Taos County, New Mexico
Obituaries
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If you have obituaries of your ancestors and would like to memorialize them on this page, please send them to: kmitch web at g mail .com Karen Mitchell

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X-Y-Z


Wadley, Richard J.
Richard J. Wadley (Dick) died peacefully at home on January 31, 2007. He was born May 19, 1918, in Hardin, MO, and raised in Fowler, CO. Dick enlisted in the infantry in 1940 and was stationed at Pearl Harbor. He'd been there for two years when the harbor was bombed. He was a proud member of The Pearl Harbor Survivors, remaining active until only recently when his mobility became difficult. Early in WWII, Dick received a battlefield commission at Leyte after contracting malaria while serving with assault troops in Guadalcanal and New Guinea. After Leyte he served in Okinawa and at Kakazu Ridge and was an officer of a heavy-gun platoon with Col. Byron King's "Lost Battalion". He received a Bronze Star for his courage in that battle. Dick was wounded during his service and received a Purple Heart. He returned from the war to Taos, NM, to be near his sister Jessie. There he met his future wife Louise Shupe. They were married only 2 months later. After their daughter Janet was born, the young family moved to Denver, CO, where they started a film distribution company. The clan grew in Colorado as Richard, Jr. (Rick), Patti and Steven arrived. In 1960 they moved to Albuquerque where Dick worked in the chemical supply business. He was kind and caring, especially the many years his elderly in-laws lived next door. Dick was a fantastic cook and a doting grandpa who was always available to his many grandchildren. His cinnamon rolls, spaghetti and holiday dinners were legendary. In November Dick and Louise celebrated their 61st anniversary. Dick was preceded in death by his daughter, Janet Faye Wadley Miller and his sister, Jessie Geist. He is survived by his wife, Louise; brother, Ralph Wadley, of Salt Lake City, UT; son, Richard J. Wadley, Jr. and his wife, Leslie of Albuquerque; daughter, Patti Norris and her husband, Edward of Albuquerque; son, Steven Wadley and his wife, Ellen of Pagosa Springs, CO; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. Memorial Service will be held Monday, February 5, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services at 7601 Wyoming NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Daniels Family Funeral Service 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-821-0010 ABQ Journal Sun February 04, 2007

Wagner, Mary
Mary Wagner of Taos passed away on August 15, 2006. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 24, 1926 to Timko and Theodosia Drabiak. She attended the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1945. She also attended the Actors Studio in New York City under Lee Strasburg. She was in several off off Broadway plays and traveled the US with a professional acting company. She met and married Arthur J. Wagner, a New York Fireman, in 1950 and retired from the stage. When her husband passed away in 1965 she actively pursed a career in art. She attended Traphagan School of Design and spent many years at the Art Students League. She moved to Taos in 1977, made friends and participated in the local art scene. She had a retrospective at the Harwood. She is survived by her children, Kaye Zbonack and Roberta W. Choate, grandchildren, Lynea and Tanya Zbonack, Rede Joseph and Moriah Rose Stanton, Charles Francis and Arthur Bishop Choate. Any inquiries please contact roberta.choate@Verizon.net Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.

Watkins, Michael Smith
January 5, 2007 Michael "Mike" Smith Watkins of Taos passed away on January 04, 2007 after a lengthy illness. Mike was born in Queens, New York on December 12, 1965. He was educated primarily in San Diego and served in the US Army prior to embarking on a career as a long haul truck driver. He owned Watkins West Trucking and drove coast to coast until side lined by diabetes. He won numerous safety awards over his career and was Excel Transportation "Driver of the Year" in 1998. Mike is survived by his wife, Angela Holcomb Watkins of Lower Las Colonias, his parents, Captain, USN Ret. Richard and Deborah Watkins of Lower Las Colonias, his brother, Commander John Watkins, USN of San Diego and four nephews and a niece. Funeral mass was held on January 08, 2007 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and celebrated by Father Larry Brito with interment at Las Cruces Cemetery. He was a gentle giant, who brought joy to all who knew him and endured his health issues without complaint. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311.

