Adelaida R. Sanchez

Adelaida R. Sanchez, 85 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away Sunday, July 2, 2017 in Albuquerque, NM following an illness. She was born October 24, 1931 in Mosquero, NM to the home of Jose D. and Petrita (Archuleta) Blea. She grew up in Clayton where she attended school. Adelaida served on the Eastern Plains Community Action Association for 10 years, and was employed for several years with the NM Human Services Department, and later with Presbyterian Home Health. She served on the Fort Sumner Village Council, and was a devoted member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner since 1972 where she served as a Minister of the Eucharist. She led the rosary prayers for many families of deceased members of the church for many years. Adelaida is preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Petrita Blea, a son Dominic Sanchez, grandson Samuel Ulibarri, and a brother Steven Blea. Survivors include six children, four daughters Rafelita Ulibarri of Fort Sumner, Virginia Sanchez, Rebecca Gutierrez, and Vanessa Miera (Mark) all of Albuquerque, two sons Max D. Sanchez (Dulce) and Tomas Sanchez of Farmington, ten siblings, three brothers Luis Blea of Albuquerque, Joe D. Blea of El Paso, TX, Enrique Blea of Albuquerque, seven sisters, Maria Elena York of Santa Barbara, CA, Alice Whitson of Albuquerque, Mary Hamond of Albuquerque, Josie Blan of Denver, Co, Margaret Blea of Amarillo, TX, Frances Grine of Albuquerque, and Isabel Blea of Albuquerque. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A rosary was recited at 6:00pm Friday, July 7, 2017 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11am Saturday, July 8, 2017, Father Sotero A. Sena officiated. Interment of cremains followed at the Sanchez family ranch cemetery near Clayton, NM. Local arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311.