Taos County Obituaries 1968 Page Two
Compiled by Alberto Vidaurre
August 5, 2010
Return to Main Page
Following is part 2, continuation of the 1968 obituaries listed in the news
paper, The Taos News.
51- Eddie Arnold Lopez One year old, of Rio Lucio, NM who died Aril 28, 1968 at
the Embudo Presbyterian Hospital, Embudo, NM. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Elizardo Lopez. He is survived by his parents, Brothers Michael, Larry, Antonio,
Clyde, Randy, Ricky and Leon Lopez; Sisters Rose Marie, Lorraine, Diana and
Gloria Lopez. May 9, 1968 B 4.
51- Tommy Simbola Age 19 of Rio Lucio, NM. Died in Salt Lake City, Utah May
12, 1968. He is survived by his mother Mrs. Ofelia Simbola; Brothers James and
Rudy Simbola; Sister Irene Tohsoni; Grand Mother Pilar Martinez. Aunts Amelia
Maestas, Mary Romero and Cora Salas. May 23, 1968 A 5.
52- John Collier 84 Died last week at Holy Cross Hospital Taos, NM (no date
listed). Service were May 18, 1968 at the 1st Presbyterian Church Taos, NM. He is
survived by Grace Volk Collier; Sons Charles Wood Collier, Donald Collier and
John Collier Jr. May 16, 1968 1 and 2.
53- Emilio Le Doux Age 79, native of Taos, NM resident of Wagon Mound, NM. Died
at home May 6, 1968. He is survived by his wife Celina F. Le Doux; Son Phillip Le
Doux; Daughters Mrs. Luz L. Cruz, Mrs. Josephine L. Martinez, Mrs. Virginia
Sisneros; Brothers Pablo and Dick Le Doux. May 23, 1968 B 4.
54- Desideria R. de Lovato Age 77, of Ranchos de Taos, NM Died May 21, 1968 at
her residence. She is survived by her husband (not named in obit); Sons Amarante
Lovato and Lorenzo Lovato; Daughters Pita Lovato and Bonnie Lovato; Brother
Abenicio Romero. May 30, 1968 B 6.
55- Mrs. Latiff K. Sahd Age 77 resident of Taos, NM. Died at St. Joseph Hospital
in Albuquerque, NM (no date mentioned) Born in Roumie, Lebanon Oct 4, 1895. She
is survived by her sons S. Pete Sahd, Latouf Sahd, George and Albert Sahd;
Daughters Rosa Higgins, Agnes Mackron, and Bertha Sahd. June 6, 1968 A 7.
56- Louisa M. Garcia Age 81 resident of Ranchos de Taos, NM. Died in a Las
Vegas, NM. Hospital May 3, 1968. She is survived by her sons Teodoro Salazar and
Willie Mondragon; Daughter Susana Trujillo; Brothers Jimmy and Joe Mondragon;
Sister Mrs. Levi Salazar. June 6, 1868 A 8.
57- Andres Esquipula Martinez Age 3 Years old of Chamisal, NM. died at home June
4, 1968. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alferino Martinez. Survived by his
parents, Brother Filemon Martinez; Sister Christian Martinez; Grand Parents Mr.
and Mrs.
Adolfo Romero and Mrs. Felonice Martinez. June 13, 1968 6.
58- Daniel S. Sanchez Age 46 of Cerro. NM. Died June 1, 1968 in a Denver, Colo
Hospital. He is survived by his wife Amada Sanchez; Daughter Novella Sanchez;
Brothers Ben, Moises, Lucas, Johnny, Antonio, Anastacio and Felipe Sanchez;
Sisters Mrs. Joe Arellano, Mrs. Evaristo Garcia and Mrs. Lee Espinosa. June 13,
1968 10,
59- Felix E. Valdez Age 86 Native of Rayado, NM and resident of Taos, NM. Died
June 9, 1968 while at Holy Cross Hospital Taos, NM. Son of the deceased Manuel
Valdez and Carmelita Martinez, Husband of his deceased Wife Margaret Gallegos,
Surviving him are 2 sons and 3 daughters. (not named).
