday, February 14, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Portales with the Rev. Michael Brunk officiating. Burial will follow in the Portales Cemetery with Lee Hilliard, Phillip Wayne Goerge, Phillip Wayne George II, John Gentry, Raymond Kobernick, Brett Leach, Jerry Everhart and David Raybould serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Collin Hilliard, Cyrus McKnight, Jr., David Stone, Barry Stone, Joe Marion Blair, Bobby Borden, Vern Witten, Gerald Crozier, Glenn Terry Ezell, Howard Perry, Gayle Ferguson, Richard Hood, Steve Howl, Harry Jordan, Bob Morgan, Rick Uhlig, Bill Wahlman, Orlando Ortega, Keith Hilliard, Ernie Lucero, Grady Jenkins, Buck Wilson, Dennis Darrow, David Myers, Stuart Ingle, Stephen Quinn and other devoted friends and family. In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the J. K. and Jane Hilliard Undergraduate Scholarship in History of the Eastern New Mexico University Foundation, Station 8, 1500 S. Ave. K, Portales, NM 88130. Jane Elizabeth Mauk Hilliard was born October 23, 1919 in Tucumcari, NM to the home of Ida and John V. Mauk and died at her home in Portales on February 8, 2013. Mrs. Hilliard lived nearly her entire life in Portales, and was involved in many civic and social activities. A complete version of her obituary can be read online at wheelermortury.net. She is survived by three sons, John Mauk Hilliard of New York, NY, William Kent Hilliard of Portales, NM and James Letton Hilliard of Albuquerque; as well as numerous other family members. Arrangements are under the direction of Wheeler Mortuary of Portales. 575-356-4455, wheelermortuary.net
Published on: Tue February 12, 2013
SMITH, MARIE a long-time Albuquerque resident, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2013, in Carlsbad, California, at age 86 after a short illness. Marie moved to Albuquerque with her husband, Bill (William F. C.) in 1959, when he began his career in the Weapons Laboratory of Kirtland Air Force Base. They lived first in the N. Valley until 1968 and then in the Heights until 2006 when she joined her children in Carlsbad, California. Marie was an active member of the Uptown Garden Club,, St. Joseph Hospital Candy Auxiliary, the Casa de Angelica Auxiliary, the Albuquerque Symphony Orchestra Guild, the Santa Fe Opera Guild, and the Fiesta Singers. Marie was president of the Albuquerque Chapter of the SFO Guild in 1982. She and Bill were early investors in the Sandia Peak Tramway. Later in life she especially enjoyed collecting everything Scottie. Marie is survived by son Chris, his wife, Valerie, and granddaughter Olivia; son Bill and his wife, Robin, all of California; sister-in-law Grace Schulte; and nephews George and Gregory, all of Florida. Marie will be interred in Albuquerque at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery following a funeral Mass to be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, Feb. 16th at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 2621 Vermont Street, NE. Friends are invited to join the family for an informal reception after the burial service.
Published on: Mon February 11, 2013
POWER, WILLIAM LLOYD, DR. passed away Thursday, January 24, 2013 as a result of complications from a stroke that he suffered in 1998. He was the son of William H. Power and Mary Adeline Power of McAlester, Oklahoma, both deceased. Bill graduated Valedictorian from McAlester High School in 1965. He attended Oklahoma State University and studied engineering and pre-medical studies until he was accepted into the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. He graduated with a degree in medicine in 1972 and completed an internship in psychiatry at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C. in 1973. Dr. Power was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service and practiced as a physician in the Indian Health Service. He served as a general practitioner on the Alamo Indian Reservation in New Mexico from 1973-1975 and followed with a residency in Neurology at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. Dr. Power served as a commissioned officer at the Albuquerque Indian Hospital from 1979-1984 along with his good friend and colleague Dr. Lance Rudolph. During his tenure with IHS, Dr. Power was chief of medical staff at both the Alamo clinic and Albuquerque Indian Hospitals. Dr. Power was the Diabetes Project physician at the Albuquerque Indian Hospital, and worked as neurological consultant to numerous Indian Health Service facilities in New Mexico and Arizona. Bill went into private practice in Albuquerque with Dr. Donald F. Seelinger from 1978-1979 and joined Dr. Seelinger and Dr. Douglas Barrett as a partner in Neurology Consultants, Ltd. beginning in 1984 until health issues forced him to retire in 1998. Bill practiced medicine with great integrity and knowledge without ever forgetting the human being that was his patient. Bill, along with his wife of 41 years, Kathleen Brennan, was an avid cyclist. He and Kathy went on many bicycling adventures including several long distance cycling trips through the Pacific Northwest and Colorado. Bill enjoyed outdoor activities of all varieties including cross country skiing, camping, hiking, and sailing. Bill was also a photographer and musician. He and wife converted a small bathroom in their home into a darkroom and spent several years developing black and white photographs and learned the art of restoration of vintage photographs. A musician since his childhood, Bill played piano, clarinet, guitar, mandolin, and harmonica. Bill spent many hours playing music with musician friends and studied a variety of genres. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Brennan, and two daughters, Celeste Power and Coco Power; two brothers, John Power of Chicago, Jim Power and his wife Marsha of rural Kansas; sister and brother-in-law Maureen and Steve Westphal of Washinton; and brother and sister-in-law Terry and Dr. Cynthia Brennan of Oklahoma. He is also survived by many wonderful friends: Don and Jane Seelinger, Lance and Beth Rudolph, Rolf Kolden and Peggy Porter, Sarah Janpol and Steve Madsen, Doug and Kathy Barrett, David Schultz and many others who he cherished and kept close to his heart. A celebration of his life attended by friends and his wife and daughters was so what Bill would have loved. It was the finest tribute to not only Bill but to his much loved friends. Dr. Power loved animals throughout his life and his family has requested that donations be made to the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico in lieu of flowers. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Services are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 1100 Coal Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800
Published on: Sun February 10, 2013
FLOREZ, LUIS Age 67, passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2013. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole and husband, Michael Thompson; son, Gabriel Florez and companion, Teresa of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Selena, Miguel, Alejandro, Maria and Isabel from Omaha, Nebraska. Mother, Rita Rodriguez Chavez and husband, Juan; brother, Fred Florez and wife, Mickey; sister, Juanita and her husband, Pete Hernandez all from Artesia, New Mexico; sister, Gloria and husband, Bill Ramirez of Albuquerque; sister, Margaret Molinar of Lockney, Texas; sister, Marina Mahan of Roswell, New Mexico; Hermanos del corazon, David Carrasco, Mary Rodriquez and Linda Martinez and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Mr. Florez proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Luis was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Cristobal and Francisca Rodriquez. Mr. Florez was a caring father and a very strong independent man. Luis will be remembered for his laugh and enjoying life day by day. A Prayer Service will be held Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH Lomas chapel with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow with full military honors at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please visit the guestbook for Luis at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500
Published on: Sun February 10, 2013
