WEST, JAMES B. Age 75, longtime resident of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, died on December 9, 2013. Jim was born on March 4, 1938 to Bennie and Dora West in Gallup, New Mexico. In his younger years he was active in various sports including varsity basketball and football. He attended Boys' State and was elected Student Council President his senior year at Gallup High School. Jim worked his way through college at various jobs and graduated from Highlands University with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and a Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling and Administration. He began his career in education as a teacher In Pecos, New Mexico. At the completion of his Masters Degree he accepted a position as a Counselor at Jemez Springs High School. As his duties expanded in this rural community so did his desire to become a leader in education. He was now working with the community, parents, students, dropouts, Job Corp, school board members in obtaining federal funding for Title 1 students. His leadership capabilities were recognized statewide which led to a position at the State Department of Education in Santa Fe Title 1 Unit. Again his leadership capabilities were recognized and his responsibilities expanded. He was soon traveling to all 89 school districts and actively participating in budget approvals, serving as Ombudsman for the local school boards, and becoming acting Superintendent in school district take overs when a school district was out of compliance with state standards. By 1972 he was appointed by the State Board of Education as Assistant State Superintendent Vocational Education ( the youngest in the nation at age 34). Jim became actively involved at the Regional level in developing curriculum guides in the various vocational areas to be used in schools throughout the nation. In the 1980's he left his state job in education to become a facility consultant to NM school districts with Rowland Architect & Associates. During this time he also became an Insurance Agent with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. His heart remained in education and he returned to the State Department of Education as Director of the School Accreditation Unit (both public and private schools). His love for education led him to a position at the Santa Fe Community College in which he obtained federal funding to provide education for NM prisoners in state institutions and to head the educational program for them. He ended his career in education by serving as Superintendent of the Zuni School District. Jim had been instrumental in helping the Zuni people break away from the Gallup School District and become its own school district in the 1980's. Jim was preceded in death by his son Bruce, his brother Charlie and his parents Bennie and Dora West. He is survived by two sons, Mark West of Santa Fe and Jock West of Albuquerque; sisters and brothers-in-law, Hilia and Albert Jackson, Charlene Murphy and Phyllis and Joe Gelabert and best friend Lena Castillo. He also had four godchildren, many nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday January 11, 2014 at 9AM at the Shrine of St. Bernadette (11401 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112), followed by a reception. Flowers may be sent to: Cremation Society of New Mexico, 1935 Juan Tabo NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 (505)323-9000.
WYMER,GREGG C. A long time Albuquerque, N.M. resident and graduate of Sandia High School, was called home on January 2, 2014. Born on November 20, 1950, Gregg was a devoted brother and friend. He bravely served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam War Veteran. He is survived by his sister, Franci Waller of Austin, TX. Military Burial Services will be held Friday, January 17, 2014 at 11:15 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the David Westphall Veterans Foundation at www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org.
STORMO, VIRGIL Lt. Col. Virgil M. "Stormy" Stormo, USAF (Ret.), died in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on January 4, 2014, at the age of 92. Col. Stormo was born in Hayti, South Dakota, on June 3, 1921. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot in World War II, Korea, and into the Vietnam era. He subsequently worked for many years for Wells Fargo Bank as an auditing officer and senior auditor before retiring. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend, and will be truly missed. After Col. Stormo's first wife, Marjorie, passed away, he married Hazel B. Morrow, who survives him, in the late 1990s. He is also survived by his children Gary Stormo and wife Sue of Colorado, Ron Stormo and wife Monica of California, and daughter Sally Bjork and husband Bob of California; by his stepchildren Thomas Morrow and wife Sherry of Colorado, Rosalind Cooper and husband Terry of Albuquerque, Julia Huchmala and husband John of Albuquerque, and Baker Morrow and wife JoAnn Strathman of Albuquerque; and by many grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Col. Stormo will be buried with full military honors in a grave-side service at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2014. A reception for family and friends will follow immediately from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH Funerals-Cremations, 10500 Lomas Boulevard N.E., in Albuquerque. The family would like to thank JoAnn Strathman, Col. Stormo's daughter-in-law, for the loving and expert care, support, and kindness she has extended to him and to Hazel over many years. Please visit our online guest book for Stormy at 
SANDOVAL, AGNES Age 70, passed away Sunday, Jan 5, 2014 surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband Raymond of 50 yrs, five sisters; one brother; seven children, Mary Rael and husband Joe, Jackie, Maxine and Marie Sandoval; Raymond Sandoval Jr, Margaaret Gallegos and husband Felix, Irene Lucero and husband John; 18 grandchildren; 38 great- grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Rosary will be held Thursday, Jan 9, at 7:00 pm, viewing from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE. Burial Mass at 10:00 am, Fri, Jan 10 at Sacred Heart Church, 309 Stover SW.