60- Felecitas R. Joseph Age 84. Resident of Rio Lucio/Penasco, NM. Died June
16, 1968 at the Espanola, NM Hospital. She is survived by her son Felix Joseph;
Sister Erlinda Vigil; Grand Children Julia Fernandez and Viola Gurule. June 27,
1968 A 3 and B 4.
61- Henry H. Sandoval Age 54 Resident of La Placita de Canon, NM. Died at home
June 15, 1968. He is survived by his wife Julia Sandoval; Sons Richard, Henry Jr,
Gary, and Gilbert Sandoval; Daughter Mrs. Bob Ackerman, Mrs. Sam Sthoul, Mrs.
Juan Martinez and Rosalie Sandoval. June 27, 1968 B 4.
62- Jose Leonides Romero Age 80 of Raton, NM, Taos, NM Native Died June 22, 1968.
Surviving him is his wife Cenaida Gomez; Son Fidel, Jose L. Jr, Margarito and
Eliseo Romero' Daughters Margarita R. Ortiz, Manuelita Vigil, Elena R. Armigo,
Annie R. Trujillo and Josephine Aranda; Brothers Amadeo, Eduardo, Benjamin,
Rugelio and Jose Romero. June 27, 1968 8 and B 4.
63- Sammy Gallegos Age 15, Resident of Costilla, NM. Died in a motor vehicle
accident Oct 16, 1967.
64- Eduardo J. Mondragon Age 64. Native of Taos. NM. Was employed by The White
Acorn Sheep Co. Rock Springs, Wyo. Was found dead at his place of employment May
20, 1968. Surviving him is his Father Manuel V. Mondragon; Wife Juanita
Mondragon; Sons Dan and Gus Mondragon; Daughter Mrs, Olmedo (Flora) Mondragon,
Mrs. Adolfo (Alice) Candelario; Brothers Robert, Frank and Levi Mondragon.
Sister Mrs. Abram (Petra) Ortega. June 27, 1968 B 4.
65- Belarmino Pacheco Age 67 resident of Arroyo Seco, NM. Died June 19, 1968. He
is survived by his wife Hilaria Pacheco; Sons Antonio, Belarmino Jr. , and
Reynaldo Pacheco; Daughters Mrs. Ruben Roybal, Mrs. Moises Lacome, Mrs. Edward
Felix and Bernadette Pacheco. July 4, 1968 A 3.
66- Phylis Vigil Age 11 Months of Arroyo Hondo, NM. Died June 21, 1968. Child of
Mr. and Mrs. Phil Vigil. Surving are the parents Mr. and Mrs. Phil Vigil and brother
Daren Vigil. July 4, 1965 A 8.
67- Robert Anthony Vigil Age 21 of Ranchos de Taos, NM. Died at St. Vincent
Hospital Santa Fe, NM. June 20, 1968. He is survived by his wife Linda H. Vigil;
Grandparents Carlos Olonia, Joe P. and Ella Vigil; Brother Charlie and Felibert
Vigil. Sister Mildred Vigil. July 4, 1968 B 2.
68- Rebecca Salsbury James Born London, England Dec 21, 1891. Died at her home
on Bent St. Taos, NM. July 8, 1968. She was the daughter of Nate Salsbury,
Producer of the Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows. Married 1st- Paul Strand, noted
photographer, 2nd- William H. James. Survivors include a twin sister Mrs. H. W.
Schloss; Nieces Karen Scholoss and Barbara Fisher; Nephews William H. Schloss
Jr. and Nate Salsbury. July 11, 1968 1.
69- Herbert P. Cann Age 69 Born in St. Louis, Mo, resident of Taos, NM Died in
Albuquerque, NM. July 2, 1968. Survivors include his Wife Frances Cann; Brother
Wilson Cann and a sister Mrs. Edith Bassett.
70- Leone Kahl former Taos, NM resident died in Dallas, Texas June 23, 1968. She
was the first director of the Stables Galley of The Taos Art Association. July
11, 1968 8.
71- Debra (Debbie) Gonzales Age 11 years old. Resident of Taos, NM. Died June
28, 1968 in an Albuquerque NM Hospital. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur
Gonzales who survive her and a brother Michael Gonzales; sisters Elena and
Feliciana Gonzales; Grandmother Mrs. Rosaura T. Gonzales and Mrs. Eutimia
Fresquez. July 11, 1968 11 and 12.
