Michael "Spyder" Sanchez

Santa Rosa native, Michael D. Sanchez, passed away on Saturday September 9, 2017 at the Veteran’s Hospital in Albuquerque. He was 60 years old. He was born on May 7, 1957 to the home of Anselmo Sanchez and Maria Josie Nelson Sanchez in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. He attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School and Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools graduating in 1975. After High school, he moved to Pullman, Washington where he worked at Washington State University full time and took some required courses. He returned to Santa Rosa the summer of 1977. Michael enlisted in the US Army in 1981. During his enlistment, Private 1st Class Sanchez was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany and served as a tank driver in the famous 3rd Armored Division. His awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge for .45 Caliber pistol. After being honorably discharged from the Army, PFC Sanchez returned home to New Mexico where he settled with his new wife and family. “Spyder”, as he was more lovingly known, was well-known by many in Santa Rosa. He enjoyed photography, history, fishing, camping, hunting and cruising around town and the countryside. Most will remember him by his 1968 Burgundy Z28 Camaro, his light-heartedness and humor as he, no doubt, left a memory with everyone he met. He will truly be missed by many in the community. Michael “Spyder” was preceded in death by his parents, his 7 year old daughter Mariah Sanchez, Brothers Alonzo Nelson and Anthony Sanchez, niece Naomi Romero, very close nephew Troy Pino, and Brothers-in-law George Griego and Arthur Sandoval. Survivors include his loving and dedicated wife of 33 years, Kimberly Sanchez of Santa Rosa, his daughters, Kristi Sanchez and Husband Daniel Talbott of Youngstown, Ohio, Laura Hall and Husband Dustin of Phenix City, Alabama, and his only son Dylan Kayd of Santa Rosa, Grandchildren Osiron Talbott, Deegan Talbott, Persephone Hall, and Jackson Hall. Also surviving are his mother and father-in-law, Phil and Vera Sanchez of Santa Rosa, his brothers and sisters Mary Ann Weide and husband Dennis of Colorado, Mamye Sandoval of Santa Rosa, Gerald Sanchez of Las Cruces, Geraldine Sanchez of Albuquerque, Evelyn Griego of Santa Rosa, Rudy “Spider” Sanchez of Santa Rosa, Bernadette Foster and husband Malcolm of Brunswick, Maine, Lorraine Kavanaugh and husband Nick of Santa Fe as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Cremation has taken place and private services will be held at a later date as he requested. The family requests that visits to the family home are appreciated, please stop by and visit before 3pm. All arrangements entrusted to Chavez Funeral home of Ft. Sumner and Santa Rosa. (575) 472-3369.