Rumaldo Lopez

Rumaldo S. Lopez, age 79 passed away on June 28, 2014, peacefully at the home he built in Vaughn, New Mexico. He was surrounded by his family and his devoted wife who never left his side, Ines Lopez. Rumaldo was born on March 6, 1935 in Milargo, NM, where he worked on the ranch and at a young age learned the importance of hard work and providing for his family. Rumaldo Lopez proudly worked for and retired from the N.M. Highway Department in Vaughn. His knowledge of the roads, mechanics and highway equipment was widely known. Even during his last days, he spoke of driving his blade and making sure the roads where cleaned correctly. Rumaldo was an exceptional man who had a one-of-a kind heart; he believed in God and used his life to help others. He thrived on being able to solve people’s problems, whether it was by inventing something in his “shop” or simply by sitting and having a conversation with you. Rumaldo had a way of making his point known, when he spoke people listened. His life experiences made his advice sound and realistic. He enjoyed working outside and chopping wood to keep his “vieja” warm in the icy Vaughn winters. He could often be found in his Lay-Z-Boy recliner watching his favorite Westerns, especially John Wayne. His daily schedule consisted of watching Family Feud and shouting out answers with his wife. He loved to watch Don Fransico on Sundays. When summer time came around, he loved to be outside on his porch listening to Spanish music and enjoying the day with his "copa de sangria." In between all of that, he made sure to take his wife on their daily cruise through the town. He is preceded in death by his parents; Valentin Sr. and Theresa Lopez, his son Albert and his daughters Odelia and Helen Sisneros. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Ines Lopez, his daugher Christina Apodaca and husband Billy Joe of Clovis, his son Tommy, his daughter Rosella Lopez of Vaughn Bobby Marez of Encino, Jane and Richard Sanchez of Clovis, son-in-law Andy Sisneros, and Janice Ulibarri-Serna the granddaughter who he raised like his own, of Vaughn. Also surviving are his siblings, Lupe and Linda Lopez, Valentine Jr. and Helen Lopez, Horacio and Patsy Lopez, Daniel and Jeanette Lopez, Martha and George Archibeque, Maria Lopez, Joann Chavez and Rita Madril as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 11:00 at St. Mary’s Church in Vaughn. Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn. Serving as Pallbearers will be: son-in-laws; Andy Sisneros, Richard Sanchez, Billy Joe Apodaca, and Bobby Marez, along with grandsons; Abel Garcia, Ricky Sanchez, Joseph Lopez and Tomas Lopez. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be: grandsons; Lawrence Jr. Padilla, Jonathan Padilla and Aimon Juarez, along with granddaughters; Angela, Maria and Amor Padilla, Cassandra Ines Serna, Dayna & Jasmine Griego, Alyssa Lopez, Latricia Sanchez, Hannah Garcia and Sabrina Gonzales. Special thanks and appreciation to Billy Joe Apodaca, Bobby Marez, Tina Griego and Pabilta Abeyta. All services for Mr. Rumaldo S. Lopez have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. Place a tribute or sign the online memorial register at www.chavezfuneralhome.com