Weber, Karen Wichelns
Karen Wichelns Weber, 54, died of colon cancer July 2, 2005 in Pueblo, CO. She faced her illness the way she lived her life - with courage, lack of complaint, optimism, strength, and concern for others before herself. She will be missed by her 18-year old daughter, Megan; her ex-husband, Cayce Weber of Denver, CO; her brother, Ken Wichelns and family Carmen Gloria and Camila of Albuquerque; her sister, Jan Cross and husband Jai of Taos, NM; her sister, Jill Wichlens and family Rich, Laura, and Kathleen Gabriel of Denver, CO; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Maureen Wichelns of Albuquerque. Karen was born and raised in Albuquerque, attending Del Norte High School. She received bachelor's and master's degrees in Communication Disorders from ENMU and UNM. She had a passion for her work as a speech pathologist and dedicated herself to her clients in Albuquerque, Mora, Taos, and Pueblo. A people person, Karen was active in many community concerns, including Girl Scouts and the Broadway Theatre League. Always smiling and forever friendly, she relished traveling with her daughter Megan, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, camping, skiing, and gardening. Above all, Karen loved watching her daughter grow, enjoy life, and achieve numerous scholastic, musical, and athletic successes. A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2005 at the family home in Pueblo, CO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Megan Weber Education Fund, U.S. Bank, 1018 Constitution Road, Pueblo, CO, 81001. ABQ JOURNAL SUN JULY 10, 2005

Wedeler, Sigmund
Sigmund Wedeler of an advanced age of Taos, NM. He is the father in law of Gerson Gusdorf, died at 1:15 PM last monday. He was born in Furth, Bavaria, Europe 18 March 1836. He had been a merchant in Mora and Santa Fe,NM. La Revista De Taos newspaper. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

West, Gardner David
Gardner David West Gard was born January 7, 1940 in New York City.  Early in life he was introduced to what would become his lifelong passion – skiing – when his parents drove him and his younger brother, Soren, to ski resorts throughout New England.  Gard grew up in Connecticut and Massachusetts He joined the Air Force in 1957 and was a quick learner of computer skills as part of SAGE Air Defense.  In 1962, he married Glenna Quimby and they had two daughters, Hollie and Kelly.  In 1990 he relocated to the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, where his quick wit, gentle sense of humor, absolute integrity, and consistent friendliness made him a prized member of the communities. In 1995, Gard met and married his wife, Maureen Mason, an educator from Round Valley Schools. They enjoyed a wonderful and loving 15 years together. Gard passed away peacefully at home early in the morning of March 27th in the middle of a raging winter snowstorm. He is survived by his wife Maureen, daughter Hollie, brother Soren, nephews and nieces Soren, Christopher, Emily, Nathan and Marian, and families. A memorial service for Gard will be held at 2 pm, Sunday April 5 at the Alpine Community Center in Alpine, AZ.  In lieu of flowers and to ensure Gard's passion lives on, please consider a donation for a yearly ski trip for Alpine children. Your  (tax credit for Arizonans, tax deductions for others) can be mailed annually to the Alpine Ski GDW Club in care of Mike Cox, P.O. Box 170; Alpine, AZ 85920.

Westman, Lucille M.
Lucille M. Westman, age 90, a resident of Chimayo passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2007 with her family at her side. She was a loving wife for 67 years, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved to ski, dance, and enjoy life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Westman; parents, Alphonse and Frederica Cote; 13 brothers and sisters. Lucille is survived by her daughters, Ginny Griffin and husband, Richard, Kathy McAllister and husband, Bob all of Denver, and Laura Abrums and husband, John of Chimayo; grandchildren, Chelly Griffin, Niki Vox and husband, Brian of Denver, Dana Hughes and husband, Roy of Chimayo, Gabriel and wife, Alicia, Ely Abrums all of Taos; Rachel Abrums of Chimayo, Tom and Rob McAllister of Denver; great-grandchildren, David and Justin Griffin of Denver, Cole and Lilah Hughes of Chimayo, Stacey and Cayley McAllister of Denver, and Dylan and Sofia Abrums of Taos; many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 9, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church, in Chimayo. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Chimayo Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 972, Chimayo, NM 87522. The family of Lucille M. Westman has entrusted her funeral arrangements to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley, 505-747-7477   ABQ Journal Thu February 08, 2007

