Elias Vigil, age 83, of Grants NM, passed away on August 28th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones with the smell of tortillas and red chile in the air. His final two days were filled with love and laughter.
Elias was born on January 28th, 1943 to Felipita and Elias Vigil Sr in Pecos, NM, where he spent his childhood. In 1966 he went to work as a baker at UNM in Portales where he met the love of his life Mary O. Vigil (Maes). The two married on August 27th, 1966. They then moved to Grants, NM in 1967 where he started working for the Uranium Mines. He worked there for 22 years before enduring an injury which lead to early retirement. After retirement he was a fulltime husband, father, and Tata. Elias was hard-working, he was always there when someone needed him, and he loved his family very much. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and spending time with all his grandchildren.
Elias is survived by his wife of 59 years: Mary Vigil; his son: Israel (partner-Linda); grandchildren: Bret, Eric, Rachael, and Victoria; daughter: Brenda (husband-Matt); grandchildren: Brandon and Amber; daughter: Bridgette (husband-the late Vince Baca); grandchildren: Patricia and Corina; daughter: Theresa (husband-Lawrence); grandchildren: Gerardo and Jocelynn; and daughter: Danielle (husband-Adrian); grandchildren: Christopher, Chrislynn, Christhianna, Eulalia, Teresa, Gema, Jocelyn, Anthony, Alyssa, and Ashton. He also had 16 great grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings Evelyn (husband-Roger); Phil (wife-Velma); David; and Ernie.
Elias is preceded in death by his parents: Felipita and Elias Sr; siblings: Dorothy, Dennis; Eugene; Eulalia (husband-Ray); and Corrine (husband-the late Eloy Varela).
The Vigil family would like to thank the staff of CNS in Grants, NM, especially Shandel, for their kind and sincere care of Elias during his final days. The family is truly appreciative of the professional services, expertise, and compassion provided during that time.