SACCO, SUZANNE Nov 29, 1932 - Dec 2, 2013. A "Celebration of Life" memorial service is planned for 10:00 am, Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Albuquerque Center for Spiritual Living, 2801 Louisiana Blvd NE, 87110. For more info, visit: 
RAMIREZ, AVEDONIA R. Age 92, passed away on January 4, 2014. She was born on Oct. 15, 1921 in Seboyeta, NM. She is survived by daughters Sirilia Lila Armijo and husband Dennis, Darla Ramirez; sons Adam Ramirez and wife Bertha and Larry Ramirez and wife Mary. Also nine grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Adan. Services are to be held on Jan. 11, 2014 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Seboyeta, NM at 10:30 A.M, followed by interment at Bibo Cemetery.
PYLE, ROLAND RAY Age 80, born in Jacksonville Texas April 26, 1933, son of John Henry Pyle and Rosie Pyle and a resident of Albuquerque since 1956, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Roland is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Margaret Jane Pyle; children, (Daughter) Paula Williams and husband, Cord Williams, their children Margaret, Kaye, Beverly and Cordell; (Son) John Pyle, his children Alicia, Damir, Anthony, Daniyar and Aaron; (Daughter) Denise Pyle Ortiz and her children Caden and Curtis; (Daughter) Carla Castillo and her children Nicole, Crystal, Kayla and Rudy; (Daughter) Janice Sanchez and husband John P. Sanchez, their children Marlysa and David; (Son) Dennis Pyle and wife Sarah Pyle and children Dennis Jr., Dylan and Dereck. Roland was also a great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren. Roland was preceded in death by his sister, Alline Richards and husband Donald Richards; as well as his pet companion, his dog Ginger. Roland Pyle was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict, a retired Yellow Freight truck driver, a Rancher and a Farmer but his passion was his Real Estate Investing. We thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing of the time we spent with him, he will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014, 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH - University. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at FRENCH University on Friday, January 10, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please visit our online guest book for Roland at 
PRICE, CHARLES RYAN Our cherished son and brother, Chuck to his friends, Ryan to his family, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2014. Ryan was born October 20, 1983. He is survived by his parents, Charles P. Price, and April F. Price; and his older brother, Ethan W. Price. He attended Monte Vista Elementary School, the Albuquerque Academy, and then graduated from Sandia High School in 2001, as a National Merit Scholar. Ryan attended ASU in Tempe, AZ majoring in performance guitar, and then obtained a sound engineering certification before returning to Albuquerque. Ryan was a brilliant, creative, and sensitive soul. His early dreams included playing in a heavy metal band. His music education gave him a broader interest in world music of all kinds. We hope and pray that Ryan has found peace and he's making great music. A memorial service will be held at the Albuquerque Country Club, on Tuesday January 14, 2014, 2:00 p.m., 601 Laguna Blvd. SW. Donations in Ryan's name may be made to the Albuquerque Museum Foundation, 207 Griegos Rd. NE 87107 or to The Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE 87106. You may visit our online guestbook for Ryan at 
PHINNEY, ERNESTINE (ERNIE) LARUE LOWREY BIRDSEYE Ernie passed away peacefully on January 2, 2014, with her oldest son Henry Stinson Birdseye, Jr and her husband Edward S. Phinney at her side. She is now at peace and out of pain. A most beautiful human being, she was always the woman of faith and strength for everyone around her. Ernie's family was the greatest joy of her life and she loved each and every one of them unconditionally. Ernie was there for anyone, anytime and will be deeply missed. She was born September 29, 1930, in Knox City, Texas, to Leroy and Naomi Michaels Lowrey who preceded her in death. She was married to her first husband, Henry Stinson Birdseye, on June 9, 1954, until his death June 22, 1972. She married her second husband Edward S. Phinney, on February 14, 1981. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Henry Stinson Birdseye, Jr. & Michael Clarence Lowrey Birdseye; her stepson Edward S. Phinney, Jr and wife Nancy Marxen Phinney; four grandchildren: Henry Stinson Birdseye III, Aaron Michael Birdseye, Avery Joseph Birdseye, and Heather Margaret Phinney; ex-daughter-in-law Kathy Kalush Birdseye; her sister Janet Ann Lowrey; and one nephew and three nieces. Ernie was a sixty-five year member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity and a Sustaining Member Emerita of the Junior League of Albuquerque. Cremation has taken place. No services are planned at this time.
MICO, RICHARD D. Age 84, a resident of New Mexico since 1979 passed away Monday, January 6, 2014. He was born in Dennison, Ohio on August 5, 1929 to Antonio and Frances Mico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Frances Mico; sister, Carmela Mico and daughter Kimberly Mico Thompson. Richard is survived by his wife, Elva Mico; children, Karen Bricker Pino, (Nate), Mark Anthony Mico, (Ylva Pihlstrom); grandchildren, Ian Cole Thompson, Elin Pihlstrom-Mico and Anzio Pihlstrom-Mico; son in law, Jeff Thompson; sister, Mary B. Bem, (James); brother, Paul R Mico (Helen Ross). Richard retired from Sparton Corporation in 2000. He loved airplanes, flying, horseback riding, traveling and reading. A visitation will be held at 10:00 am with Funeral Services following at 12:00 noon at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Interment with military honors will immediately follow the service. To view information or leave a condolence please visit 
MEREWETHER, THOMAS F. Tom Merewether of East Providence, Rhode Island, Seminole, Florida, and long time resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico lost his battle with cancer on December 31, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Costello Merewether; four children, Kathy Bain of New Port Richey, FL, Ed Merewether of Largo, FL, Tim Merewether and wife Pamela of Rio Rancho, and Trish Merewether of Albuquerque; and six grandchildren. A celebration in his honor will be held on Sunday, January 12th between 1:00 pm-5:00 pm at Tom and Pat's home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation to PBS, the National Park Foundation, or Sierra Club in Tom's name.
