Bernie Tomas Lovato passed away at the age of 78 in Albuquerque, N.M. He was born on Sept. 22, 1946, to Bernardino and Annie Lovato. He lived all his life, except for the last 8 months, in Center and Monte Vista. 

Alfred Laverne Pierce, affectionately known as Al to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, in South Fork, Colo. Born on Jan. 9, 1935, in Cottonwood Falls, Kan., Al's journey through life was marked by his friendly demeanor, captivating presence, and a lifetime of dedicated service to his community. 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Maria Elena Lozoya, lovingly known as Helen, at the age of 69. Born on Jan. 5, 1956, to Meliton Dominguez and Delfina Garcia Dominguez in Alamosa, Colo. 

Leo J. Mora Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on March 7, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on July 30, 1931, in Albuquerque, N.M., Leo was the son of Remijio Ricardo Mora and Encarnacion Romero Mora. 

Philip Gene West, 82, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on March 8, 2025. Born on Feb. 20, 1943, Phil dedicated his life to his family, work, and the community he loved. A man of tremendous work ethic, Phil spent 35 years with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and an additional 22 years with Alamosa County Road and Bridge. He took immense pride in his work, always ensuring the job was done right. 

Isaac Gurule was born Nov. 11, 1943, and passed away on Feb. 18, 2025.

Victoria Graham Naclerio passed away in Albuquerque, N.M., from natural causes on Jan. 20, 2025. She was 69 years old. She was born in San Diego, Calif., on March 8, 1955, to Ronald Graham and Teresa García, who divorced when she was 2 years old. 

Our Mom, Candelaria (Candy) Garcia, was called away to a life promised to her for being of a strong Catholic faith March 3, 2025.  She was born to Candelaria (Martinez) Trujillo and Pedro Trujillo on Jan. 13,1929 in Antonito, Colo.  

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Franklin Anthony Baca, 57, of Antonito, Colo., who left us on Feb. 19, 2025. Born on March 20, 1967, Franklin was a beloved son to his mother, Norma Salazar Gomez, and his father, Kenneth F. Gomez. 

Frederick George Havens, 94, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Veterans Community Living Center at Home Lake, Monte Vista, Colorado. Mary Delores (Cudney) Havens, 91, passed away on February 28, 2025 at the San Luis Care Center in Alamosa, Colorado. 

Marilyn Storm Smith, 94, passed away on Feb. 28, 2025, in Canon City, Colo. Born on Feb. 23, 1931, in Pueblo, Colo., Marilyn grew up in Blanca, Colo., until she moved to Canon City, Colo., in 2005.  

Longtime San Luis Valley resident Cordy Garcia, 92, was called home on Feb. 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Jose and Crescencia Manzanares on Jan. 3, 1933, in Bayfield, Colo.  

Juanita Celsa Rael, beloved mother and grandmother took her final breath on Feb. 24, 2025, with her cherished family by her side. 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Theresa Sanchez, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, who left this world peacefully on Feb. 22, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on June 26, 1942, Theresa was a dedicated member of the Monte Vista, Colo., community and a longtime active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. 

Virginia Joy Coombs passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2025, at the River Valley Inn Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Del Norte, Colo., at the age of 94. Born on June 2, 1930, in Tacoma, Wash., Virginia's life was a testament to the power of warmth and generosity that she extended to everyone she met.  She met and married a young soldier there in Tacoma, who brough the city girl to a new life on a farm in Colorado. 

Life is a beautiful journey filled with memories, and some people leave a mark that lasts forever. Jaime Tomas Alanis Gonzalez, a cherished resident of Capulin, Colo., was one of those remarkable individuals whose life touched many hearts. His passing on Feb. 14, 2025, in Durango, Mexico, marks the end of a chapter filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments. He was born on March 7,1954, to Alfonso Alanis Díaz and Beatriz Gurrola Alanis in Durango, Mexico. 

Mary Frances Gutierrez, beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away on February 11, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on Nov. 17, 1937, in a farmer's home between Sargent and Center, Colo., Mary was full of life and spirit from an early age. She attended Sargent School and began working at a young age to support her family, showcasing her unwavering work ethic and determination. 

Elsie Eleanor Padilla, a beacon of love and creativity, was called home to the Lord on Feb. 17, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on Oct. 12, 1942, in the serene town of Cerro, N.M., she was a daughter of the South, whose heart beat in time with the rhythms of the mountains and the melodies of Spanish music. 

Jo Anne Mitchell Eberhart was born in Denver, Colo., to John Clifford Sr. and Jeanne (Burroughs) Mitchell. Jo Anne was raised in little mining towns across Colorado. Creede, Ouray, Leadville and …

Frances Marie Draves, 76, passed away peacefully at home on February 12th, 2025. In her final moments she was surrounded by her family after a long and hard-fought battle against cancer.