Maria B. Tapia

Mary B. Tapia, 97 of Vaughn, NM died Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Casa Maria Care Center in Roswell, NM following a short illness. She was born November 7, 1911 in Dilia, NM to the home of Felix and Rosarito (Pacheco) Garcia. She was raised at Pintada, NM where she attended school Maria married Fernando Tapia on July 8, 1936 in Pintada. They made their home at Pastura, NM until 1946 when they moved to Vaughn. Maria worked at cafes and restaurants in Vaughn for many years. She was clerk at the Bel Air Motel in Vaughn from 1960-1998. She was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vaughn. Mary is preceded in death by her husband Fernando Tapia in 1970; her parents; a sister Rosa Ulibarri in 1963; daughter Connie Tapia in 1999; and a son-in-law Arthur Marquez in 2006. Survivors include three daughters, Frances Marquez; Rosie Keaton both of Vaughn; Adela Tapia of Roswell; five sons, George Tapia and wife Ann of San Antonio, TX; John Tapia of Vaughn; Joe F. Tapia of Los Chavez, NM; Ramon Tapia and wife Dolores of Tijeras, NM; and Trevino Tapia of Big Springs, TX. Also surviving is a brother Trevino Garcia of California, sister-in-law Mary Teakel of Tucumcari, NM, 24 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 pm Sunday, January 11, 2009 from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vaughn, NM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Monday, January 12, 2009 from the church with Father Steve Sanchez officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn, NM. Pallbearers will include Steven Tapia, Paul Duran, Carlos Pacheco, David Tapia, Anthony Tapia, Patrick Tapia, Christopher Matson and Tony Apodaca. Honorary bearers will be all her grandchildren. All arrangements are entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, New Mexico. (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.