Joe Alex Garnand

Joe Alex Garnand, age 78, passed away on June 1, at Kaseman Hospice in Albuquerque following an illness. Joe Alex was born June 19, 1935 in Milagro, NM to the home of Benjamin and Maria Hilaria (Selgado) Garnand. He served in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged in January 1964. Joe Alex married Esther Soliz in December 1962. He worked for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy as a Water Master until his retirement. He was also the CEO of Encantada Ranch and Stone in Milagro. Joe Alex enjoyed ranching and being a Cowboy. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Narciso and George Garnand, sister in law Dora Garnand and his mother in law Josefina Soliz. Survivors include his wife Esther Garnand of the family home in Albuquerque, his children Ruben Martinez and wife Nina of Milagro, Leonard Martinez and wife Cindy of Albuquerque, Karen Garnand of Albuquerque, Sharon Garnand and husband Larry of Albuqueruqe and Sandra Garnand of Florida. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, David Garnand and wife Lena of Deming, Chris Garnand and wife Grace of Albuquerque, Dwayne Garnand and wife Becky of Los Lunas, Billy Garnand and wife Viola of Albuquerque, Robert Garnand and wife Clara of Albuquerque, Mary KcKinstry and husband Jimmy of Albuquerque, Elizabeth Felix and husband Benito of Albuquerque along with 10 grandchildren and great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Friday, June 6, at 2:00 from Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Milagro with Funeral Mass to be celebrated after the rosary with Father Thomas Kayammakal officiating. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Daniel Garnand, Mark Garnand, Christopher Garnand, Ben Garnand, Xavier Garnand and Leon Garnand. All services for Mr. Garnand have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. To place an online condolence please visit our website at www.chavezfuneralhome.com