Merlinda Villanueva

Merlinda Villanueva, age 48, passed away November 4, 2008 in Anton Chico. Merlinda was born November 16, 1959 in Muleshoe, TX to the home of Frank and Agneda Bachicha Sandoval. She married Cecilio Villanueva on February 26, 1977 in Las Vegas, NM. Merlinda worked as a Home Health Aide for Victory Home Health and also for the Anton Chico Headstart Program. She enjoyed shopping, listening to Spanish music, dancing, camping, pinon picking and making home made blankets. Merlinda loved taking walks with her mother, spending time with her family and taking care of her grandchildren whom she adored very much. She is preceded in death by her father Frank Sandoval, a brother Abran Sandoval, an Aunt, Zenida Raybon, Uncle, Placido Quintana, Jr. and her grandfather Alejandro Bachicha. Survivors include her husband Cecilio Villanueva of Anton Chico, three sons Bobby Villanueva and wife Louise of Anton Chico; Billy Villanueva and wife Janelle of Ilfield, NM, and Estevan Villanueva and wife Daniela of Anton Chico, daughter Vicky Villanueva of Las Vegas, NM; grandchildren; Krysten, Brooklyn, Alyssa, Jonah and two more on the way. Also surviving is her mother, Agneda Sandoval of Anton Chico, her brothers and sisters; Fances Barreras and husband Lawrence of Las Vegas, Eva Sandoval of Albuquerque, Bernice Sandoval of Albuquerque, Leroy Sandoval and wife Elizabeth of Albuquerque, Frank Sandoval, Jr. of Anton Chico, Eric Sandoval and wife Nuvez of Albuquerque and Luis Segura and wife Angelica of Tecolotito along with numerous nieces, nephews, a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Sunday, November 9, at 6:00 PM from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Anton Chico. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 11:00 also from St. Joseph Church with Father Antonio Mondragon offficating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Anton Chico. Pallbearers will include Joseph Barreras, Santana Baca Jr., Michael Velasquez, Neil Villanueva, Luis Segura and Eric Villanueva. Honorary bearers will be all her nieces and nephews. Services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. For online condolences please log on to www.chavezfuneralhome.com