Westman, Walter William
Walter William Westman, 86, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 2, 2005 with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Theresa Westman. He was a WWII Veteran, fisherman, skier, and a dancer. He was a loving husband for 67 years, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Lucille M. Westman of Albuquerque; daughters, Ginny Griffin and husband, Richard, Kathy McAllister and husband, Bob, all of Colorado and Laura Abrums and husband, John of Chimayo; grandchildren, Chelly Griffin of Denver, Niki Vox and husband, Brian of Colorado, Dana Hughes and husband, Roy of Chimayo, Gabriel Abrums and wife, Alicia of Taos, Ely Abrums of Taos, Rachel Abrums of Chimayo, Tom and Rob McAllister, both of Denver; great-grandchildren, David and Justin Griffin of Denver, Cole Hughes of Chimayo, and Stacy McAllister of Denver; and numerous other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 6, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo. Burial to follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Gabriel and Ely Abrums, Tom and Rob McAllister, David and Justin Griffin, and Roy Hughes. Honorary pallbearers named are, Bob McAllister, Richard Griffin, John Abrums, and Cole Hughes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Los Rios Hospice at 835 Spruce Street, Espanola, NM 87532. The family of Walter William Westman has entrusted his funeral arrangements to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 or 1-877-747-3600  ABQ Journal Thu May 05, 2005

White, T.B.
T.B. White, age 97, passed away in Bradenton, Florida on September 3, 1998. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Doris and Robert Cope of Brandenton; one grandson, Don Combs of Albuquerque; one granddaughter, Linda Ferraro of Grants, NM; and three great-granddaughters, Leslie and Erin Combs of Albuquerque and Cristina Ferraro of Grants. Mr. White retired from the NM State Highway Department as Chief Highway Engineer in 1966, where he had worked for 40 years. During his career, he worked on the first oiled road in New Mexico and as Chief Highway Engineer during the construction of the Rio Grande Gorge bridge near Taos, and the construction of the interstate and the"Big-I" in Albuquerque. No services will be scheduled. ABQ Journal September 05, 1998

Williams, Frances W.
Frances W. Williams, 84 of Red River, passed away November 25, 2006 in Red River, NM.   She was born to George and Ruthie Bond, January 13, 1922 in Frisco, TX. She was a member of the Red River Historical Society and Red River Community House. She and late husband Donald L. Williams were the owners of the Williams Trading Post in Red River. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Dexter Walthall and second husband Donald L. Williams, She is survived by two brothers; Bobby Bond of Tyler, TX, Jerry Bond (Linda) of Venus, TX, two sisters; Anna Croy of Sanger, TX, Wanda (Buster) McDaniel of Alba, TX, and numerous nephews and nieces.  A Viewing was held at Weylen's Funeral Home in Questa, NM on Tuesday November 28, 2006 from 4:00PM to 7:00 PM. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday November 29, at 10:30 AM at the Red River Community House, Red River, NM. Burial followed at the Red River Cemetery. Arrangements were made with Weylen's Funeral Home in Questa, NM.

