YOUNG, WILLIAM HOMER JR. Age 85, passed to his eternal home on December 22, 2013 at the Anna Kaseman Hospice Center in Albuquerque, NM. Homer was the fifth of six sons born to William Homer and Beulah Jane Horn Young. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on June 16th, 1928. In the early 1930's, he moved with his family to New Mexico where he grew up on the family farm in the Sunshine district south of Deming, NM. He married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Munson, at the First Christian Church in Deming on July 16th, 1948. Four children were born to this union; James Munson, Ida Belle, Susan Gale and Patricia Jane. They continued in the family farming business in Wilcox, Arizona until 1950 when he went to work for the Phelps Dodge Copper Corp. in Morenci, Arizona. In 1959, the family moved to Toquepala, Peru S.A., where Homer was mill repair foreman for the Southern Peru Copper Corporation. They resided in Peru until 1967 when they returned to the States to manage a farm for his mother in Eastland, Texas. When the farm sold, they were able to return to New Mexico in 1969 and the newly opened Phelps Dodge copper mine at Tyrone, NM. He retired in 1992 and became an avid golfer and world traveler, but dancing to the Forrest Delk Band was his favorite pastime, and his three girls will always recall learning to dance while standing on their daddy's boot toes! He was raised a Master Mason in Coronado Lodge #8, Clifton, Arizona in 1954. He and JoAnn joined Clifton's Century Chapter #10 OES in 1955 where he was Past Patron and Past Rainbow Dad for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. He was a charter member and Past Master of Toquepala Lodge #60 AF&AM in Toquepala, Peru. When they returned to New Mexico, he affiliated with Georgetown Chapter #4 OES and Mimbres Lodge #10 AF&AM in Mimbres, NM where he was Past Patron and Past Master. He served New Mexico Grand Chapter as Worthy Grand Patron with sister Adele Durnell in 1978-79. He was named Ambassador to Peru 2000-2003, Jurisprudence Committee 1989-1991 and Ambassador to Mexico 2011-2013 for General Grand Chapter OES. He was Past Grand Chaplain and Past District Deputy Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of New Mexico AF&AM. In 2004, New Mexico Grand Lodge named him "Mason of the Year" and accorded him the prestigious Kit Carson Award. He was raised a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason in 2005. He served on the advisory board for the Silver City Order of Demolay, was a past Rainbow Dad for the Tyrone Assembly #54 and was Rainbow Dad for the newly instituted Copper Rose Rainbow Assembly #62 in Silver City. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Jim, Oral and Buford, and his only son, James. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, his three daughters and their families; Ida Belle and John Walsh, Susan and Don Wallin, Patricia Young and dear friend, Linda Miller, five grandchildren and their families; Jennifer Mary (Walsh) and husband, David Hare, Elizabeth Ann (Walsh) and husband, David Gilroy, William Trevor and wife, Amber Wallin, Steven Shane and wife, Jenae Wallin, Lisa Jean (Wallin) and husband Curtis Lents; five great-grandchildren Maya Sophia and Dylan James Hare, Jonah Finn and Nina Magdalena Gilroy and William Augustus Wallin; two brothers, J.W. Marvin and Wilma Young; two very dear sisters-in-law, Catherine Munson Smith, Sabra Munson Humphrey and husband, Robert; numerous nieces, nephews, and a very special nephew, Roy Young and wife, Mildred; many cousins and a host of loving world-wide friends. He felt very privileged and blessed to have had the opportunity to play golf af the "Old Course" in Scotland and to have walked the Mt. of Olives in Jerusalem, but, most of all, to have shared 65 years of love with his wife and children, to have developed very special ties with each of his five grandchildren and to have held the small hands of each of his five great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his pride in and love for his family, his kind and generous ways, his love and appreciation for our beautiful earth and his favorite figure of speech, "Oh, how nice!" He was a good husband, a good father, a good grandfather and great-grandfather, a good friend to all........ He was a good man. Memorial services are being handled by Baca's Funeral Chapels, Deming, NM, and services are set for Saturday, January, 25, 2014, at 11:00 am at the Mimbres Valley Special Events Center in Deming, NM. Memorial donations may be made to: Rite Care Childhood Language Program in care of the NM Scottish Rite Foundation, PO Box 2024, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2024 or to a charity of your choice.
