John Angel Ara

Juan Angel Ara, 63 of Taos, NM was born May 31, 1944 in Vaughn, New Mexico the son of Angelo "Angel" and Carmen Ara. He made his home in Taos for many years. John passed away peacefully on July 8, 2007 in Loma Linda, California surrounded by his loving family. He was in California receiving medical treatment. John is preceded in death by his father Angelo "Angel" Ara; a brother Victor Ara; paternal grandparents Baltazar and Donata Ara; maternal grandparents Enrique and Julia Cordova; uncles Emilio Ara and Juan Cordova,aunts Felisa Ara Rael and Carmen Ara Anaya. He will be dearly missed by his wife Lisa Ara, daughter Lucia Carmen Ara, his mother Carmen Ara, two sisters Dolores Heaton and Yolanda Ara; aunts Regina Ara-deAlba, and Martha Cordova, Uncles A.P. Anaya and Isidro Rael along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served with the Military Police in Vietnam from 1965-1967. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, strong work ethic, artistic ability and a most generous heart. Rosary services will be held Thursday, July 12, at 7:00 PM from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vaughn, NM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 13, at 10:00 AM from St. Mary's with Father Jerry Johnson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn. Pallbearers will include Angela Walters, Lucia Ara, Dow Heaton, John Dow Heaton, Robert Anaya, and Terry McCaulley. Honorary bearers will include Isidro Rael, A.P. Anaya, Eric Robinson, Roger Robinson, Victor Longstreth and Fabian Jordan. Local arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, New Mexico.(505) 472-3369 www.chavezfuneralhome.com