MIKSOVIC, RUTH MARCIA SIMMS was born in Chicago, Illinois November 28, 1924 to the Reverend Lacy Simms and Marcia Holmes Simms. She passed away Sunday, July 6, 2014 in Albuquerque. Ruth grew up in Chicago, San Antonio, and San Francisco, where her father, a Presbyterian minister, had various pastorates. Ruth lived in Albuquerque for more than fifty years. A graduate of El Paso High with honors, Ruth earned a B.A. in early childhood education at Park University, MO, and a M.S. in special education from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Ruth, a lyric soprano, studied voice for more than eight years in high school, college and privately, culminating in a starring role as Countess Louisa in "Song of Norway." She also sang in the choirs of the Cathedral Church of St. John as well as in choruses of the Opera Southwest Productions. Ruth dedicated her professional life to serving people with disabilities, including people with autism spectrum disorders. She was a tireless advocate for children since the late 1940s. Along with Elizabeth Hirsch, Miles Zintz, Joyce Leavitt and Martha Hayes, Ruth was instrumental in the founding of the New Mexico Autism Society (NMAS), where she served as a past president and board member until recently. Ruth founded the Albuquerque Special Preschool for children with disabilities, the first school of its kind in Albuquerque. The school was eventually incorporated into the Albuquerque Public School system. She was also a coordinator for the Pueblo Infant Parent Education program, serving the five Indian Pueblos of Northern New Mexico. Ruth is survived by her spouse of 64 years, John, and their daughters Ann Miksovic Savary (Lee), Marcia J. Pinzon (Otto), Rachel M. Lorenz (Todd), and Emily S. Anderson (Barry), and four grandchildren, Hondo and Alena Pinzon, and Geoffrey (Tierney) and Kristofer Lorenz. We are grateful to the Hospice of the Sandias staff for their compassionate care. A Holy Eucharist will be celebrated in the Cathedral Church of St. John at 4th and Silver SW in Albuquerque, NM, on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Ruth Miksovic Lecture Fund, c/o CDD Autism Programs, 2300 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107, Attn: Karen Wright. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW. ABQ., 505-343-8008.
GALLEGOS, DONACIANO passed away on July 1, 2014, he was 70 years old. Don was born on September 14, 1943 and lived his early years in La Jara, NM. After high school he entered the Navy for four years working as a Refrigeration Specialist. After honorable discharch from the Navy, Don went to Tech school and worked the rest of his career as a Plumber, Pipe fitter, and Refrigeration Specialist. Don worked many places on many projects but spent the majority of his time working 30 years on the Alaska Pipeline. On July 1, 2014 Don passed due to complications after a long battle with heart failure. Don was a very friendly, outgoing, positive person, who make friends wherever he was. He will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. Don was preceded in death by his parents Teofila and Baltazar Gallegos, and daughter Sonya. He is survived by his wife Marcella; daughters Donna Ramirez, Monica Farr and her husband Chuck Farr, and Nicole Garcia; his grandchildren Pablo and Esteban Ramirez, Dean Garcia, and Charley and Madilyn Farr; his step-grandchildren Stephanie, Joseph and Hosanna Ramirez, and Hosanna's daughter Ianna. A Rosary will be recited at Immaculate Conception Church in Cuba, NM on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Annunciation on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 9:30 am followed by burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
GALLEGOS, LEROY FRED was born and raised in Las Vegas, NM. He's preceded in death by his parents Isidro and Manuelita Gallegos; his brothers, Ben and Arthur Gallegos. Leroy is survived by his loving wife, Frances Gallegos, they had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary; his two daughter, whom he adored, Anita Lee Gallegos her husband Greg Griego, Christine Marie Denzer, her husband David Denzer. He was an awesome husband and father. Sisters, Annie and Inez, and numerous nephews and nieces. Leroy proudly served his country in the Marine Corp., stationed in the Far East. He was employed by the Boeing Aircraft Co. in Seattle, WA. Leroy retired from the City of Albuquerque. He loved fishing and fished the waters of Washington State, Alaska, Colorado, New Mexico, Cabo San Lucas. Leroy looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his daughters. He and his wife enjoyed traveling through nine countries, Asia, South America, the South Pacific, across the Panama Canal, the Grand Mediterranean, 19 countries in Europe. Leroy enjoyed western movies, collected all of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies. He was a member of the Manzano Mesa Woodcarvers. Leroy played for the Master's 65+ softball league with the Bears. He was a third degree Knight of Columbus, with Father Hammer Council 10697, a member of our Lady of Assumption Church. Leroy will be missed greatly by all of those who knew and loved him. A Rosary will be recited at 10 o'clock am at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 811 Guaymas on the corner of Lomas and Tennessee NE, on Wednesday, July, 2014 with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow. Private burial will take place in Las Vegas, NM. Pallbearers, Roman Padilla, Carmen Gonzales, Edker Matthews, Fred Mirabal, Troy Wingo, Ralph Manchego; Honorary Bearers, Senior Softball League and Manzano Mesa Woodcarvers. To view information or leave a condolence please visit 
ESTRADA, JAX ENZO Baby Jax Enzo Estrada departed this life on 6/26/14. Jesus called his special angel home. An angel in the book of life, wrote down my baby's birth then whispered as she closes the book, TOO BEAUTIFUL FOR EARTH. Jax is the son of Greg Estrada and Angela Chavez. He was loved by his big brother Caleb Estrada and his Nino and Nina Patrick and Jennifer Peralta. He had Great-Grandparents, Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends that loved him dearly and that will miss him and keep him close in their hearts. A viewing was held At 8 o clock a.m Thursday July 3, 2014. We love you baby boy! Rest in paradise.
