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GALLEGOS -- Frank Villanueva Gallegos of Villanueva, NM, passed away after an extended illness at home surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Placida Villanueva Gallegos and Eutimio Gallegos; his mother and father-in-law, Ignacita and Macario Torres; his son, Perfecto Daniel Gallegos; his siblings, Fernando , Pedro, Piedad, Manuel, Feliz, and Eutimia; his brother-in-law, Delfinio Torres; uncle, Crisostomo T. Vigil. His is survived by his brother, Regino V. Gallegos; sister-in-law, Josefina Gallegos; aunt, Adelida Vigil; brothers and sisters-in-law, Macario and Rose Torres, Joe Torres, Angie Bachicha, Anna Lou Maes, Desi Ortiz, Chris Ortiz, Josephine and Bobby Montano, Marie Ostermayer, and Theresa Ortiz. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Aurelia (Audrie) Gallegos; seven daughters, Frances Gallegos of Santa Fe, NM, Tina Gallegos of Pueblo, CO, Jeanette Asimos Gallegos and husband, Gifford Asimos of San Diego, CA, Placida Velasquez Gallegos and husband, Luis R. Velasquez of San Diego, CA, Patricia Gallegos and fiance, Michael Romero of El Pueblo, NM, Mona Gallegos of Denver, CO, Lisa Gallegos of Albuquerque; and three sons, Eutimio Gallegos and wife, Yolanda Gallegos of Edgewood, Frank V. Gallegos, Jr. and wife, Loretta Salinas Gallegos of Las Vegas, and Bobby Franklin of El Paso, TX. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, Tabitha and Chris Kahn, Estefano Sena, Sonrisa Gallegos, Francisco Gallegos, Aubrey, Santina, and Jenna Asimos, Placida Gallegos Camarillo, Adrianna Gallegos, Clarresse, Elisha, Leann, and David Romero, Valerie Trujillo, Melanie Trujillo, and A.J. Trujillo, Daniel Andres Gallegos, Gabriella Francisca Gallegos, Jocelyn Gallegos, Kelly and Julian Gonzales, Brianna Gallegos. His great-grandchildren include Antonio, Reyes, and Perfecto Kahn, Santiago Gallegos, Kaiden Nye Selkirk Gallegos, Alexus Serrano, Anastacia Martinez, Azalea Martinez, Reyna Trujillo; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Frank was born in Villanueva, NM on May 13, 1926 to the late Placida Villanueva Gallegos and Eutimio Gallegos. With encouragement from his brother, Pete and his beloved cousin, Helen Esquibel, he completed high school in Las Vegas NM. Always the adventurer, he served as a specialty gunner in the U.S. Army and received two medals of honor: World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan. He was united in marriage to Aurelia Torres on July 4, 1947 in Portales, NM. Frank (Little Beaver) worked in the Coke Plant at the CF&I Steel Mill in Pueblo, CO for over 35 years. In addition to his full time work at the steel mill, Frank was a hard-working business owner. Over the years his businesses included Gallegos Trash Hauling Company, excavating, contracting, plumbing, farming and construction. Typically Frank provided for his family by raising and butchering animals. On the Gallegos family table, one could always expect farm fresh eggs, milk, meat, and cheese from their small farm. As well as working hard all his life, Frank loved socializing, dancing, and singing. He retired in 1982 and returned to his home in Villanueva where he enjoyed gardening, watching westerns and game shows, horseback riding, pool playing, hunting and playing with his grandchildren. He was a devoted Catholic and member of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Church in Villanueva and Holy Rosary Church in Pueblo, CO. Frank was a man of strong opinions and deep values who lived his life according to these beliefs. He loved his Northern New Mexico heritage and taught his children to be successful in life and yet retain their deep cultural values. He strongly emphasized the importance of hard work and education. One of his greatest sources of pride was the achievement of his children in their chosen fields of endeavor. Throughout his life, Frank was a man who held his head high in the face of many challenges yet never missed an opportunity to help others in need. He was a role model to many and often encouraged young people to reach for their dreams and achieve their full potential. He and Aurelia served as foster parents to dozens of children and generously opened their home to anyone in need. Visitations will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at Nelson's Mortuary in Las Vegas, NM. A Rosary will be recited Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. in the Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Church in Villanueva. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at 11 a.m. at the same church. Father John McKenna will celebrate the Mass. The interment will follow in the Nuestra Senora de Talpa Cemetery in Villanueva. Arrangements are under the direction of Alfred W. Nelson at the Nelson Funeral Home, 801 Douglas Avenue, in Las Vegas, NM, 505-425-6551.
        Published on: Sat September 23, 2006