72- Prudencia Dockweiler Age 78 of Penasco, NM. Died En el hospital
Presbiteriano del Embudo, NM. June 28 1968. She is survived by sons J. C.
Dockweiler and Jose Antonio Dockweiler; Daughter Mrs. Louisa Griego, Mrs.
Alberto Miera; Sisters Mrs. Candelaria Trakitt and Mrs. Fidel Vasquez; Brothers
Eutimio Duran, Porfirio Duran and Rafael Vigil. July 11, 1968 11 and 12.
73- Jose Arturo Peralta Age 53, resident of La Loma de Taos, NM. Died July
3, 1968 at home. He was the son of the deceased Malaquias Martinez y
Peralta. Surving him are his daughters Rose Alarcon and Louise D. Wreath; Son
Tomas Lee Peralta. 2 brothers and 1 sister not named in the obit. July 11, 1968
11.
74- Juan D. Baca Age 50, resident of Arroyo Seco, NM. Died in Albuquerque June
23, 1968. Surviving him is his wife Estrella Baca; Daughter Mrs. Tony Martinez,
Mrs. Phil Vigil, Tonita, Feliciana and Rose Baca; Sons Nick, Johnny, Agapito and
Luis Baca. July 11, 1968 11 and July 18, 1968 A 5.
75- Floyd Santistevan Age 75, resident of Taos, NM. He was a former Teacher and
Taos County Schools Superindent and State Senator. He is survived by his wife
Daphne Santistevan; Sons Roberto, Jimmy and Fred Santistevan; Daughters Mrs.
Lorraine Slocum, Mrs. Jack (Helen) Anderson, Mrs. John (Bella) Wheeler, Mrs. Pat
(Anna) Riggieri, Mrs. Robert (Amanda) Sena and Mrs. Ted (Anita) Schinler. July
18, 1968 1.
76- Hilario Reyna Age 71, Resident of Taos Pueblo, NM. Died in Santa Fe, NM.
July 12, 1968. He is survived by his wife Crucita Mondragon de Reyna; Daughter
Mrs. Lorrain Montoya, Juanita R. Gomez; Sons Jerry Mondragon, Tony Delfino, Mike
and Rafael Reyna and John Ranier. July 18, 1968 B 2.
77- Alfirio A. Mondragon Age 49, Resident of Llano Quemado, NM. Died in
Canjillion (Rio Arriba County) NM. July 4, 1968 when he was struck by lightning
"Victima de una Centella. " He is survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Jose Maria
Mondragon; Daughter Ancelma Mondragon; Brother Pacomio Mondragon; Sisters Mrs.
Ursula Quintana and Mrs. Eliza Trujillo. July 18, 1968 B 2.
78- Emilia Ortiz Varos Age 57, Resident of Canon de Taos, NM. Died at Holy Cross
Hospital Taos, NM July 16, 1968. Daughter of Pablita and Luis Ortiz. She is
survived by her husband Albert Varos; Daughter Mrs. Joe Gallegos; Sister Isabel
Ortiz and brother Joe C. Ortiz. July 25, 1968 A 2.
79- Terry A. Smith Age 11 years old, of Chicago, Ill. Son of Paul W. Smith and
his wife Emilia Duran Smith. Died in St. Vincent Hospital Santa Fe, NM July
25, 1968. Terry Smith and parents were visiting his maternal grandparents Mr. and
Mrs. Nabor Duran of Arroyo Seco, NM. Surviving him includes his parents,
Grandparents and Brothers Robert, Shanon, and Paul Smith; Sisters Charlotte and
Debbie Smith. Aug 1, 1968 7 and Aug 15, 1968 A 3.
80- Ester Jo-Ann Sanchez Age 2-1/2 (two and a half) years old. Child of Mr. and
Mrs. Willie Sanchez of Amalia, NM. Died July 15, 1968. She is survived by her
parents; Brothers Billy, Emilio, Manuel and David Sanchez; Sisters Teresa, Betty
and Geraldine Sanchez; Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Epimenio Archuleta. July 25, 1968
A 2
81- Benjamin Albert Lowe Age 52 of Taos Died July 17, 1968 in Denver, Colo. He is
survived by his wife Ernestine Lowe; Sons Ben Jr. , and James C. Lowe; Daughter
Christine Lowe; Brother Larkin Lowe and sister Mrs. Joe Sanchez. July 25, 1968 A
6.
