Agnes “Natcha” Garcia was born on July 18, 1948, in Alamosa, Colo., and from that moment on, the world had a little more spice and sass in it. She peacefully passed on April 13, 2025, in Denver, Colo.  

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lucy Theresa Valdez, a beloved mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend. Lucy left this world peacefully on April 18, 2025, her favorite holiday, Good Friday. She was born on March 22, 1950, in Monero, N.M., to Joe B. And Elbiria Salazar.  

Bob Phillips, 70, of Clinton, Tenn., peacefully passed away on April 19, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was born on Aug. 24, 1954, to Shirley and Robert Phillips. 

Kenneth Al Sanchez, 66, passed away Feb. 13, 2025, in Payette, Idaho. He was born at home on April 9, 1958, in Seven Mile Plaza, Colo., to Joe Aldemo and Eva (Struck) Sanchez. He was raised in Seven Mile Plaza with all his siblings and many relatives.  

Barbara Eileen (Crowder) Armstrong was born during the height of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in Prowers County, Colorado on the 10th of October 1934.  Barbara passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones at the Foothills Hospital in Boulder, Colo., on the 24th of March 2025. 

Polito A. Lopez, a Romeo resident, 89, born Aug. 2, 1935, in Santa Rita, N.M. passed on April 14, 2025, in Denver, Colo., with his loving daughter at his bedside. 

Rodger Jehlicka passed away early Thursday morning on April 3, 2025, with his wife Liz beside him.  Born on Sept. 17, 1947, in St. Cloud, Minn., Rodger lived a memorable and impactful life, carving a legacy of admiration and commendation, touching the lives of many along the way. 

Alamosa resident Theresa Rael, 52, was called home to be with the Lord on Jan. 22, 2025. Making her grand entrance into the world on April 2, 1972, the beloved daughter of Donna Mary Maes. 

Mary Ann Tafoya, 77, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at River Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Del Norte, Colo. She was born Feb. 16, 1948, in Del Norte, Colo., to Arturo and Eva (Arellano) Vigil, and was lovingly raised by her grandmother Marina Vigil and uncle Cristobal Vigil. 

Joyce Kay McFarland, a beacon of love and selflessness, graced this world with her presence on March 31, 1950, in the quaint town of Saguache, Colorado. Her journey on earth came to a peaceful close on March 23, 2025, in Alamosa, Colorado, surrounded by the love of her family and the beauty of the land she cherished. 

Lifelong San Luis resident Candidita "Candy" L. Mondragon, 73, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, under hospice care at St. Francis Medical surrounded by her loving family. 

Steven Stanley Salazar, 65, died on Dec. 29, 2024. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was born in Alamosa, Colo., to Sergio and Sadie Salazar. Steven Salazar had six brothers and sisters and lots of nieces and nephews. 

Walter Olivio Romero was called to his eternal rest on March 26, 2025. Born on Oct. 18, 1957, in Los Pinos, N.M., Walter was a beacon of light and a testament to Jehovah’s work throughout his 67 years on this earth. 

Fred R. Martinez passed away on Feb. 26, 2025, at his home in Center, Colo., at the age of 83. Fred was born on Oct. 3, 1941, in Rio Grande County, He was born to Jose and Manuelita Martinez. 

Jeffrey William Gilmore was born on July 16, 1971, in Alamosa, Colo. He was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. 

Elizabeth "Libby" (McDowell) Gjellum was born in West Virginia on Sept. 18, 1934, to her mother, Maude McDowell. At a young age, she moved to Calhoun, Ky., where she met John Harold Gjellum while he was on active duty in the Army and stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They married and moved to Del Norte, Colo., in 1950. 

Jeffrey Carpenter left this world to seek adventures in the next on March 27, 2025. He was a simple kind of man, so we’ll keep this simple too — just like he would have wanted.  

Angelo B. Curto, of Pueblo and formerly of Alamosa, Colo., surrounded by the love of his family and friends, died peacefully and joined his beloved Diana in eternal rest. 

Richard William Stewart passed away, peacefully, on March 20, 2025, after losing his battle with cancer.  

Dwight Alan Montano, a man of loving spirit and boundless enthusiasm, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, in Lake Elsinore, Calif. Born on March 10, 1963, in the beautiful state of Colorado, Dwight's journey through life was marked by his unwavering kindness, his infectious sense of humor, and his remarkable intellect.