ARMIJO, BEN R. 1927-2014 Ben R. Armijo, age 86, a lifelong resident of Peralta, NM passed away on Friday, January 17, 2014. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Ben and his wife Patty were very involved in several marriage enrichment weekends from Socorro to Pecos, NM. They also served as mayordomos for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. They were both active in many projects, activities and volunteering in all aspects of their beloved Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Ben graduated from Menaul High School receiving several academic and athletic honors. He proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII. He retired from Sandia National Laboratory after 41 years of outstanding service. Ben continued his career alongside his wife Patty as co-owner of Sterling Title Company. He was an avid gardener and was well known for his red chili. Ben was a devoted father and grandfather who enjoyed spending every moment with his family. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Patty G. Armijo; son, Paul; parents, Rafael and Martina Armijo; father and mother-in-law, Pedro and Pauline Gurule. Ben is survived by his loving children, Belinda Paris, Judy Armijo, Dan and Jennifer, Tom, Marty and Christy, Patrick and Tamara; daughter-in-law, Darlene Armijo; fifteen grandchildren, Jodie, Sam, Alexandra, Destiney, Dana, Christian, Haleigh, Tara, Noah, Zachary, Josiah, Ariana, Aiden, Kaleb and Kaden. Ben is also survived by his loving sisters-in-law, Cecile Gomez and Emma Gurule; brother-in-law, John E. Gurule; along with many loving nieces and nephews. All services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, beginning with a Viewing on Sunday, January 19, at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Final Visitation will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Father Hoi Tran presiding. Interment will follow at Valencia Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jodie, Alexandra, Sam, Dana, Zachary, Noah and Haleigh. Honorary Pallbearers will be Aidan, Ariana, Kaleb, Kaden, Christian and Josiah. Sign Ben's online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.
ACREE, NANCY LOU On January 13, 2014, Nancy found peace in her battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Justine Cumerford, and sister Pat. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Ed; her step-children, Edward and Terri, and their spouses; grandchildren, Sara and Eddie; siblings, Dale and Cynthia; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She was cremated and a celebration of her life will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the NM Cancer Center. Her love and warmth will be missed by all who knew her.
ZOZAYA, BEATRICE The Family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all relatives and friends who were so kind and supportive during this time. Your kindness will always be remembered. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at: 
VAUGHN, MARIE C. On December 29, 2013, at age 86, Marie Claire Vaughn traded time for eternity. She was born on November 27, 1927, the only child to Walter Roy & Priscilla Singleton/ Roy. Breaux Bridge, LA was home to her until moving to St. Louis, MO to earn her degree in nursing. Shortly after earning her nursing degree she proceeded to her next stage of life and started her own family. As the demand to relocate to many locations in the U.S.A. and abroad arose, she continued caring for others as an RN as well as caring for the needs and nurturing of her own family. Albuquerque, NM was the final location that she called home. As a resident for 45 years of Albuquerque, where she was employed at Sandia Labs until retiring, but continued in the care for others as a volunteer, taking blood pressures at St. Charles and San Jose Parishes. She was active in community organizations such as NACWC and the Albuquerque African Catholic Community, and spent a lot of time traveling throughout the US, Mexico and Europe. She held season tickets to the UNM Lobo's basketball games and Pope Joy Hall. She attended her grandsons YAFL football games and was always the one who brought food. Many will remember her because of her well-known cooking abilities. A meal from Marie was always in demand. Her favorite place to be was her property at Elephant Butte Lake, along the river. As well as her care she had for others, she was an avid pet lover and was always one to travel with her dogs. She is survived by 3 daughters, Wanda Vaughn, Beverly Vaughn and Priscilla Socall; three granddaughters, La Shawna Countee, Amber Pagan and Mercedes Boyd; six great-grandchildren, Tatianna Countee, Todd Countee, Charles Roy Countee, Donavan Dumas, Jyha Dumas and Zylen Pagan. Her life will be celebrated at St Charles Borromeo Church, 1818 Cole Place SE on March 18 with a Rosary at 6pm, and a Mass on March 19th at 10:00 am, followed by a reception. Funeral Services will be provided by French Funeral-Cremation. 
