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HEMLER -- Marjorie June Hemler (Nee Ericksen) died on Friday, March 16, after a long battle with cancer. She was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1929, in Long Branch, NJ. The oldest daughter of Margaret and Svend Ericksen, she grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and Great Neck, Long Island, where she graduated from Great Neck High School in June 1948. During her high school years, she was very active in swimming, winning a number of trophies and medals. During these years, she also helped establish and organize a chapter of The Order of Rainbow Girls, rising to the top position of Worthy Advisor, and awarded the highest medal, the Grand Cross of Colors. In 1941-1948, she was elected Grand Hope, Order of Rainbow Girls, for the State of New York. She was also a hospital aide, beginning a long career of volunteerism. During her senior high school year, she met John V. Hemler, Jr., a New Mexico native, born in Carlsbad, who was a plebe (freshman) at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. After a 3 1/ 2 year courtship, up on his graduation, they were married at the cadet chapel on June 6, 1951, with all of the traditions of a military wedding. During the next 28 years of their military life, she served as a volunteer for hospitals, children's groups, officer wives clubs, etc. Some notable examples were: A. A volunteer and leader of Camp Fire Girls, Girl Scout, and Cub Scout groups in various locations, including Fort Bliss, TX Fort Leavenworth, KS, Washington, D.C., Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and Germany. B. Volunteer worker and hospital aide at Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., during the mid-60's stage of the Vietnam War. C. Acted as surrogate mother to over two dozen wives of young officers and enlisted men, while her husband commanded an artillery battalion in Buedingen, Germany, 1968-70. Became a godmother to over a dozen children born during this time. D. During the eighteen months that her husband was in Vietnam, 1971-72, she was chair woman of the Geographic Widows Organization at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Together with a small volunteer staff, she aided, assisted, and comforted over fifty wives whose husbands were MIA (missing in action) or stationed in Vietnam, Korea, other isolated areas. The Commanding General of Carlisle Barracks (U.S. Army War College) recognized her actions in an official commendation. When her husband retired from the army in 1979 and became involved in New Mexico politics, she quickly adapted to "civilian life." She worked tirelessly in giving candidate fundraisers, registering voters, walking precincts and serving as a poll worker. She was a member of the committee (1986-87) to redecorate/refurbish the Governor's Mansion in Santa Fe and, again applied her energies and efforts in assisting Mrs. Carruthers in the planning and execution of the fundraising to do this. During the late 1980's, she served as a director on the Taylor Ranch Neighborhood Association board and was active in planning Association events such as parades, Easter egg hunts, Christmas parties and painting out graffiti in the neighborhood. All of her life she was devoted to helping others and working to serve her family, her community and her country. She is survived by her husband, daughter, Kathleen Ann Mason and her husband, Richard of Phoenix, AZ; son, John Russell Hemler, Glendale, AZ; two sisters, Mrs. Jane Casey and Mrs. Wendy Freylen, both of The Villages, FL; four grandsons, Matthew, David, Daniel and Michael Mason, and granddaughter Karissa Hemler. A viewing will be held at French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 23 and a Funeral Service will be held at the Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, 6104 Taylor Ranch Rd., NW at 11:00, Saturday March 24, with Pastor Dale Bauer conducting the services. A reception following the services will be held at the Hemler home, 6105 Flor De Rio, NW. She is to be cremated. It is tentatively planned that her ashes be interred at the West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY, at a yet to be determined date. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations, in her name, be made to the American Cancer Society or local Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts organizations. French Mortuary 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505)-897-0300 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Fri March 23, 2007

