Ernesto Gallegos

Ernesto Gallegos, 83 of Santa Rosa, NM died Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Clovis Healthcare Center, Clovis, NM following an illness. Ernesto was born June 28, 1924 in Puerto De Luna, NM the son of Gregorio and Carolina (Lucero) Gallegos. He was reared and attended school in Puerto De Luna. Ernesto married Alice Garcia on November 17, 1947 in Santa Rosa. He worked for many years as a carpenter and was a longtime Puerto De Luna rancher. Ernesto also worked as a custodian with the Santa Rosa Public Schools for 27 years until his retirement in 1990. Ernesto was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa and the San Jose Society. He made his home Puerto De Luna for many years. Ernesto and Alice moved to Santa Rosa in 1962. He enjoyed gardening, yard work, horseback riding, ranch work, listening to Spanish music, and spending time with his grandchildren. Ernesto was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, infants Mark and Jose and Gerald Gallegos in 1998; a granddaughter Tracie McLaughlin; six brothers Bonifacio, Luis Sr., Thomas, Juan, Sarbelio and Emiliano Gallegos; one sister Mary Espinosa. Survivors include his wife of 60 years Alice Gallegos of the family home in Santa Rosa; five sons Steve (Clorie) Gallegos, Raymond (Stella) Gallegos both of Puerto De Luna; Gilbert (Mary) Gallegos of Amarillo, TX; Jimmy (Ramona) Gallegos of Dalhart, TX and Milton (Shannon) Gallegos of Albuquerque; two daughters Nancy (Alex) Tapia and Janet Gallegos both of Santa Rosa. Also surviving is a sister Crisofora Silva of Albuquerque; 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren along with numerous other relatives and many friends. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 PM Friday, February 8, 2008 from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, NM. Mass will be celebrated from the church at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 9, 2008 with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Burial will follow at El Calvario Cemetery in Puerto De Luna, NM. Pallbearers will be Isaac Gallegos, Felix Gallegos, David Vasquez, Eric Gallegos, Paul Trujillo, Carlos Gallegos, Michael McLaughlin,Arthur Chavez, and Charles Garcia. Honorary bearers will include all his friends, grandchildren and family members. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, New Mexico. (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com