WOLFE, MAYREL &Quot;BOBBIE&Quot; NEE STALNAKER Age 95, a resident of Albuquerque for 16 years, passed away peacefully Monday, July 7, 2014 with her family at her side. She is survived by her son, Dr. Bill Wolfe, Jr.; and grandson, Travis Wolfe. Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William G. Wolfe Sr. in 1996. She was born and raised in Morgantown, WV in 1918. After her marriage to Dr. William G. Wolfe Sr., they moved to Austin, TX in 1949 and raised their son. She remained in Austin until retiring to Albuquerque, NM in 1998 to be near her son and grandson. Bobbie lived a full and wonderful life and was a kind and caring mother, grandmother and dear friend. Her great joys in life included her family and the beautiful artistry of painting china. She will be greatly missed. Friends may visit FRENCH - Wyoming on Thursday, July 10, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Graveside Services will be held at Cook-Walden Capital Park Cemetery, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX on Saturday, July 12, 2014, 10:00 a.m. Please visit our online guestbook for Bobbie at 
VAN BIBBER, JEREMY TYLER Jeremy Tyler Van Bibber, 38, a father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and good friend, passed from this life to eternal rest on Wednesday morning, June 25, 2014. He was a sweet, kind, loving and gentle man, who devoted his life to helping others and meeting needs wherever he found them, when he was able. His children were his most precious gifts in this life. He never stopped talking about how much he loves them. He is survived by his children, Chassity, Breanna, and Austin James. He is also survived by his father, David Van Bibber and step-mother, Barbara Van Bibber; mother Mary Chesher; brother Eric and wife Vangie; sister Laura; and dear, loving friend Brooke Rappe; together with uncles aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, all of whom loved him dearly. Our hope and prayer is in the Lord, and we thank Him for Jeremy's life with us and his eternal peace and rest. A celebration of Jeremy's life will be held at Bataan Park, 3401 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 2:00 PM. In order to accommodate those unable to attend on Wednesday, a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 12, at 10:00 AM at Trinity Baptist Church, 5915 Bluewater Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are being accepted to cover Funeral Home expenses.
TURRIETTA, CELESTINO JOE Celestino Joe Turrietta left this world Saturday, July 5, 2014 after a short illness at Mercy Hospital in Durango, Colorado. He left us all with wonderful memories. He was CJ to friends and neighbors, Tino to close friends and family members and Celestino to businesses and professionals. He always had a quick step and a smile. He was a supportive and helpful friend and brother to everyone he met. He liked giving prayers and novenas for people in trouble. He loved going to the casinos and listening to music - especially Maraiachi. He enjoyed decorating his apartment with guitars and items he purchased while traveling in the New York City area. He appreciated keeping up with his friends in Albuquerque. He left behind his sister Rose Romero, his niece Jennifer Romero, his nephew Jason and his wife Heather Romero from Cortez. In Albuquerque he left his brother Ladiz and his wife Mary Turrietta, his sister Susan and her husband Robert Santiago and numerous nieces and nephews. In San Diego he left his brother Allan Turrietta and his friend Julie Santiago. He was preceded in death by his parents Pilar and Ladiz Turrietta and his brothers Nick Turrietta and Steve Turrietta. Viewing will take place at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 9:30am and the graveside service to follow at 10:00am with a Mariachi band. A memorial potluck remembrance will take place at Rose's home in Cortez, CO on Thursday, July 10, 2014 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Tino worked to better the lives of people with disabilities. Memorials can be sent to Southwest Center of Independence 2409 East Empire, Cortez, CO 81321. To view information or leave a condolence please visit 
THOMAS, BOBBY &Quot;BOB&Quot; CHARLES Bob was born on June 7, 1934, and passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2014, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Catherine "Cathy" Thomas; children, Karen Shaw and her husband, Carl and Denise Thomas; grandchildren, Jason Shaw (Kellie) and Staci Blanc (Aaron); great-grandson, Jacob Shaw; his sister, Mary Johnson, Winchester, TN; sister, Phyllis Mercer and husband, Tom, Seattle, WA; and brother, Tony Thomas and his wife, Davedda, Albuquerque, NM; sisters-in-law, Reta Thomas and Jean Thomas, both of Albuquerque; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth Thomas, and brothers, George and Dave Thomas, all of Albuquerque. Bob was born in Batesville, Arkansas and moved to Albuquerque in 1948. He attended Albuquerque High School and after serving in the US Army in Germany from 1952-1954, he attended The University of New Mexico. He made a career of working as Manager for New Mexico Tire and Battery. Bob played softball when he was young, was an avid fisherman, and loved TV sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys and the NY Yankees. He took great pride building and maintaining his cabin in Chama, with help from good friends, and spent many fun-filled days snowmobiling and fishing with a very special circle of long-time friends. Bob enjoyed taking long RV trips with his adored grandchildren, showing them the country, and with the Zia Drifters RV Club. In his later years, he found great pleasure in his backyard turtles, especially the yearly hatchlings that he hand-fed until they were strong enough to fend for themselves. Bob loved his family and will be especially missed by his beloved grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 10:00 am at FRENCH - Lomas, with visitation one hour prior at 9:00 am. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Mexico Animal Humane Society, 615 Virginia Street SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108. Please visit our online guestbook for Bob at 