82- Maria Ana Rivera Age 74 of Costilla, NM. Died Aug 1, 1968 in La Jara, Colo.
She is Survived by her husband Daniel Rivera Sr. ; Sons Dan Jr. , Frank, Joe,
Corie, and Salvador Rivera; Daughters Clorinda Garcia, Orvila Cordova, Juanita
Leyba, Criselda Archuleta and Tilla Terry; Brother Joe C. Barela; Sisters Helen
Sanchez and Mary Castro. Aug 8, 1968 2.
83- Arturo F. Suazo Age 33 of Taos, NM. Died July 23, 1968 at the Embudo
Presbyterian Hospital Embudo, NM. Surviving him are his parents Mr. and Mrs. Max
Suazo; Son Adolfo Suazo; Brother Pat, Max Jr. and Charles Suazo. Sisters Tila
Chavez, Hannah and Leonor Suazo. Aug 8, 1968 10.
84- Louise Lobato Age 59 died in Oakland, Calif. Survivors include her husband
John Lobato Sr. ;Sons John Jr, Albert, Andrew and Alfred Lobato; Daughters
Henrietta Lobato and Mrs. Mary Mast; Sister Mrs. Benita Peralta; Brothers Adolph
Guttman, Luis Guttman and nephews Simon and Orlando Peralta.
85- Jose Maurilio Martinez Age 70 of Taos, NM. Died July 29, 1968. The son of
Emilio Martinez and Fidelia Vargas. Surviving him his wife Alicia Elena Martinez;
Daughters Mrs. Robert Sandoval, Mrs. Joe Mondragon, Mrs. Alfred Kallenbach, Mrs.
Jake Mossman, Mrs. Anita Martinez, Mrs. Julia Teddye, Sylvia and Patsy Martinez;
Sons Gonzalo E, Maurillo Jr, and Leonides Martinez. Aug 8, 1968 and Aug
15, 1968 A 6.
86- Troy Emmett Denton Age 58 of Taos, NM. Died Aug 10, 1968 at St. Joseph
Hospital Albuq. NM. Survivors include his wife Zella Burch Denton; Sons Clyde and
Jack Denton; Sisters Mrs. Charles Golden, Mrs. Spencer Bailey and Mrs. Owen
Rose. Aug 15, 1968 A 2.
87- Gloria Mondragon Age 9 Years old of Taos Died July 13, 1968 in surgery at
St. Joseph Hospital Albuq, NM. After being struck on the right side of the head
with a rock. She is survived by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Joe P. Mondragon; Brothers
Joe Jr. , George and Gabriel Mondragon; Great Aunt Simona Olivas and grandparents
Mrs. Odelia Mondragon and Mr. and Mrs. Maurilio Martinez. July 18, 1968 A 5
and July 25, 1968 A 7.
88- Jose C. Romero Age 89, Resident of Las Trampas, NM. Died Aug 28, 1968 at the
Embudo Presbyterian Hospital Embudo, NM. He is survived by his wife Regina T.
Romero; Sons Alfredo Romero, Floyd Samora, Jose C. Romero Jr. , and Ray Vigil;
Daughters Mrs. Clorinda R. Samora, Mrs. Sally R. Vigil and Mrs. Juanita
Fernandez. Aug 15, 1968 A 2.
89-Elfido Gonzales Age 73, Resident of Questa, NM. Died Aug 8, 1968 in
Albuquerque, NM. He is survived by his wife Ofrecina D. Gonzales; Sons Fred,
Delfino and Jaime Gonzales; Daughter Mrs. Ofelia J. Arellano. Aug 15, 1968
A 2.
90- O. K. Berry Age 84 died Aug 4, 1968 in a Colorado hospital from injuries he
received in a July 19 automobile accident. Memorial services were held in
Manassa, Colo. Berry was associated with J. R. Berry in a meat market in Taos,
NM for 30 years before moving to Colorado. Surviving him is his daughter Mrs.
