Obituaries

Steven Tucker Buchanan

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Steven Tucker Buchanan, age 68, a long-time resident of Albuquerque, passed away on the 20th of January, 2022 Steve was born in St. Albans, Vermont to William J. Buchanan, Jr., and Mildred B. Sites Buchanan on the 17th of August, 1953. He was born into a military family and moved frequently, including several different states and the country of Japan.

James Gregory

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James Gregory passed away at home at the age of 69 on February 23, 2022. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on June 20, 1952. He is survived by his wife Elaine Gregory, his daughters Bandi Martinez, her husband Isaac Martinez, His daughter Rebecca and Rhodes, and his son Daniel Gregory and his wife Martha Gregory. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Mary Ellen O'Connor

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Mary Ellen O’Connor of Grants and Placitas, New Mexico, died peacefully on Monday, February 21, 2022. She was born in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, on September 16, 1945, to parents Elizabeth J. and Kenneth D. McCloskey.

Salvador Benavidez

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The Man, The Myth, The Legend Salvador Benavidez was born on April 8, 1947 in Tinaja, NM, to Clara Benavidez, but was adopted as a toddler by Roman and Martina Chavez, when his mother unexpectedly died. He grew up on the Loma, in Grants New Mexico, and was loved by the entire Chavez family.

Donald Troy Ray

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Donald Troy Ray, passed away on February 18, 2022, in Grants, New Mexico. He was born on October 2, 1958, in Arlington, Texas. For sixty-three years Mr. Ray blessed the lives of many. He was formerly employed by US West, Qwest, STS, and USIC. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. He enjoyed making people laugh and spending time with his family and friends. His greatest joy and favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren. Esteemed by many, he will truly be missed and remembered as a wonderful human being. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carrol Lynn Ray of the family home in Grants. Four children: Donald Gene Ray, Candy Sue Gomez, Wendy Dawn Romero, and Billy Bob Ray. Eight grand children: Travis Patterson, Orlando Ray, Richard Gomez, III, Margret Ray, Esperanza Romero, Joseph Romero, Riley Gomez, and Rocky Gomez. His mother; Mary Ann Ray, two aunts; Carlene Morgan, and Ruth Adkins, two sisters; Evelyn Mirabal, and Betty Vaughn; along with many other relatives and friends who loved him. He is preceded in death by his Paternal Grandparents; Doris and Carl Hunt, Maternal Grandparents; Bert and Mary Rodgers; Father, Donald Eugene Ray, Father-in-law and best friend Eugene Ewalt, and Brother-in-law, Edwin Mirabal Sr. Memorial services and Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Grants, NM Saturday March 19th at 10am. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Honorary Pallbearers include Donny Ray, Billy Ray, Edwin Mirabal Jr., Nabor Mirabal, Wayne Mirabal, Derikk Mirabal, Jarred Mirabal, Wyatte Mirabal, James Howe, and Jeff Rose. Cope Memorial of Gallup is entrusted with arrangements.

Thomas E. Habiger

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Thomas E Habiger, 84, of Grants NM passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2022 surrounded by his family. He died unexpectedly but peacefully. Thomas was born on September 18, 1937 in Bushton Kansas to Joseph Bernard and Ella Catherine (Schneweis) Habiger. He was preceded in death by his parents: two brothers, F. Joe Habiger and Eugene A. Habiger. Also his two sisters: Margaret Elaine Neeland Sayler and Mary J. Hill.

Joseph (Joe) Allen Ross

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Joseph (Joe) Allen Ross, 37, of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 29, 2022, he was born to Carol and Joe Ross on April 28th, 1984, in Grants, New Mexico. He was a 2002 Grants High School graduate and was passionate about sports, basketball, and baseball. Joe was well-known in the community for his skills as a basketball player. After graduating high school, he attended CNM. Joe has been in Albuquerque ever since. This loss was completely unexpected leaving family and friends shocked and deeply saddened. He will be truly missed in so many ways.

Cecil Wayne Wade

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In loving memory Cecil Wayne Wade born 1947-2022 Passed away on 1–20 9–2022. Cecil had been staying at good Samaritan's for a little over a month he had complained of chest pains around 10:45 Friday morning and passed away Saturday at 1:10 from a heart attack after his long battle with cancer and heart attacks. He is now at peace and in heaven with Jesus Christ our Lord. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Mary Dora Wade; his stepdaughter: Michel Ramae bulloch, stepdaughter Dawn Marie Spencer; stepson: Ernesto Pedro Sandoval. Also, he was survived by a lot of grandchildren, he also has what is survived by his adopted daughter Tonya position, adopted grandson Rocky Van Colburn, and adopted granddaughter Deborah Rita Ledesma. Cecil had lived in Grants New Mexico for eight years he will never be forgotten and he will forever be loved.

Lorenzo (Lolo) R Martinez

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Lorenzo (Lolo) R Martinez, age 79 passed away on January 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lolo is survived by his wife of 61 years Barbara Martinez and his daughters Lori Kadzikowski and husband Juergen of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lisa Lundstrom and husband Leon of Las Vegas, Nevada; his sons Lawrence Martinez and wife Shelly of Grants, New Mexico; Lance Martinez and life partner Prycilla DuBarry of Miami, Florida. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jared Kadzikowski, Jordan Kadzikowski-Bales; Alan Lundstrom, AJ Lundstrom, Lauren Martinez, Chris Cooper, Rikkidawn Cooper, Dante Martinez, Nia and Lyra Kadzikowski-Bales and Vance and Emmalynn Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents Arcelia and Delfino Martinez and his siblings Lucy Duran, Ernest Martinez, Marge Lucero, and Pat Martinez. He is also survived by his siblings Bella Aragon, Helen Trujillo, and Joe Martinez of Albuquerque; Pete Martinez of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Rose Medina of Elko, Nevada. Lolo was born on February 1, 1942 in Des Moines, New Mexico to parents Delfino and Arcelia. He was the youngest son in a family of ten. His occupations included construction worker, business owner, Deputy state mine inspector, slot tech, and various supervisory roles. But it was being a miner that defined him. With his work ethic and no-nonsense persona, he worked his way to the top of his various fields. He enjoyed spending time with his family while coaching, roping, fishing, and riding his Harley. His family and friends will always remember him as a provider and mentor. And as a friend of the family stated, “A great man will always be missed.” Services to celebrate the life of Lolo will be held at St. Vivian’s Catholic Church in Milan, New Mexico on February 14, 2022. The rosary will begin at 9:30 and a funeral mass at 10 am. Graveside internment will follow at Grants Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception will be held at Knights of Columbus Hall on Sakelares Boulevard. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lolo’s life.