Williams, Katherine Foote
Williams, Katherine Foote; 78; Taos, formerly of Marbella, Spain; died August 10, 1998; Albuquerque Journal North, Thursday, August 13, 1998, page 2

Williamson, Peggy
Peggy Williamson died on March 3, 2002 in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a long illness. Ms. Williamson was co-owner of the Casa Cordova Restaurant in Arroyo Seco, NM for many years. She was co-owner of "The Market", an arts and crafts shop on Kit Carson Road in Taos, NM. Ms. Williamson is survived by two sisters, a nephew and nieces. No services are planned. ABQJournal March 06, 2002

Wilson, Darline D.
Darline D. Wilson, 81, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on January 21, 2006. Mrs. Wilson is survived by her husband, Robert E. Wilson, whom she married on August 27, 1944; three sons, Brad Wilson and wife, Kathy, of Glendale, AZ, Mark Wilson and wife, Phyllis, of Taos, NM, and Jeff Wilson of Glendale, CA; and six grandchildren. She was the original director of St. Mark's in the Valley Day School, Inc. from October 1976 until January 1986. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2006 at St. Mark's on the Mesa, 431 Richmond Place NE, Albuquerque. Sunrise Funeral Options 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010 ABQ Journal January 24, 2006

Wilson, Dawn
Dawn Wilson, 46, of Taos passed away on January 29, 2007. She is survived by her mother, Gladys Wilson, sisters and brother, Meagan, Kelly, Jennifer, Lori and Kerry all of Canada and other relatives. Memorial gathering was held on February 01, 2007.

Wilson, H.J.
H. J. Wilson age 85 of Canon de Fernandez died saturday. He owned and ran a stable and took care of horses in his ranch. It is belived that Friday night he climbed "un Tapeste" to feed the horses, he fell and was unable to get up he laid on the cold ground until he was found next day (saturday). He died later that day. La Revista De Taos newspaper. Contributed by Alberto Vidaurre.

Winslow, Kenelm Crawford
Kenelm Crawford Winslow LTC, USAFR (RT), 81, died April 30 of pancreatic cancer. Born in Albany, NY January 24, 1921, he grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned multiple degrees, attending Baltimore City College 1938, Bowling Green State University 1941, NYU 1942 and Michigan Tech 1948. During WWII he served in the Mighty Eighth as a meteorologist in England, France and Kwajalein. A man of immense curiosity, he continued his education throughout his life. Afffiliations include Tau Beta Pi, Kappa Mu Epsilon, ROA, T-ROA, AIME/SME, NRA. He and his family moved to Taos in 1964 where he worked first for MolyCorp and then as an independent land surveyor and engineer. He is survived by Bette K. Winslow, wife of 54 years; children, Katherine Winslow Pond (Ashley), Jeanette Hodgson (Dean), Kenelm K. Winslow (Jane), Elizabeth Winslow Fruits (Tim), and Prisca Winslow Bradley (Charlie); grandchildren, Ashley Evan Pond (Julie), Adrienne Pond, Giselle Poole (Leith), Jessica Hodgson, and Winslow Fruits; siblings, Armour C. Winslow, Anne Wright (Robert), and Louise Windisch (Charlie); nephews, nieces and their children. Funeral Service was held on May 3, 2002 at First Presbyterian Church. Military Burial was held at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please give in his name to cancer research, Mountain Home Health Care Hospice Program or your favorite charity. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home, Taos. ABQ Journal May 05, 2002

Wyant, Doyle M.
Albuquerque, N.M. - Doyle M. Wyant, 67, formerly of Monroe City, died of heart failure at 4:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque, N.M. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. March 30 at the Hamline Chapel Church. Interment will be at the Hamline Chapel Cemetery, Monroe City. Visitation will be at the Harris Funeral Home, Monroe City, March 29 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and March 30 from 9:30 a.m. until services at the Hamline Chapel. He was born in Monroe City, on Aug. 23, 1931, to Walbert and Bertie (Miller) Wyant. He married Jenny Petit and she survives. Wyant was a retired teacher and administrator under the Department of Defense. He graduated from Monroe City High School and Oakland City University. Also, he was an Army veteran serving in the Korean war. Also surviving are: two daughters, Rhonda Miles and Sue Ann Stevens, Rio Rancho, N.M.; four brothers, Denny Wyant, Washington; Richard Wyant, Vincennes; Duane Wyant, Pueblo, Colo. and Dwight Wyant, Murray, Ky.; a sister, Diane Van Lue, Danville and six grandchildren. (March 23, 1999)

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