Esther A. Gallegos

Esther A. Gallegos, 87 of Santa Rosa, NM, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, July 31, 2023.

Esther was born in Santa Rosa, NM to Amelia Sandoval on October 13, 1935.  Esther was raised in Santa Rosa, where she attended school and graduated from Santa Rosa High School.  On August 31, 1959, Esther married Arthur Gallegos at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

A life-long resident and business woman of Santa Rosa, Esther was a devout Catholic and faithful parishioner at Saint Rose of Lima.  Together, she and her husband, Arthur, owned and operated O.K. Clothiers and later opened Fashion Fantasy in 1978. 

Esther enjoyed cruising with Arthur, and she also enjoyed their buying trips to Las Vegas, NV to purchase clothing and gift items for their stores.  However, Esther was particularly fond of the time she spent with her family.

Esther is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Arthur, her mother: Amelia Sandoval, her siblings: Mary Gerhardt and Joe Marquez, her nieces: Patsy Romero and Laura Gunville and mother and father-in-law: Evaristo and Magdalena Gallegos.

Esther is survived by her children: Jude (Wanda) Gallegos of Santa Rosa, Jacqueline (Eddie) Gallegos-Rivera of Rio Rancho, Aaron Gallegos of Albuquerque, Adam Gallegos of Santa Rosa and Adrian Gallegos of Los Angeles, CA, her grandchildren: Judith Gallegos, Diego Gallegos, Megan Gallegos, Donovan Gallegos and Michael Gallegos, her great-grandchildren: Nathaniel Gallegos, Diego Gallegos, Jr., Alexandria Gallegos and Jordan Gallegos.  Esther is also survived by her sister: Lala Gunville of Springfield, IL, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, August 2, 2023 from 2-7PM at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by The Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, August 3, 2023 beginning at 9AM at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa.

Interment will follow in the family plot with Dennis Gallegos, