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SPIESS, CLEOFAS PAMELIA MARES Age 85, went peacefully to our Lord Thursday February 19, 2015. She was born in Las Vegas, NM to Alonzo Jose Mares and Maria Patrocinia Gallegos Mares. Cleo was preceded in death by her parents "Grampa Lonzo and Gramma Pat," her sister Priscilla Romero; her niece Frances Kohut and her great niece Cristine Cunningham. She is survived by her sister Ernestine Mares Whitney; her eight children, Carlos, James, John, Maree Romero, Matthew, Margaret Bustos, Michael and Joseph, their spouses; eighteen grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Cleo was a devout Catholic. Her ashes will be interred at her family plot in Las Vegas, NM. A memorial service will take place at that time. Our family would like to thank Father John Carney and Presbyterian Hospice/ Homecare Please visit our online guestbook for Cleofas at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Rio Rancho 1950 Pine Rd NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 (505)338-2000
Published on: Mon March 02, 2015
BUTLER, JEREMY SHANE Passed away on February 20, 2015 at the age of 34 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his parents, James and Debbie Butler; brother, Jameson Butler and girlfriend, Alicia Huddleston; sister, K' dawn Butler and fiance, Donovan McIntire; grandparents, Charles and Beverly Culbreth, James and Lore Vaughan, and James Butler; aunts, Janet Weresch, Shari Alonzo, and Janet Holmlund; uncle, Dennis Culbreth; cousins, Joshua Alonzo, Jordan Alonzo, Chris Weresch, and Lindsay Weresch; and many, many close friends. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Orville and Mildred Rowin. Jeremy was born November 20, 1980 in Clovis and was a lifelong resident of New Mexico. He earned an AAS from Mesalands Community College. He loved the outdoors, especially camping, fishing and four wheeling. He was an avid reader and loved animals, especially his dogs, Luna and Odin. Jeremy was a loving son, a special brother, a very caring friend and an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by many, but he will live on in the hearts and memories of all those he touched. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at the family home.
Published on: Sun March 01, 2015
BENTON, THOMAS BRUCE Bruce Benton passed away February 22, 2015. He was 94 years old. He was predeceased by his wife, Tina Benton. He is survived by his five children, James Benton of Seattle, WA, Peggy Benton of Charleston, SC, Barbara Ellis of Santa Fe, NM, Sylvia Livingston of Washington, DC, and Teresa Benton of Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A life-long resident of Albuquerque, he graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute and attended the University of New Mexico, where he majored in engineering. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a pilot, flight instructor, and test pilot. Assigned to the Air Transport Command, he was a "Hump Pilot" flying from Burma to China through the Himalayas to supply the "Flying Tigers." Later, based in Greenland, he flew supplies to Europe and returned with wounded soldiers. He flew sled dog teams into Bruges for the Battle of the Bulge. Following the liberation of the Philippines near the end of the war in the Pacific, he was the first to fly into Clark Field, landing on a bombed runway, to evacuate the most seriously ill Bataan prisoners. Many of these survivors were friends from New Mexico. He also served during the Korean War. Following World War II, he was a commercial airline pilot and also designed homes and commercial buildings in a contracting and real estate development business with his father until his father retired. He was active in the New Mexico aviation community, and held airline transport pilot, ground instructor and mechanic certificates. He continued his love of flying in his later years, building a Falcon Ultra Light and an experimental light sport aircraft replica of a Jenny biplane and flying them until he was 90 years old. He was a charter member of the Albuquerque chapter of Quiet Birdmen and belonged to the Albuquerque Ultra Light Association, and the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was also a Freemason, a Shriner and member of the American Legion Post 13. An avid musician, he played with Shrine band for many years. He was presented the UNM Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1995 and FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2009. Arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers donations may be given in Thomas's honor to Children's Hospital donations.childrensmiracle networkhospitals.org. 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: Sun March 01, 2015
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
SPIESS, CLEOFAS PAMELIA MARES Age 85, went peacefully to our Lord Thursday February 19, 2015. She was born in Las Vegas, NM to Alonzo Jose Mares and Maria Patrocinia Gallegos Mares. Cleo was preceded in death by her parents "Grampa Lonzo and Gramma Pat," her sister Priscilla Romero; her niece Frances Kohut and her great niece Cristine Cunningham. She is survived by her sister Ernestine Mares Whitney; her eight children, Carlos, James, John, Maree Romero, Matthew, Margaret Bustos, Michael and Joseph, their spouses; eighteen grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Cleo was a devout Catholic. Her ashes will be interred at her family plot in Las Vegas, NM. A memorial service will take place at that time. Our family would like to thank Father John Carney and Presbyterian Hospice/ Homecare Please visit our online guestbook for Cleofas at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Rio Rancho 1950 Pine Rd NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 (505)338-2000
Published on: Sun March 01, 2015
BUTLER, JEREMY SHANE Passed away on February 20, 2015 at the age of 34 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his parents, James and Debbie Butler; brother, Jameson Butler and girlfriend, Alicia Huddleston; sister, K' dawn Butler and fiance, Donovan McIntire; grandparents, Charles and Beverly Culbreth, James and Lore Vaughan, and James Butler; aunts, Janet Weresch, Shari Alonzo, and Janet Holmlund; uncle, Dennis Culbreth; cousins, Joshua Alonzo, Jordan Alonzo, Chris Weresch, and Lindsay Weresch; and many, many close friends. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Orville and Mildred Rowin. Jeremy was born November 20, 1980 in Clovis and was a lifelong resident of New Mexico. He earned an AAS from Mesalands Community College. He loved the outdoors, especially camping, fishing and four wheeling. He was an avid reader and loved animals, especially his dogs, Luna and Odin. Jeremy was a loving son, a special brother, a very caring friend and an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by many, but he will live on in the hearts and memories of all those he touched. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at the family home.
Published on: Sat February 28, 2015
SPIESS, CLEOFAS PAMELIA MARES Age 85, went peacefully to our Lord Thursday February 19, 2015. She was born in Las Vegas, NM to Alonzo Jose Mares and Maria Patrocinia Gallegos Mares. Cleo was preceded in death by her parents "Grampa Lonzo and Gramma Pat," her sister Priscilla Romero; her niece Frances Kohut and her great niece Cristine Cunningham. She is survived by her sister Ernestine Mares Whitney; her eight children, Carlos, James, John, Maree Romero, Matthew, Margaret Bustos, Michael and Joseph, their spouses; eighteen grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Cleo was a devout Catholic. Her ashes will be interred at her family plot in Las Vegas, NM. A memorial service will take place at that time. Our family would like to thank Father John Carney and Presbyterian Hospice/ Homecare Please visit our online guestbook for Cleofas at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Rio Rancho 1950 Pine Rd NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 (505)338-2000
Published on: Sat February 28, 2015
BLACK, JOANNE M. Age 67. Counseling psychologist Joanne M. Black, PhD, MSN, RNCS, passed away February 9, 2015, at her home in Albuquerque. Her sister Teresa Materio and two nieces of Atlantic City, NJ, survive her. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, February 28, at 2 p.m. in the Memorial Hall at First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle Blvd., N E, ministerial intern James Galasinski officiating.
Published on: Sat February 28, 2015
HANN, ALMA C. (SELBY) Age 93, a resident of Albuquerque since 1948, died Tuesday, February 24, 2015. She is survived by her daughter, Lynda Hahn and husband, Dave; son, Kenneth Selby; grandchildren, Steven Hahn and wife Sarah and Michael Hahn, Nicole Alma Selby, Martha Baldwin and husband Dr. Ivan Ortiz, Keith Baldwin, and James and Marcus Davalos; great- grandchildren, Leon Abrams, Ivan and Andres Ortiz, Brooke Baldwin, and Jacob; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends. Alma was preceded in death by her husbands, Charles F. Selby, Jr. and James H. Hann; granddaughter, Sarah Baldwin; siblings, G.W. Collinsworth, Roxie Adams, Myrtle Howard, Curtis Collinsworth, Leslie Collinsworth, Delphia Howard, Peachie Howard, and Clarence Collinsworth. She was born in 1921 in the hills of Wheelersburg, KY and attended Berea College. Alma moved to Newport News, VA during WWII to work in the shipyards. After the war, she attended Charles' Beauty School where she met her first husband, Charles. They moved to Albuquerque in 1948. Alma continued to work in the field of cosmetology and put Charles through business school at UNM. She dedicated her life to raising her children and grandchildren. In 1985, she married James H. Hann and they owned and managed several rental properties throughout Albuquerque. Alma loved attending to her garden and her beautiful expansive backyard. She enjoyed playing with a neighborhood bridge group. Alma always inquired about everyone's family and wanted to know how they were doing. She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd NE. Pallbearers will be Keith Baldwin, James Davalos, Marcus Davalos, Steven Hahn, Michael Hahn and Brian Hughes. Alma's family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice de La Luz and the owners and staff at Unlimited Care, especially Blanca Gasson, for their love and care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Alma's name to the American Heart Association, 2201 San Pedro Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Please visit our online guest book for Alma at www.frenchfunerals.com. FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
Published on: Fri February 27, 2015
BLACK, JOANNE M. Age 67. Counseling psychologist Joanne M. Black, PhD, MSN, RNCS, passed away February 9, 2015, at her home in Albuquerque. Her sister Teresa Materio and two nieces of Atlantic City, NJ, survive her. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, February 28, at 2 p.m. in the Memorial Hall at First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle Blvd., N E, ministerial intern James Galasinski officiating.
Published on: Fri February 27, 2015