TRAMPE, STEVEN MELVIN age 67, passed away Saturday, January 11th at Christus Santa Rosa-Westover Hills Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. A private service will be held in Albuquerque, NM at a later date. Steve was born in St. Charles, Missouri but spent most of his youth in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mel and Lil Trampe, both long time residents of Albuquerque, NM. At the age of 19, Steve hired out for the Santa Fe Railroad as a Locomotive Engineer and moved from Albuquerque to Temple, Texas. He retired at the age of 60 from the merged BNSF Railroad with 41 years of continuous service. He is survived by his wife Mary, three children, Corey, Scott and Lisa, four granddaughters, Mila, Kira, Aria and Courtney, two sisters and two brother-in-laws, Susan and Bill Taylor, Jean and Howie Herbert all of Albuquerque. Also survived by five nieces and nephews and their spouses, 10 great nieces and nephews and 1 great-great niece. "God saw you getting tired, a cure was not to be. He put his arms around you & whispered "come with me.'' With tearful eyes we watched, saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly we couldn't make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the Best." -Author Unknown-
TOTI, CARL A. SR. (PAPA TOTI) Age 84, resident of Las Vegas, NV and longtime resident of New Mexico, died Saturday, January 11, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla Gallegos-Toti of Las Vegas, NV; children, Carl Toti, Jr. and wife Gloria of Lubbock, TX, Delilah Baum of Albuquerque and Valerie Rael-Bargas of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Jonathan Toti of Lubbock, TX, Nathan Toti of Lubbock TX, Michael Rael-Garcia and wife Shahinah of Las Vegas NV, Paige Bargas of Las Vegas, NV and great-grandchild, Camryn Rael-Garcia of Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Valerie Oszu of Vacaville, CA, Patricia Jolitz of Denver, CO and many nieces of nephews. Mr. Toti was preceded in death by his father, John Toti; mother, Soletta Jolitz; and sister, Marie Corich. Mr. Toti served in the U.S. Army from 1948 until 1952 and was stationed in Germany. In 1952 he moved to New Mexico and worked as state manager for Maloof Companies until opening Papa Toti's Restaurant in 1976. Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 7:30 p.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming. Friends may visit beginning at 6:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 10:45 a.m., at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Interment will follow at 2:15 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nathan Toti, Jonathan Toti, Michael Rael-Garcia, Marcello Baca, Joseph Chavez and Michael Abruzzi. Please visit our online guestbook for Papa Toti at 
THAYER, PHYLLIS Today and every day, we celebrate and honor the life of Phyllis Ann Thayer, cherished mother and grandmother, who passed into eternal life on January 15, 2014. In the months before she passed away, Phyllis was joined by her entire family, who shared stories and fond memories together. This remarkable woman is survived by her sons Mark Thayer (wife Lisa) of La Mesa, CA, Kenneth Thayer (wife Deana) of Midwest City, OK, and Timothy Thayer of Albuquerque, daughters Karen Thayer of Noble, OK, and Sharon Sanchez of Albuquerque, seven grandchildren (Erika, Justin, Curtis, Sydney, Stefanie, Christina, and Jordan), and two great-grandchildren (Keyton and Brian.) Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving sons Michael Thayer (wife Linda Thayer-White) and Stephen Thayer (wife Pamela). A resident of Albuquerque since 1950 and a faithful member of the Catholic Church, she served the community as a registered nurse for St. Joseph's Hospital, Lovelace Clinic, and the federal government and graciously volunteered her time to those in need. Although sadness consumes family and friends who love and will miss her, we are empowered by her continued optimism through the hardships she endured, her strength of character, and her infectious smile and laugh that will forever be in our hearts. A Rosary will be held Friday, January 24th at 2:30pm in the Reflection of Life Chapel (Washington and Cutler NE). Please sign Phyllis's online guest book at 
STRUCK, ALLEN M. Age 74, passed away on January 16, 2014. He was a wonderful man who loved his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Jose Antonio, mother Rafaelita, and brother Joe. He is survived by his wife of 49 yrs Christina; sons Allen Jr and Patrick; daughter Susie; their spouses and six grandchildren. He retired from city of ABQ senior affairs. Services will be held at Holy Rosary, 5415 Fortuna Rd on Thursday, January 23rd. Rosary begins at 10:15 AM followed by mass at 11:00AM. Burial will be at Pajarito cemetery immediately after.
