Raymond William Hartley

On Saturday, February 13, 2021, Raymond "Ray" William Hartley (Raymond Rosendo Sanchez), beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 76. Raymond entered this world on December 16, 1944 in Belen, NM, born to William Henry Hartley and Josefita Chavez.

Raymond was preceded in death by his father, William, a Ball Turret Gunner in the Army Air Corps who was killed in action during World War II when Raymond was only 2 months old.

Raymond was raised in Belen by his mother, Josefita Chavez, and his loving grandmother, Felicitas Chavez. At the age of 2, Raymond recalled living with his mom in tents and boxcars as they traveled through the fields of California and Florida picking cotton, oranges, carrots, and grapes. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School throughout grade school.

When he was 7 years old, Raymond moved with his mother to Martinez Town in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Even at a very young age Raymond was independent, clever, and resourceful in learning how to overcome obstacles and take care of himself. He would shine shoes of the businessmen and soldiers downtown, recycle bottles, sell newspapers, tires, brooms, and boxes to local businesses for money. He became quite the little salesman.

He met Clarita, the love of his life, in 6th grade while walking through town. He threw pebbles to get her attention and serenaded her with the 1959 classic, "I want to walk you home." He spent three years in Colorado where he attended a vocational school and learned how to fix cars as a Service Station Operator. When he returned to Albuquerque, Raymond started dating Clarita and asked her hand in marriage at the age of 19. They married in 1965 and had three children.

Raymond earned a living as a baker, steal fabricator, and car salesman. He devoted his time to being a great Dad and husband. He was always there providing for his family, fixing cars, working on his garden, playing his guitar, going to the horse races, singing, listening to Spanish music, and playing bingo. He enjoyed golf, coaching little league baseball, and watching sports, especially the New York Yankees.

In his final years, Raymond was fascinated with genealogy and learning about his family history. He often spoke enthusiastically about his newfound Irish and English heritage, especially his newly discovered cousins Micky Mantle and Colonel Thomas Hartley.

Raymond overcame many obstacles and became a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who successfully raised a good family. He was known for his kind ways; he would not hesitate to lend a helping hand when you called or give you the shirt off his back if needed. He went to his eternal reward with a deep faith in God and with gratitude for all the things that God has done for him. He is greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

Raymond was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leandro Chavez and Felicitas Marquez-Chavez of Belen; grandparents, John Edward Hartley and Edith Mae Martin-Hartley of New Jersey; mother, Josephine Chavez-Gutierrez of Belen; father, William Henry Hartley of New Jersey; sister, Mary Anthony Trujillo of Belen; uncle's, Eloy Chavez, Juan and Fila Chavez, Arthur Chavez, and aunt, Matilde Chavez, of Belen; aunt, Ethel Hartley, Edith Noon (Hartley) and uncle John Edward Hartley Jr, of New Jersey; and best friend Joe Gilbert Gonzales, of Albuquerque.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Clarita Sanchez (Hartley); daughter, Genevieve Sandoval and husband Gerald; grandson's, Jerry and Christopher; son, Raymond Sanchez and wife Tina; grandchildren, Destynie, Raymond Jr, and Nathaniel; and great-grandchildren, Haileigh and Xhion; son, Father Steve Hartley; sister, Sandra Hartley Beaumont; first cousin, Greg Noon and wife Denise; dear friend's, Dora Gonzales, Manuel Gonzales and many family members and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. The interment will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102