Obituaries

RECENT OBITUARIES

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

Chester French

Chester French

September 27, 1966

In 1904, Chester T. French moved to Albuquerque from East Tennessee. He brought his brother to the dry climate because he had tuberculosis. His brother died shortly after his move, but Chester French fell in love with Albuquerque and decided to make it his home. In 1907, he founded French Mortuary because he had a strong desire to be in...

Excelso Aragon

Excelso Aragon

March 21, 2009

Excelso Aragon, 86, a resident of Albuquerque, formerly of Valencia, NM, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2009. 

Mr. Aragon was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Esac and Raquel Aragon; brother, Isidro Aragon; sister, Mary Castillo brother-in-law, Jimmie Castillo. 

He is survived by his children, Vicky Reyes and son-in-law Martin, Gilbert Jose Aragon and daughter-in-law, Denise, John Anthony Aragon, Mauricia Susan...

Angelina Burwinkle

Angelina Burwinkle

October 22, 2026

We are saddened to share that Angelina Burwinkle passed away on October 22, 2026. French Funerals and Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted once available.

Barbara Diane Schmitt

Barbara Diane Schmitt

October 21, 2026

After quietly facing dementia for the last few years, Barbara Schmitt passed away on October 21st, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Heinz Schmitt, and her son, Karl Schmitt. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Glenn, and granddaughter, Darby Glenn.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Barbara spent most of her life in Albuquerque, NM, where she met...

Ronald Fred Mershon

Ronald Fred Mershon

October 20, 2026

Ron Mershon, 84, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. He entered this world on Monday, August 31, 1942, in Hermosa Beach, CA, born to Erin and Fred Mershon.

Ron was married to Judy in August 1962 in Clovis, NM. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife in...

Helen Carol Probasco

Helen Carol Probasco

October 19, 2026

Helen Probasco, 77, loving wife and dedicated mother, passed away October 19, 2026. Helen was known for her creative spirit and artistic expressions. Helen enjoyed working in multimedia arts such as stained glass, beading, creating jewelry, silversmithing, painting and writing. She is survived by her husband, Roger Probasco, children Eric Fortin, Trisha Spears, Jon Probasco and Chris Fortin, and her...

Jasmine "Jazzy" Lilly Fresquez

Jasmine "Jazzy" Lilly Fresquez

October 19, 2026

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our precious daughter, Jasmine Lilly Fresquez, lovingly known as "Jazzy."Through her time on earth was far too short, Jazzy's life left an everlasting mark on everyone who loved her. Born with Trisomy 13, she faced extraordinary challenges throughout her journey, inspiring courage, faith, and hope in those around her. Her life reminded...

Lucas Mateo Diaz

Lucas Mateo Diaz

October 19, 2026

Lucas Mateo Diaz, 16, of Albuquerque, NM passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the University of New Mexico Hospital. He was born on September 13, 2010, to Emily and Abiel Diaz. He attended Cien Aguas International School from kindergarten through eighth grade and enrolled at Albuquerque High School just as he was diagnosed with cancer. Lucas was passionate...

Jimmy "Jim" Hubert Haire

Jimmy "Jim" Hubert Haire

October 19, 2026

Jimmy Hubert Haire was born on July 3, 1942, in Idaho Falls, ID to Jay and Ella Haire and left this life on October 19,2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was raised in Idaho Falls, ID and attended Bonneville High School and was a graduate of Idaho State College.

Jim married Betty Lou Harmon, in May, 1970, (now deceased) and is survived...

Delois Bailey

Delois Bailey

October 19, 2026

We are saddened to share that Delois Bailey passed away on October 19, 2026. French Funerals and Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted once available.

Michael Canant

Michael Canant

October 19, 2026

We are saddened to share that Michael Canant passed away on October 19, 2026. French Funerals and Cremations is honored to serve the family during this time. A full obituary will be posted once available.

Marie Annette Ortega

Marie Annette Ortega

October 18, 2026

Marie Annette Ortega, 62, of Los Lunas, New Mexico passed away on Sunday, October 18th, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her battle, Marie displayed incredible courage and unwavering hope, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply.

On April 19th, 1964, she was born to Albert and Gloria Jackson in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Marie is survived by her devoted...

Donna Mae Muenster

Donna Mae Muenster

October 18, 2026

Donna Mae Muenster, was called home to heaven on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with her beloved husband by her side. Donna was born on Friday, June 24, 1938, in Sidney, Nebraska and died at the age of 88 in her Albuquerque home.

Donna grew up on the family farm in Sidney, Nebraska graduating high school in Sidney and retaining her Registered...

Barbara Dorothy McClain

Barbara Dorothy McClain

October 18, 2026

Barbara Dorothy McClain

October 17, 1948 - October 18, 2026

Barbara Dorothy McClain, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on October 18, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on October 17, 1948, in Roswell, New Mexico, she was the daughter of the late Pedro and Elsie Amancio.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Paul....

Elmer Ray Hackworth, Jr.

Elmer Ray Hackworth, Jr.

October 16, 2026

Elmer Ray ("Ray") Hackworth, Jr., age 87, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 16, 2026. He was born on October 28, 1938, in Dillon, Arkansas to Elmer Ray, Sr. and Oma Anna Hull Hackworth.

In his professional life, he was a banker, primarily in Arkansas. He was an avid supporter of the Jaycee organization for over 50 years...

Ramon Velarde

Ramon Velarde

October 16, 2026

Ramon "Ray" Velarde passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026 in Albuquerque. He was born in Albuquerque on Thursday, November 20, 1930.

Ray served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. After being discharged from the Army, he went to work at Kirtland AFB for the Defense Nuclear Agency and thereafter started a career as an...

Benjamin Edward Duran Sr.

Benjamin Edward Duran Sr.

October 15, 2026

Benjamin E. Duran Sr., who was nearly 93 years old, lived a long and fulfilling life centered on family, hard work, and the simple joys that made life special.

Benjamin proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, he worked for the Department of Energy for 32 years. He later served as a school crossing guard...

Steven Michael Nuanez

Steven Michael Nuanez

October 15, 2026

With heavy hearts the family of Steven (Stevie) Michael Nuanez announce his passing on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the age of 66.He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eva Nuanez. He is survived by his siblings, Elaine Armijo (Manuel), Sandra Maes, Liz Mulligan, and Anthony Nuanez (Lee Ann). He is also survived by one niece and...

Ruth Louise Brito

Ruth Louise Brito

October 15, 2026

Our Mother, Ruth Louise Brito took her last breath on October 15, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was blessed with a long life that she devoted to the care of others through nursing, parenting, and her devotion to her family and friends.

She enjoyed a successful career as a Registered Nurse, beginning at Hotel Dieu Hospital in El Paso, Texas,...

Josephine "Josey" Ann Espinoza

Josephine "Josey" Ann Espinoza

October 15, 2026

Josephine Ann Espinoza, known as Josey to close friends and family, was born in Albuquerque, NM on January 21, 1999. She grew up in Placitas, then moved with her mom to Florida for a few years before returning to New Mexico. Josey put herself through college at ASU while working at Starbucks, receiving a bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology. She returned...