HEMLER -- Marjorie June Hemler (Nee Ericksen) died on Friday, March 16, after a long battle with cancer. She was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1929, in Long Branch, NJ. The oldest daughter of Margaret and Svend Ericksen, she grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and Great Neck, Long Island, where she graduated from Great Neck High School in June 1948. During her high school years, she was very active in swimming, winning a number of trophies and medals. During these years, she also helped establish and organize a chapter of The Order of Rainbow Girls, rising to the top position of Worthy Advisor, and awarded the highest medal, the Grand Cross of Colors. In 1941-1948, she was elected Grand Hope, Order of Rainbow Girls, for the State of New York. She was also a hospital aide, beginning a long career of volunteerism. During her senior high school year, she met John V. Hemler, Jr., a New Mexico native, born in Carlsbad, who was a plebe (freshman) at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. After a 3 1/ 2 year courtship, up on his graduation, they were married at the cadet chapel on June 6, 1951, with all of the traditions of a military wedding. During the next 28 years of their military life, she served as a volunteer for hospitals, children's groups, officer wives clubs, etc. Some notable examples were: A. A volunteer and leader of Camp Fire Girls, Girl Scout, and Cub Scout groups in various locations, including Fort Bliss, TX Fort Leavenworth, KS, Washington, D.C., Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and Germany. B. Volunteer worker and hospital aide at Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C., during the mid-60's stage of the Vietnam War. C. Acted as surrogate mother to over two dozen wives of young officers and enlisted men, while her husband commanded an artillery battalion in Buedingen, Germany, 1968-70. Became a godmother to over a dozen children born during this time. D. During the eighteen months that her husband was in Vietnam, 1971-72, she was chair woman of the Geographic Widows Organization at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Together with a small volunteer staff, she aided, assisted, and comforted over fifty wives whose husbands were MIA (missing in action) or stationed in Vietnam, Korea, other isolated areas. The Commanding General of Carlisle Barracks (U.S. Army War College) recognized her actions in an official commendation. When her husband retired from the army in 1979 and became involved in New Mexico politics, she quickly adapted to "civilian life." She worked tirelessly in giving candidate fundraisers, registering voters, walking precincts and serving as a poll worker. She was a member of the committee (1986-87) to redecorate/refurbish the Governor's Mansion in Santa Fe and, again applied her energies and efforts in assisting Mrs. Carruthers in the planning and execution of the fundraising to do this. During the late 1980's, she served as a director on the Taylor Ranch Neighborhood Association board and was active in planning Association events such as parades, Easter egg hunts, Christmas parties and painting out graffiti in the neighborhood. All of her life she was devoted to helping others and working to serve her family, her community and her country. She is survived by her husband, daughter, Kathleen Ann Mason and her husband, Richard of Phoenix, AZ; son, John Russell Hemler, Glendale, AZ; two sisters, Mrs. Jane Casey and Mrs. Wendy Freylen, both of The Villages, FL; four grandsons, Matthew, David, Daniel and Michael Mason, and granddaughter Karissa Hemler. A viewing will be held at French Mortuary Westside Chapel, 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 23 and a Funeral Service will be held at the Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, 6104 Taylor Ranch Rd., NW at 11:00, Saturday March 24, with Pastor Dale Bauer conducting the services. A reception following the services will be held at the Hemler home, 6105 Flor De Rio, NW. She is to be cremated. It is tentatively planned that her ashes be interred at the West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY, at a yet to be determined date. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations, in her name, be made to the American Cancer Society or local Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts organizations. French Mortuary 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505)-897-0300 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Thu March 22, 2007