LUJAN, TERRI C. Mrs. Terri C. Lujan of Omaha, Nebraska, formally of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home in the company of her husband, after an illness that slowly consumed her body. Terri was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Alberto and Lorenzita Martinez on October 9, 1953. She was the youngest sibling to Priscilla, and George Martinez, and Edward Hopkins. Terri graduated from Valley High School in 1971, and married her sweetheart, David, in May, the following year. In March 1973 she became a first time mom to David Jr, and again for the second time in April 1975, to Monika. She volunteered in organizations such as the Turquoise Trail Volunteer Fire Department, and the Santa Fe Chapter of the VFW, teaching her children values that are uncommon in today's world. In 1996 Terri moved with her husband and daughter to Omaha, Nebraska. On January 3, 2014 she was called to Heaven to live with her parents, both brothers, and step-daughter Paula, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, and her 2 children. In addition to her family, she is also survived by her sister, Priscilla; and granddaughter Kendra, many nieces, nephews, and friends that even though are not related by blood, are family just the same. A public visitation will be held on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 6:00 PM and Rosary at 7:00 PM at Berardinelli Mortuary, located at 1399 Luisa Street , Santa Fe. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 11:00AM at the St. Francis Cathedral, In Santa Fe, followed by interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made at any Wells Fargo bank into the Terri Lujan memorial fund to help offset the expenses of bringing our beloved wife and mother home, one last time. In the good words of Dr. Seuss, Terri would want us to remember this famous Quote: Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened.
LOPEZ, CHARISSA Charissa H. Kerrisk-Lopez died on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 in Carlsbad, NM. Charissa was born in Albuquerque, NM on May 20, 1979. She lived in Santa Fe, NM and graduated from Capital High School in 1997. She lived in Albuquerque, NM from 1997 to 2013 when she moved to Carlsbad, NM. Charissa is survived by her parents, Jerry and Barbara Kerrisk, Santa Fe, NM; her sister Jillian Kerrisk, Miami, FL; her daughter Dakoda Crawford, Albuquerque, NM; Dennis and Shirley Kerrisk, Dacono, CO; and various cousins. A private memorial service will be held.
LEGANT, OMAR, M.D. Was born in 1915 in New York City of "poor but honest" Russian immigrant parents. Omar was a child actor on Broadway, graduate of NYC DeWitt Clinton Math and Science High School, a graduate of Columbia College (at age 19) and subsequently, Columbia's medical school. He interned at Bellevue Hospital. The attack on Pearl Harbor brought him into the navy for the next 4 years. For two years he sojourned with a defense battalion of the Marine Corps on Funafuti, an island in the South Pacific (you can look it up) acquiring an aversion to Spam and a liking for cigars. Following this illuminating experience, he spent three years as a resident in radiology at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, terminating in his appointment to the full-time faculty. In 1949 Omar, his wife and two oldest children traveled out west in a black, two-door Chevrolet covered wagon to become the director of the St. Joseph's Hospital X-Ray Department in Albuquerque, and remained identified with it for 35 years. He was a founding member of X-Ray Associates (now XRANM). When Omar retired after 35 years, XRANM comprised 23 board certified MD diagnostic radiologists. He was Chief of Staff at St. Joseph's and held every elective office of the Medical Society at the county and state level. With Joe Garcia, the chief x-ray technician, Omar founded the St. Joseph Hospital School of X-Ray Technology, the first in the state of New Mexico. It was a two-year course which qualified the students to take and pass a national exam entitling him/her to be a Registered Technologist (RT). Omar was an insatiable reader, an avid fly fisherman, and will now rejoin his golfing foursome of over fifty years: Dr. John Torrens, Mr. Stu Leigh, and Dr. Bill Kridelbaugh. With his passing, Omar can again join his wife, Jean, on the back porch to share a cigar and conversation. Omar was the husband of the late Jean Dalgety Legant, the brilliant and endearing partner in a sixty-three year marriage. Omar was especially proud of his wonderful family, the greater credit for which goes to his wife, Jean (Ph.D.). All the Legant children are hooked on higher education: Patricia (Ph.D., M.D.) (Husband Tom Parks); Paul (M.D.), (wife Kristin); Amy (Ed.D.) retired school principal; Ellen (B.A. Music Education and M.A. Performing Arts) music teacher. Omar is also survived by his 4 grandchildren: Andrew (wife Kim), Bradley (wife Cara), Wesley (wife Colette) and Anna; and by his 3 great-grandchildren Owen, Ethan and Evie. Omar requested no formal memorial service be held. He lives in our memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests friends consider making donations to their favorite charities. Please visit our online guestbook for Omar at 
