Anselmo "Chemo" Arrellin

Jose Anselmo Amador “Chemo” Arrellin, 92 passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 2, 2024.

Chemo was born on March 25, 1931 in Pastura, NM to Atanasio and Frances Arrellin.  Chemo joined the Air Force in 1951.  Following his honorable service to his country, Chemo married the former Flora Romero on August 10, 1959 in Santa Rosa.

A life-long resident of Santa Rosa, Chemo and Flora were active parishioners at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, and Chemo was also a Knight in the Gabriel Coury Council of Knights of Columbus in Santa Rosa.   Chemo worked as a cook in several restaurants in Santa Rosa and was best known for his famous cinnamon rolls at the Adobe Inn.  Chemo was also a Little League Coach in Santa Rosa for many years.

Chemo was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and will be deeply missed by all.  

Chemo is preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Flora, and grandson in law: Sam Serrano.

Chemo is survived by his children: Jo Ann Arrellin, of the family home, Patty (Gilbert) Romero of Santa Rosa, Robert (Lisa) Arrellin of Springer, NM, Joe (Sandra) Arrellin, Jr. of Albuquerque, NM and Michael Arrellin of Wagon Mound, NM.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Carla Romero (Anthony), Jennifer Muniz (Ricardo), Erica Romero, Gilbert Romero, II, Brandi Chavez (Santiago), Francesca Taylor (Kris) and DeNicka Edwards (Josh), Kristin, Michael, Marikita, Stephon and Julian and his great-grandchildren: Izaiah, Madisyn, Paityn, Preston, Aria, Jordyn, Carter, Izabella, Lilu, K-Fran, KariAnna, Cora, Ford, Asiah, Micah, Arron, Brielle, Samarah, Sterling and Saleh.

Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 1-6PM at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa.  

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary will begin at 10AM on Thursday, March 7, 2024, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial, at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, with the service officiated by Fr. Moses Nwonkwo.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa, with Gilbert Romero, Jr., Izaiah Romero, Preston Muniz, Michael Arrellin, Stephon Chavez, and Jerome Romero serving as Pallbearers.  Honorary Pallbearers will include all Chemo’s grandchildren.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.  575-472-3369.  To place an online condolence or tribute, kindly visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com