VINSANT -- Mozelle Vinsant. A celebration of life for Mozelle "MO" Vinsant, 89, of Ruidoso will be Saturday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m. in the First Christian Church in Ruidoso followed by a church sponsored reception. Burial will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery, officiating will be the Rev. Jim Smith. Mrs. Vinsant passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2007, in Ruidoso. She was born in Siler City, NC, on July 5, 1917. She attended Silk Hope Elementary and High School and Mars Hill Jr. College. She earned her nursing degree from North Carolina Baptist Hospital at Winston-Salem. She served as a Captain in the Army Nurse Corp during World War II working at Fort Bragg, Oliver General and Walter Reed and was stationed for a time in India. Upon return to the states, she continued on in the Reserves where she attained the rank of Major. She served as the chief nurse at the Chalotte Regional American Red Cross Blood Center. In 1951 she moved to Albuquerque to work at the V.A. Hospital where she met and married Thurman Wallace Vinsant. They eventually moved to Roswell where she worked as a Public Health Nurse for the rest of her career serving as the supervisor for Lincoln, Eddy, Lee, Chaves and Otero counties during her tenure. She was responsible for helping establish the Health Department in Ruidoso. She was also instrumental in starting the Hospice Program that served her so well in her final months. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thurman; her parents, Rufus and Carrie Brewer and two brothers, Harry Brewer and J. Warren Brewer. She is survived by sister, Carrie Campen of Beaufort, NC; and a brother, Rufus Brewer Jr. of Siler City, NC; two daughters, Sue Vinsant of Ruidoso and Peggy Benson; and her husband Rick of Albuquerque; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great -grandnephews. The family has requested memorials to Ruidoso Home Care and Hospice Foundation, PO Box 2019, Ruidoso, NM; American Heart Association, New Mexico Office, PO Box 90790, Albuquerque, NM or the Arthritis Foundation, Donation Department, PO Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lagroneruidoso.com.
        Published on: Sun March 11, 2007

HAYDEN -- Elizabeth Campbell Hayden, 58, resident of Albuquerque, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2007. She is survived by her sister, Catherine Hayden of Albuquerque; and brother, John Hayden of Denver. She was preceded in death by her younger sisters, Constance and Stephanie; and parents, Walter and Ethel Hayden. Liz enjoyed a career as a professional dancer and toured the world. She was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild, having acted in theater and film. Her sister Catherine wishes to acknowledge and thank Hospice of New Mexico for their services to her and Liz. She will be dearly missed by her loving sister. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of her life will follow at a later date. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Fri March 09, 2007

AVILA -- ADELINE Mrs. Adeline Avila, resident of Albuquerque for many years, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2007. Mrs. Avila or "Lena" a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother was born on November 14, 1921 in Cerrillos, NM. She loved friends and family and loved to entertain and cook for them. She also loved to dance and recently attended dances at the local Senior Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Avila and son, Andrew James Avila. She is survived by her daughter, Louise Ramirez and husband, Ernesto; and son, David Avila; grandchildren, Charlene Gibson and husband, Robert, Gerald Parras and wife, Georgia, Kyndra Vigil and husband, David, Jeffery Avila and wife, Rose, Christopher Avila and Krystal Avila; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Rosary will be recited Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 9:30 a.m. at San Ignacio Catholic Church, 1300 Walter NE. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. Interment with her husband will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Viewing will be prior to the Rosary at 9:00 a.m. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
        Published on: Tue February 27, 2007

ROMERO -- Joe R. Romero, 75, a resident of Rio Rancho, and formerly of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2007. Joe was born March 10, 1931 the son of Jose N. and Tomasita Aragon Romero in Aragon, New Mexico where he lived as a child. Joe attended Reserve High School and New Mexico State University and served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, and RVing with the Siglo de Oro RV club. Joe loved to tell stories, valued his many friends, and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda Romero; children, Ron Romero (Kelly), Sara Jo Romero (Jon Newman), Laura Weldon (Jeff); four grandchildren, Shawn, Ryan, Jordan, and Brooke; brother, Patrick Romero (Carmel); sisters, Sister M. Rosella Romero and Virginia Aragon (Victor); in-laws, Walter and Louise Pessel; and many other family members. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho. Arrangements by Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Rd. Rio Rancho, New Mexico 892-9920
        Published on: Fri February 23, 2007

ROMERO -- Joe R. Romero, 75, a resident of Rio Rancho, and formerly of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2007. Joe was born March 10, 1931 the son of Jose N. and Tomasita Aragon Romero in Aragon, New Mexico where he lived as a child. Joe attended Reserve High School and New Mexico State University and served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, and RVing with the Siglo de Oro RV club. Joe loved to tell stories, valued his many friends, and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda Romero; children, Ron Romero (Kelly), Sara Jo Romero (Jon Newman), Laura Weldon (Jeff); four grandchildren, Shawn, Ryan, Jordan, and Brooke; brother, Patrick Romero (Carmel); sisters, Sister M. Rosella Romero and Virginia Aragon (Victor); in-laws, Walter and Louise Pessel; and many other family members. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho. Arrangements by Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Rd. Rio Rancho, New Mexico 892-9920
        Published on: Thu February 22, 2007

