Teofila Lopez

Teofila Lopez, 96 a lifelong resident of Puerto De Luna, NM died Monday, March 30, 2009 at her home. She was born August 30, 1912 in Puerto De Luna to the home of Marcelino and Doloritas (Padilla) Ocana. She attended school at Puerto De Luna and Santa Rosa. She graduated from Santa Rosa High School. She attended Normal University, now Highlands University at Las Vegas, NM and received her teaching degree. She taught school at Puerto De Luna. Teofila married Julian Lopez in 1932 at Puerto De Luna, twelve children were born to this union. Tiofila returned to teaching as a teacher’s aide for many years at Puerto De Luna and Santa Rosa Public Schools. She was a member of Nuestra Senora de Refugio Catholic Church in Puerto De Luna and the Sacred Heart Society. She enjoyed quilting and hosting her family in her home. Teofila is a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She is preceded in death by her parents Marcelino and Doloritas Ocana; husband Julian Lopez in 2003; a daughter Rita Griego; two sons Andres Lopez and Bonifacio Lopez; five brothers Charles Gerhardt, Ben Gerhardt, Jesse Gerhardt, Juan Ocana and Frank Ocana; three sisters Isabel Abeyta, Francisca Luna and Veneranda Cordova; two sons-in-law Michael Doyon and Max Griego. Survivors include three daughters Lorraine Branch and husband Dennis; Dolores Padilla and husband Serafin; Amelia Doyon all of Albuquerque; six sons Horacio J. Lopez and wife Sandra of Puerto De Luna; Joe A. Lopez and wife Lydia of Albuquerque; Dan H. Lopez and wife Linda of Soccoro; Robert F. Lopez of Albuquerque; Chris J. Lopez and wife Cathie of Puerto De Luna and George A. Lopez and wife Debra of Puerto De Luna. Also surviving are two daughters-in-law Viola Lopez and Fedelina Lopez both of Albuquerque. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 pm Friday, April 3, 2009 at Nuestra Senora De Refugio Catholic Church in Puerto De Luna; Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Saturday, April 4, 2009 from the church with Father Bill Sanchez officiating. Burial will follow at Nuestra Senora De Refugio Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Daniel Lopez, Julian Lopez, Marcos Doyon, Mario Lopez, Joseph Selgado, Dennis Branch, Steve Griego, Daniel Arechederra, Olivia Padilla and Shirley Barros. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorial contributions to the Julian Lopez and Teofila Lopez Scholarship Fund, 2391 St. Highway 91, Puerto De Luna, NM 88435. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, NM. (575) 472-3369. To sign the guest book or place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com