Charlene Kesler and Stepsons Orlando and Lynn Lopez.
91- Bernardita Gurule Martinez Age 74, Resident of Vadito, NM. Died at the
Embudo Presbyterian Hospital, Embudo, NM. Aug 7, 1968. She is survived by her sons
Adolfo and Noe Martinez; Daughters Mrs. George Barela, Mrs. Estevan Martinez,
Mrs. Miejirilo Martinez, Mrs. Edwardo Martinez and Mrs. Max Martinez; Brothers
Onofre Gurule, Quirino Gurule and Bernabe Gurule; Sisters Mrs. Carlota Medina,
Mrs. Matilde Martinez, Mrs. Mary Miliano and Mrs. Isabel Archuleta. Aug
15, 1968 A 5.
92- Juan Del Carmen Medina Age 79, Resident of Talpa, NM. Died at home August
2, 1968. He was a veteran of world war I. He is survived by his wife Manuelita
Medina; Daughters Mrs. Cordilia Torres, Mrs. Eleuterio M. Coca, Mrs. Ursulita M.
Chavez and Mrs. Beatice Gonzales; Adopted Daughter Mrs. Juan Fernandez; Son Juan
B. Medina. Aug 22, 1968 A 2.
93- Constancia Jacquez Age 81, Resident of Costilla, NM. Died July 29, 1968.
Survived by foster daughter Mrs. Emilio Gonzales. Sister Margarita Sisneros;
Brothers Amarente and Alfirio Jacquez. Aug 15, 1968 A 2.
94- Minnie Witt Dwire Age 85, Resident of Taos, NM Died at the Albuquerque
Presbyterian Hospital Albuq, NM. Aug Aug 22, 1968. She was the daughter of Mr.
and
Mrs. William S. Witt. Her first husband was Henry W. Tarleton and her second
husband was Carroll Dwire who survives her. Also surviving her is a son Tom
Tarleton and a daughter Clara Dawson.
95- Ruth Harper Denver Age 52, Resident of Taos, NM. Died at home Aug 20, 1968.
She is survived by her husband Jack Denver; Mother Mrs. Nettie Wightman and
Brothers George and Edward Harper. Aug 29, 1968 10 and Sept 5, 1968 3.
96- Elsia Gonzales Age 84 Resident of Vadito, NM. Date of death not listed.
Funeral Services held Aug 16, 1968. Survived by a brother Abran Gonzales; sisters
Mrs. Natividad Lopez, Mrs. Sofia Lopez and Mrs. Cidilia Zamora.
97- Jose Procopio Sisneros Age 83, Resident of Ranchos de Taos, NM. Died in
Albuquerque, NM Aug 12, 1968. Survivors are his wife Beatrice Sisneros; Sons Joe
and Paul Sisneros; Daughters Mrs. Edwardo Trujillo, Anita Sisneros; Brothers
Jose E. , Claudio and Pablo Sisneros. Sister Mrs. Simonita Mascarenas. Aug
22, 1968 B 2.
98- Jose Albino Coca Age 57, Resident of Talpa, NM. Died at home Aug 11, 1968.
Surviving him his wife Donelia Coca; Sons Willie, Arturo, Roberto and Ernesto
Coca. Sister Mrs. Oliveras Montoya. Aug 21, 1968 B 2.
99- Eligio Pacheco Age 76, Resident of Chamisal, NM Died Aug 21, 1968 at Holy
Cross Hospital Taos, NM. He is survived by his wife Patricia Pacheco; Son Manuel
Pacheco; Daughters Mrs. Juanita Martinez, Mrs. Emily Abeyta and Miss Maria
Pacheco; Brother Silvanio Pacheco. Aug 29, 1968 2.
100- Mary (Mrs. Sam) Albright Age 71, Resident of Taos, NM and Dallas, Tx. Died
in Dallas, Tx. (no date listed) She and her husband owned the Taos Inn in 1947,
until purchased by the Harold Streets. Survivor include her daughter Mrs. Don
(Jayne) Grantham; Grandchildren Gail and Sam Grantham; Brother Richard Logan.
Aug 29, 1968.
By Alberto Vidaurre
August 12, 2010©