Obituaries

RECENT OBITUARIES

LOCAL OBITUARIES FOR ALBUQUERQUE, NM, BERNALILLO COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS.

Gregory Baker Newgard

Gregory Baker Newgard

Feb 16, 2026

Gregory "Skip" Baker Newgard, born on December 17, 1945, in The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Newgard; his son, Gregory Allan Newgard and stepdaughter Mandy Newgard, and his grandsons, Cameron and Austin Newgard; and his sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Gary Mayne.

Skip served his...

Rachelle Amber Garcia

Rachelle Amber Garcia

Feb 16, 2026

Rachelle Garcia, age 36, a resident of Albuquerque since 1989, died February 16, 2026. She is survived by her spouse, Major Branyan Garcia of Hargill; children, Jameson Garcia and Amelia Garcia; Brother Troy; her father Donald Craig Suggs and her mother Deanna Suggs; nieces, nephews, and friends.

Rachelle was a mother of deep emotion and fierce love. She loved wholeheartedly and...

Michael E Goldmann

Michael E Goldmann

Feb 16, 2026

Michael E Goldmann, 73, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away early Monday, February 16, 2026 with his family at his side.

Mike was the oldest son of Elmer and Bernice (Kirst) Goldmann, born in Fairbanks, Alaska. He spent his childhood years living in Virginia and Germany, as his father was in the United States Army. After his father...

Albert Lee Hurt, Jr.

Albert Lee Hurt, Jr.

Feb 16, 2026

Albert Lee Hurt Jr., 86, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026.

Born into humble beginnings on a rural farm in Colorado, Albert learned early the value of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Those early years shaped the toughness, self-reliance, and determination that defined his life. Through grit and steady resolve, he rose from modest circumstances to become a successful executive...

Analee Nelson

Analee Nelson

Feb 16, 2026

Analee Nelson (Drago) passed away peacefully at the age of 101 years old on the morning of February 16, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Analee was born on August 5, 1924 to Joseph and Lena Drago. She was one of nine children. Her parents taught Analee to work hard, love all people, and to always do whatever you could do...

Betty Smith

Betty Smith

Feb 16, 2026

We are saddened to share that Betty Smith has passed away on February 16, 2026. French Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted once available.

Karen Lee Sitero

Karen Lee Sitero

Feb 15, 2026

Karen Lee Sitero (Ransom) (nee McCartin) passed away on February 15, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Karen passed away due to complications from ongoing cancer treatments. She fought a courageous battle against the devastating cancer diagnosis with her usual strength of character, and stubborn determination. She underwent many rounds of successful cancer treatments making amazing progress in diminishing the cancer, but...

Richard A. Sessa

Richard A. Sessa

Feb 15, 2026

Richard A. Sessa, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born on Friday, September 8, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Richard lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to his family, faith, and community.

A devout Catholic, Richard's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was deeply family-oriented and took immense pride in ensuring the...

Sandra Marie Fairchild

Sandra Marie Fairchild

Feb 15, 2026

Sandra Marie Fairchild passed from this life to her eternal home on February 15, 2026. She leaves behind her husband of 25 years, Jeff Fairchild. Also her sister Peggy Anderson, brother Ron Smith; as well as her step daughter Pamela Robledo, husband Abraham, and their two sons, Elijah and Lucas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson C. Smith...

Hugo "Jay" Hernandez

Hugo "Jay" Hernandez

Feb 15, 2026

Hugo "Jay" Hernandez, born on October 25, 1948, in El Paso, Texas, passed away on February 15, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a dedicated transport specialist for the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, where he served with distinction and commitment.

Jay was survived by: Wife, LouElla Hernandez, his daughter Jacqueline Evans (Brian), and his son Joban Smith. Grandchildren:...

Krissy Dawnn Johnson

Krissy Dawnn Johnson

Feb 15, 2026

Krissy Dawnn Johnson, 45, of Albuquerque, passed on February 15, 2026. She was born on May 16, 1980, in Shiprock, NM.

Krissy was a devoted stay-at-home mom whose world revolved around her children. She loved basketball, volleyball, concerts, and above all else - her KIDS. Her life was a beautiful reflection of selflessness and love. She was giving, courageous, funny, empathetic,...

George Franklin Butts

George Franklin Butts

Feb 15, 2026

Frank Butts, age 76, of Corrales, NM, beloved husband, horseshoer, musician, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor and friend to many, passed away in his own bed in the early hours of February 15th, 2026. Just two weeks after his wife Lynette, he was in hospice, but her death was too much for him to bear.

Frank never met a stranger, he loved...

Rita Medina

Rita Medina

Feb 15, 2026

We are saddened to share that our beloved Rita Medina, 84, passed away on February 15th, 2026. She was at peace in her home, surrounded by loved ones.

Rita was born on October 9th, 1941, in Las Vegas, NM, to Juanita and Ignacio Gutierrez. She spent most of her childhood there and graduated from Las Vegas Robertson HS. Eventually, she...

Karen Jane Knight

Karen Jane Knight

Feb 14, 2026

Karen Jane (O'Connor) Knight, 85, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on February 14, 2026, after an extended illness. She was born September 27, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana, to Russell and Gladys O'Connor.

Karen graduated from North Liberty High School and earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University. After graduation, she moved to Ashland,...

Belen De La O-Sanchez

Belen De La O-Sanchez

Feb 14, 2026

Our momma, Belen De La O-Sanchez, died on February 14, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born in Greeley, Colorado, entering this world with an identical twin named Sofia. Both were inseparable for 83 years when Sofia passed away in March of 2024. Mom was with Sofia at her last breath.

Mom was employed with ARCA, a facility for...

Sally Lynne Cleland

Sally Lynne Cleland

Feb 13, 2026

Sally Lynne Cleland, beloved matriarch, mother, grandmother (great, great) and friend, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on January 19, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa,

Sally lived a full and meaningful life defined by her deep love for her family, her sharp wit, and her generous heart.

While attending Highlands University, she met the love of...

Harry Nash Hodges Jr

Harry Nash Hodges Jr

Feb 12, 2026

Harry Nash Hodges Jr., born on April 11, 1940, in Winchester, VA, passed away on February 12, 2026, in Albuquerque, NM, where he had been a resident for many years. Harry was a beloved father, uncle, and friend, celebrated for his intellect, curiosity, and love for life.A proud veteran, Harry served as a Captain in the United States Air Force,...

Michael T. Chaney

Michael T. Chaney

Feb 12, 2026

Michael Taylor Chaney, a devoted husband, loving father, and dear friend, passed away on February 12, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and warmth, cherished by his beloved wife, Lynn Chaney, and their children, Theresa Matinas and Jonathon Chaney. Michael's life will be celebrated and remembered by his sisters, Kathy Chaney, LeeAnn Bruce, Karen Nothdurft, and Linda Epperson,...

Ervin Louis Ulibarri

Ervin Louis Ulibarri

Feb 12, 2026

Ervin Ulibarri, born October 16, 1938, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of family, integrity, and kindness.Ervin was born and raised in Raton, New Mexico, where he built the foundation of the values that guided him throughout his life. The son of a hardworking coal miner and a local grocery...

Rebecca Leah McKernan

Rebecca Leah McKernan

Feb 12, 2026

Rebecca passed away on February 12, 2026, after a 12-year fight with Parkinsons. She was able to pass surrounded by her family at home.

Rebecca was born in Los Alamos in 1955 to Frank and Emilia Guevara and was the third of six children. Rebecca always loved children and started working at the pediatric clinic in Los Alamos in 1970. She...