BASHAM – William H. Basham, 89, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born in Afton, Texas on Aug. 7, 1925, to Homer and Zelma Barr Basham. At an early age, Bill and his family moved to California where he graduated from Strathmore High School in Strathmore, California. He attended Fresno State for a couple of years and then joined the U.S. Navy to serve his country from 1943 to 1946. After the war he attended Berkley and received his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1950. While at Berkley he met the love of his life, Patsy Kendall and they were married in 1951. Bill worked in the Insurance industry for several years in California and New Mexico. He started Basham Construction in 1970 and he and Patsy moved to Socorro in 1971. Basham Construction developed the Spanish Hills subdivision, built many homes, and renovated many historical buildings in Socorro including the Garcia Opera House and the old K of P building. Bill, aka “Dollar Bill” as he was affectionately known, enjoyed hunting and fishing in his earlier years, but his true passion was playing golf. Bill had an opportunity to go to Scotland in 2003 with his son Bob to play golf at the old course at St. Andrews. While there Bill beat his age by scoring a 76. Bill was a member of the Socorro Men’s Golf Assoc. and the Masonic Lodge. He was a devoted family man and loved his time with his family. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bill is survived by wife of 63 years, Patsy Basham; son, Bob Basham and wife, Sabina; grandson, Nicholas Basham; sisters, Mable Depew and Nida Robinson. A Celebration of Life was held on Jan. 20, 2015 at Daniels Family Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers donations may be given in Bill’s honor to Camp Enchantment of New Mexico at www.unmfund.org/fund/campenchantment. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Bill’s care has been entrusted to:
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield Street
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530
CHAVEZ – Pat G. Chavez, 81, a resident of Magdalena, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, with his loving family at his side. Pat was a hard worker, having retired from NRAO as an antenna mechanic. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and listening to oldies music. He was also a lifetime member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Pat loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and he will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Chavez; seven brothers, Macedonio, Luis, Cardenio, Alberto, Willie, Seferino and Benito and one sister, Isabelita. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Esther Chavez; children, Roger Chavez and wife, Oralia, Emma Garcia and husband, Andy and Anthony Chavez and wife, K’Lynn; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Karly, Keanda, Keshia, Sandra, Monica and Veronica; eight great-grandchildren, Noah, Isaiah, Jacob, Kathleen, Lea, Kadence, Ella and Eric as well as numerous nieces and nephews. All services will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church on Friday, Jan. 23, beginning with a viewing at 8 a.m., rosary at 8:30 a.m. and funeral mass at 9 a.m., officiated by Father Andy Pavlak. Interment will follow in the Magdalena Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ernesto Sandoval, Ernest Baca, Tony Vigil, Seferino Chavez, Paul Madril and Ramon Gutierrez. Honorary pallbearers will be Victor Chavez, Joe Hernandez, Lolo Madril, Kyle Duggins, Noah Burleson, Isaiah Burleson, Jacob Burleson, Richard Baca, Sibby Candelaria and Herman Peralta. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at www.noblinfuneralservice.com.
GOEHRING – Francis “George” Goehring, 74, of Socorro, passed away early Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. Born Sept. 3, 1940, in Alliance, Ohio, George was the son of the late Betty and Larry Goehring. He was the previous owner of the Goehrings “Jr.” Body Shop. In addition to his many family and friends, George will be sadly missed by his daughters, Sherry (Bob), Bonnie (Mickey), Kelly; his sons Jud (Jeanette), Tab, Scott (Tamara); his grandchildren, Joe, Kelly, Nicole, Ashley, Robert, Chad, Katie and Tyler; great grandchildren Jared and Esteban “Jr.”; his brother Edwin (Bonnie) Goehring; his nieces and nephews; predeceased in death are his brother Larry and sister Vanda. George’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Bodega Burger Co. & Lounge in Socorro Friday, Jan. 23, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
JOHNSTON – John W. Johnston, 94, passed away after a short illness on Jan. 16, 2015. He was born in Jefferson County, Missouri on Oct. 1, 1920, to John W. Johnston and Luretta (Skaggs) Johnston, the sixth out of eight children. John moved to New Mexico in 1995. He served in the Army in World War II in the south pacific in Australia, the Phillipines and New Guinea. After the war he returned to Missouri where he took a job in St. Louis with the transit authority, first operating a trolley and then drove a bus for 36 years. John moved to New Mexico in 1995 after the death of his wife to be with family. He was a patient man with a big smile. He was an avid gardener and bird watcher. He enjoyed traveling and taking pictures along the way. He will be greatly missed by his family. John was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings and their spouses, and his wife of 44 years Mary Brown Johnston. He is survived by his daughters, Karen Johnston of San Antonio, New Mexico; Kim Frazier of Lemitar, New Mexico; grandchildren, Jacob and wife Sarah Frazier of Fairgrove, Missouri, Fred and wife Kristen Frazier of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Bailey Frazier of Socorro, New Mexico; and six great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date.