ROMERO -- Joe R. Romero, 75, a resident of Rio Rancho, and formerly of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2007. Joe was born March 10, 1931 the son of Jose N. and Tomasita Aragon Romero in Aragon, New Mexico where he lived as a child. Joe attended Reserve High School and New Mexico State University and served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, and RVing with the Siglo de Oro RV club. Joe loved to tell stories, valued his many friends, and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda Romero; children, Ron Romero (Kelly), Sara Jo Romero (Jon Newman), Laura Weldon (Jeff); four grandchildren, Shawn, Ryan, Jordan, and Brooke; brother, Patrick Romero (Carmel); sisters, Sister M. Rosella Romero and Virginia Aragon (Victor); in-laws, Walter and Louise Pessel; and many other family members. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho. Arrangements by Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Rd. Rio Rancho, New Mexico 892-9920
        Published on: Wed February 21, 2007

MCQUEARY -- Walter Lavern "Mac" McQueary, 80, died February 6, 2007, at Baptist Saint Anthony's Hospital in Amarillo, TX after a lengthy illness resulting from complications of a stroke suffered in April 2003. He was born December 10, 1926, to Carl Jasper McQueary and Nellie Ann Daniels McQueary on his parents' farm near Hollis, OK. Mac enlisted in the armed forces in World War II, serving in the Asia-Pacific Theater, and received an honorable discharge in November 1946. He loved both God and his country. Mac married Hollie Cleo Aaron in Albuquerque, NM, in 1953. In 1976, Mac, his wife, and their son moved to Amarillo, where he served as a federal agent for the Atomic Energy Commission, in the U.S. Department of Energy, for more than thirty years, before retiring in December 1989. He was a Mason, a member of the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the American Legion. Mac was also an active sportsman who loved to hunt and fish, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his son and grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters - Mary Ellen McQueary, Ruby Lee McQueary Wilson, Connie Pearl McQueary Gatlin, Eudora May McQueary McClendon, and Nellie Pauline McQueary Jernigan; and one brother - Charles McQueary, who died in infancy. Mac leaves behind his wife of fifty-three years, Hollie Cleo McQueary of Amarillo, TX; his only son, Carl Randall McQueary of Austin, TX; his beloved grandson, Kendall Edison McQueary of Granbury, TX; and a brother, Clyde McQueary of Albuquerque, NM; as well as hundreds of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, cousins, and many, many, many loyal friends. A man of quick wit, abiding wisdom, and a peaceful, generous spirit, Mac was universally loved by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2006 at Schooler Funeral Home at 4100 South Georgia Street in Amarillo, TX. It was Mac's wish that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent to Olivia's Angels, P.O. Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79101.
        Published on: Sun February 11, 2007

WESTMAN -- Lucille M. Westman, age 90, a resident of Chimayo passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2007 with her family at her side. She was a loving wife for 67 years, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved to ski, dance, and enjoy life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Westman; parents, Alphonse and Frederica Cote; 13 brothers and sisters. Lucille is survived by her daughters, Ginny Griffin and husband, Richard, Kathy McAllister and husband, Bob all of Denver, and Laura Abrums and husband, John of Chimayo; grandchildren, Chelly Griffin, Niki Vox and husband, Brian of Denver, Dana Hughes and husband, Roy of Chimayo, Gabriel and wife, Alicia, Ely Abrums all of Taos; Rachel Abrums of Chimayo, Tom and Rob McAllister of Denver; great-grandchildren, David and Justin Griffin of Denver, Cole and Lilah Hughes of Chimayo, Stacey and Cayley McAllister of Denver, and Dylan and Sofia Abrums of Taos; many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 9, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church, in Chimayo. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Chimayo Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 972, Chimayo, NM 87522. The family of Lucille M. Westman has entrusted her funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley, 505-747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com
        Published on: Thu February 08, 2007