Ernest Perez

Ernest E. Perez, age 87, passed away at his ranch in Encino on June 6, 2011. Ernest was born April 1, 1924 in Encino, NM to the home of Victor and Angelita (Tenorio) Perez. He was reared and attended schools in Encino. He served in the United States Army during WWII as a Surgical Technician from 1942 through 1946. While in the Army he received the American Theater, European, African and Middle Eastern Medals as well as the Good Conduct and Victory and Sharp Shooter Medals. Ernest married Jewel Spencer in March of 1946. Ernest and his family have been longtime sheep and cattle ranchers in Encino for many years raising Registered Herefords and Rambouillete Sheep. He loved showing his sheep and wool in fairs and spend many years traveling the United States winning many awards including the Top Wool Clips and Sheepman of the year in 1984. He was the only American to win the World Fleece Wool Competition in Tasmania, Austrailia. He was a parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Encino, he also served as President of the Encino School District for 35 years, the Torrance County Fair Board for 9 years, He was a lifetime member of the Wool Growers Association serving also in Wyoming and Utah, He also served as Mayor of Encino for 13 years and the Torrance County Commission for 1 term, he was a member of the ASCS of Torrance County, the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association and the National Sheep Industry Association. He enjoyed being a referee for basket ball games and umpiring baseball games. He was a very strong Republican and enjoyed his politics. Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Victor Perez, Jr., Augustine Perez, Andres Perez and Cipriano Perez and an Infant Sister; Lydia Perez, his special Godson and nephew; Larry Perez as well as his special nephews; Victor Perez III and Victor Leroy Perez. Survivors include his wife Jewel Perez of the family home in Encino, his children; Diana Gallegos and husband Jude of Vaughn, Kathrin Dinwiddie and husband Chuck of Cliff, NM, Michael Perez and wife Connie of Nara Visa, NM, Jeffery Perez of Moriarty and Christopher Perez and wife Leslie of Encino, Pat and Johnny Jaurequiberry that he and his wife Jewel raised as their own and his sister; Mercedes Cravens of Encino. His grandchildren; Matthew Gallegos, Hollis Dinwiddie, Desirhea Spurr, Kyle Perez, Drew Perez, Dillon Perez, Holly Perez and Jordan Perez, his great grandchildren; Matthew Robert Gallegos and Nathaniel James Gallegos, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2011 from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Encino. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 10, at 11:00 AM also from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Burial will follow at the Encino Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Matthew Gallegos, Kyle Perez, Drew Perez, Hollis Dinwiddie, Dillon Perez, Pat Jaurequiberry and Johnny Jaurequiberry . Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Desi Dinwiddie Spurr, Holly Perez and Jordan Perez. All services for Mr. Perez have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. To place an online condolence please visit our website at www.chavezfuneralhome.com