SANCHEZ – Theodorita “Tita” R. Sanchez, 83, passed away Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico with her family by her side. She was born in La Joya, New Mexico on July 30, 1931, to Miguel and Gertruditas Romero Rivera. Tita grew up in a large family and was a woman of great faith. She loved to bake and do crafts and she enjoyed flowers and plants. She had lots of apricot trees and every year she made apricot pies and jams and always sent her family home with plenty. She married Jose H. Sanchez on June 17, 1946. Tita was very family oriented and loved working with seniors and children. She worked at the Good Samaritan Society for 8 years and then worked for the public schools as a “grandparent” to the kids. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughters, Mary Ann Sowells and Elaine Moore; granddaughter, Sandi Rae Padilla; her sisters, Marianna Rivera, Enedina Cordova and husband, Frank, Desideria Gonzales and husband, Frank, and Maria Costa and husband, Richard; brothers, Daniel Rivera, Benjamin Rivera, Jose A. Rivera, Jose L. Rivera and wife, Cecilia. Tita is survived by her children, Margaret Padilla and husband, Seles, Pete Sanchez and wife, Carol, Josi Holt and husband, Paul, Christy Barbie and husband O’Jay, and Kathleen Pyke and husband, Andy; 23 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; her sister-in-laws, Cindy Rivera, Mary Rivera and Evelyn Rivera. The Holy Rosary will be recited on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at 11 a.m. at San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real, Socorro with the Mass of Resurrection to be celebrated at 11:30 am with Father Andrew Pavlak as Celebrant. Pallbearers will be Peter Sanchez Jr. and Philip Holt. Honorary pallbearers are all of Tita’s grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Tita’s care has been entrusted to::
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield Street
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530
SERNA – Sandra Serna, 51, little angel, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 in Socorro, New Mexico at the age of 51. She was born in Springerville, Arizona on March 20, 1963, to Anastacio and Dora Hill Serna. Sandra grew up in Quemado, New Mexico and at the age of 12 and moved to the facility in Los Lunas, New Mexico where she lived until that facility closed down. She moved to Socorro in 1994 where she was a resident for the past 20 years. She was a home owner who enjoyed her home and her lifelong friend and roommate whom she met in Los Lunas. While at Tresco she had many excellent caregivers that loved and cared for her. Sandra had many opportunities during her time at Tresco to vacation in Las Vegas, Nevada, San Antonio, Texas and Walt Disney World in Florida. She enjoyed music, dancing, Special Olympics, being out in her yard, attending community events, and leisure time at home. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dora Serna; and her brother, Benjamin Serna. Sandra is survived by her father, Anastacio Ruben Serna; sisters, Sarah A. Serna and Marilyn Lyons; her brothers, Clifford R. Serna and Patrick Serna; and her extended Tresco family. Sandra will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A Rosary was recited on Jan. 20, 2015 at Daniels Family Funeral Services – Socorro Chapel. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Sandra’s care has been entrusted to::
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield Street
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530
ZIMMERLY – Albert Zimmerly, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in San Antonito, New Mexico on Dec. 10, 1924 to Estevan and Adelfina (Torres)Zimmerly. Albert was a lifelong resident of Socorro. He was a hardworking man all of his life. He was the owner and operator of Zimmerly Hardware for many years, a very successful rancher, and an active member of the Socorro Community. He served as Socorro County Commissioner in 1966. He enjoyed politics and shared his views often. Albert was a people person and never met a stranger. He loved sharing his stories of when he served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a proud veteran. Albert was very devout in his faith and to the San Miguel Catholic Church. His greatest joy was just simply spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Mary (Aragon) Zimmerly; his son, Albert Zimmerly Jr.; his brothers, Max and Steve; and his sisters, Pauline, Gertrude, Ida, Lupe, and Cecil. Albert is survived by his devoted children, Raymond; Harold and wife, Sylvia; Julie and husband, Rick; Susan; David; Lena and husband, KC; Brian; and Deanna; and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and close friends. Albert will live on in the hearts of his 31 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. The Holy Rosary will be recited on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at 7:00 pm at San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real, Socorro. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015 at 9 a.m. also at San Miguel Catholic Church with Father Andrew Pavlak as Celebrant. Inurnment will take place in the San Miguel Catholic Cemetery. Albert’s son, Brian as Pallbearer. Honorary pallbearers are AJ Nelson, Shawn Mauldin, Tenisha Zimmerly, Lawrence Torres, and Vincent Pino. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Socorro Home Health care and Hospice and Socorro General Hospital doctors, nurses and staff, who provided exceptional care to our beloved Albert. Your kindness will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions or donations may be given in Albert ‘s honor to Socorro Home Health Care and Hospice, PO Box 1009 Socorro, NM 87801. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Albert’s care has been entrusted to::
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield Street
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530