MUELLER, LAVONNE &Quot;SKIP&Quot; Lavonne "Skip" Mueller of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away on July 1, 2014 at home with her husband John at her side. Skip is survived by her husband of 70 years, John W. Mueller and sister Maxine Mueller of Albuquerque. Nephew Gary Mueller and wife Eva with daughters Renee Mueller and Stacy Mueller of Albuquerque. Niece Sandy Blose and husband Rick of Albuquerque with daughters Shawna Brown and husband Cody of Portales, NM and Lindsay Icenogle and husband Peter of Grand Junction, CO. Also are six grand nieces and nephews. Skip was born August 24, 1925 in Independence, IA. After graduation she went to work for Western Union. She and John married April 26, 1944. They tried their hands at farming and Skip worked for her dad's Olds dealership. In 1949 they took off for the wilds of the Alaskan Territory. She worked for the Civil Aeronautics Administration while they homesteaded and also worked for a grocery supply store and Morrison Knudsen Construction. Skip and John decided to head for a warmer climate and ended up in Albuquerque in 1960. They managed Terrace Mobile Home Park on Zuni for four years and then she went to work at Sandia National Laboratories from 1964 to 1970. Skip then followed her husband to Conchas Lake, NM and worked for the Corp of Engineers for 16 years. They loved living on the lake, boating, fishing and hunting. She was a member of Eastern Star and was elected Worthy Matron. Skip retired in 1987 and she and John moved to Rio Rancho, NM. Skip loved crocheting, knitting, and too many crafts to mention. She and John enjoyed 27 years of retirement together. Your family loved you so much and will miss you greatly. A memorial to celebrate Skip's life will be held on July 14, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Daniels Family Funerals, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. To view information or leave a condolence please visit 
MONTANO, JOANNA L. Age 76, a lifelong resident of Bernalillo, NM went home to our Lord Thursday, July 3, 2014 at home surrounded by her family. Joann was born on September 21, 1937. Joann married the late Benito Montano in February 1962 and together they had four sons. She continued to raise her four boys while working two lifelong jobs at the Bernalillo Public Schools and Bargain Food Basket until her retirement. Joann was a lifelong member of the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church where she was also a member of the Spanish choir. She was an instant magnet for great conversation and a loving friendship. She was a very kind soul and had a loving and generous heart. She attended most every event in Bernalillo. She was preceded in death by her husband Benito Montano; parents Joseph and Edna Lovato of Lovato's Drug store; and her sister Dorothy Lovato. Joann is survived by sister Ramona and her husband Dan Perea; sons Patrick and wife Victoria, Raul and friend Mai, Michael and wife Yvonne, Manuel and wife Carla; grandchildren Brianna and husband Giovanni Herrera, Michael Montano, Patrick Bubba Montano, Sophia Montano, Luke Chavez, Nico Montano, Deanna Montano, Bryah Montano, Ethan Montano, Noah Montano, Mia Montano, Jonas Montano, Nathaniel Perea, and Josiah Montano; and one great-grandchild Marcus Montano; and many loving nieces, nephews and family. Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday at 7pm, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bernalillo. Funeral Mass will be Friday at 10am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery.
KALACZIK, LUZ BAZN Luz Bazn Kalaczik, age 93, born in Santa Rosa, NM and a life-long resident of Albuquerque, NM died Sunday, June 29, 2014, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Al, and her daughter Janice, both of Albuquerque. Luz was a 1938 graduate of St. Mary's High School. She married Alexander Kalaczik on January 12, 1942, and after living briefly in Santa Fe, the couple settled in Albuquerque. During her long career, Luz was employed by the office of the US District Attorney, and later by the Bureau of Indian Health and by Sandia National Laboratories. Luz participated in garden, photography and RV clubs. She was active with the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, serving as its national secretary, and was a member of Queen of Heaven parish for more than fifty years. Luz is survived her sister, Rose Marie Crowe of Victoria, Australia, and by fourteen nieces and nephews. Rosary will be recited Friday, July 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming with Deacon Ruben Barela presiding. Mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Heaven Church, 53ll Phoenix Ave. NE, Father William Young, Jr., Celebrant. Friends may visit FRENCH Wyoming on Friday, July 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m., prior to the rosary. Please visit our online guestbook for Luz at 