SHELTON, O.E. &Quot;GENE&Quot; Age 98, of Albuquerque, died Thursday, January 16, 2014. He is survived by daughter, Denise and Jerry Honeycutt; sons, David and Lucinda Shelton, Dary and Lori Shelton; grandchildren, Amy and Nathan Alexander, Lisa and Randy Allen, Deona and Colin Foust, Melissa and Matt Kamplain, Courtney and Roy Yates, Miranda and Jeremy Zwolensky, Ashley and Marcus Mathis, and Brittany and Andrew Augsburger; and great-grandchildren, Sydney, Paul, Shelton, Liam, Rowen, Sadie Jo, Taylin, Shylie, Jaidyn, Avri, Xander, Grant, Lincoln, Brooklyn, Eden, Abel, and Silas. Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Billie; parents, Oscar Ell and Alice Shelton; and brother, Horace Shelton. Gene was a long-time member of Riverside Church of Christ. He served in WWII in the Pacific Theatre. Gene was a writer, real estate developer, and a salesman. Services will be held on Monday, January 20, 2014, 10:00 a.m., at Riverside Church of Christ, 3100 La Orilla Rd NW, with Minister Mark McKenzie officiating. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit FRENCH - Westside, Sunday, January 19, 2014, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Albuquerque Christian Children's Home, 5700 Winter Haven Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Please visit our online guest book for Gene at 
SANCHEZ, ALBERT (BABE) On Tuesday, January 14, 2014, Albert (Babe) Sanchez passed away at the age of 81. Surrounded by his family, he peacefully went home to his Heavenly Father after a courageous 14 year battle with cancer. A life-long resident of Albuquerque, Albert is preceded in death by his parents, Enrique and Rosaura Sanchez and his in-laws, Juan and Soila Herrera. Three siblings also precede him in death: Jessie Sanchez, Gillie Sanchez and Priscilla Salazar. Albert is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Terri Sanchez, and four sons: Franklin and his wife Lourdes; Eric and his wife Deby; Paul, and Ronnie and his fiance, Rossemary Garcia. Albert is also survived by one grandson, Sebastian Amadeus Sanchez, and three sisters: Mary Villa, Margaret Thompson and her husband Clyde, and Maria Seymour, as well as brother's in-law, John Herrera and his wife Dolores, and Sisto Herrera and his wife Barbara. Albert leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews as well as many life-long friends. A veteran of the United States Air Force and the Korean War, he was a co-founder of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Albert graduated from St. Mary's High School and Saint Joseph's College. Albert began his professional career as a school teacher before transitioning into a successful career in the construction and real estate industry, including positions as the Director of the New Mexico Contractors Services Center, and construction related positions for the State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque. Along with his wife, Albert also owned a successful construction and real estate company: Alsan Homes. Rosary will be recited Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 9:30 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper Ave. NW. Mass will be celebrated following the Rosary. Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 9:45 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. Please visit our online guest book for Albert at 
