MILAN, N.M. — Village Trustee Roseanne Lopez, a longtime Milan resident who served her community as both a village employee and elected official, died Saturday, Sept. 12, following a lengthy illness.
The Village of Milan remembered Lopez as a dedicated public servant, a friend to many and someone who cared deeply about the people she served.
“Her commitment to Milan and its residents will be remembered, and her presence on the Village Council and throughout our community will be deeply missed,” the village said in announcing her death.
Born in Pecos, Lopez made Milan her home for more than four decades. A village biography published in 2023 said she had lived in the community for 43 years.
Lopez previously worked for the village and was elected trustee in 2020. According to the biography, her familiarity with Milan’s daily operations led her to seek office in hopes of making a difference throughout the community. Voters reelected her in 2023.
Milan Police Chief Carl Ustupski described Lopez as an inspiration and a fighter who supported both the village and its police department.
“She did so much for the Village of Milan and for the Milan Police Department, and set a great example on how to be a leader,” Ustupski said. “She always greeted me with such a positive attitude when we spoke, and I cherish the moments we got to chat with one another.”
During her service, Lopez expressed pride in improvements to Milan’s parks, completion of the first phase of Airport Road, rehabilitation of the fire station and purchases of equipment and vehicles.
She also advocated for improvements to wells, water lines and sewer lines, along with infrastructure that could support additional housing and economic growth.
Lopez was a cancer survivor who overcame the disease multiple times. Her strength and commitment to others inspired her children to become involved in public service. Her daughter Monica Rose serves as a member of the Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce.
Lopez’s family includes her husband Jerry Lopez; daughters: Jenine and Monica Rose; and four grandchildren.
The Cibola Citizen extends its condolences to Lopez’s family and to the community she faithfully served.
Information about memorial services and arrangements will be shared when it becomes available.