Obituaries

Adriano G. Valdez, peacefully stepped into Heaven on February 6, 2026. This was exactly 3 years and 3 days after his beloved wife of 62 years, Valeria, had departed. We think he wanted to celebrate an early Valentine’s Day! His children and grandchildren were with him throughout the day to pray with him, talk to him and lovingly let him move on to be with Jesus and all his family and friends who had gone on before him. Adriano was born on September 6, 1936, to Antonio and Vicentita Valdez in Cebolla, NM where he grew up and attended school. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from September 1954 to September 1958. He then worked with the NM Highway Department for 25 years. After retiring from the highway department, hestarted his own surveying business, Valdez Surveying. Throughout his lifetime, he had various jobs. He served Rio Arriba County in the capacity of Rio Arriba County Surveyor, was an E.M.T for La Clinica del Pueblo and he also served on the clinic board of directors. He was actively involved in serving the community of Canjilon as a comicionado for the different acequias and served on the water association board. He and Valeria also served as mayordomos for the Catholic Church. He was instrumental in starting the historical restoration/ renovation of the old church in Canjilon. He enjoyed ranching, fishing, hunting and eating Payday and Butterfinger candy bars with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved bubble gum. He had many hobbies but especially loved playing the bygone card game of conquian, which is a Spanish form of rummy. Other hobbies included riding his horses Mora, Palomino and Tonto. He enjoyed traveling and gambling in Las Vegas, NV. He loved making red chile and eating. For 36 years, he devoted much of his time to his grandson, Augustine, whom he loved with all his heart.

Milnor Branch, a resident of Coyote, NM, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of Steven David Gutierrez, 46, on January 31, 2026.

Alfonso Duran (Al or Fungi) passed on January 22, 2026. Born in Dixon, New Mexico, in 1937 and raised in Santa Fe and Española, Al led a purposeful life dedicated to his family and the service of his community.

Also known as Ben or Benzo, was a lifelong resident of Northern, NM, unexpectedly passed away at 34 yrs old, on January 22nd, 2026 due to hypothermia related complications. He was born to Renee Clark & (late) John Lopez on July 21st, 1991 in Albuquerque. He grew up in both Espanola and Las Vegas where he attended middle/high school, and played football at Espanola Valley High.

5.21.1959 - 2.3.2026 John Ignacio Martinez, fondly known as Johnny, was born on May 21, 1959, in Ogden, Utah. He passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on February 3, 2026, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

Clemente Presiliano Salazar, born on September 15, 1949, in Chamita, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, in the same beloved town.

Ruth Naomi Dunn age 89, a beloved sister and friend, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026.

Steven David Gutierrez, 46, a lifelong resident of Hernandez unexpectedly went to be with our Lord on January 30th 2026.

Patrick William Brennan, a beloved father to three and longtime resident of Northern New Mexico, passed away in Marin County California on January 15th, 2026, at the age of 79, after a long illness.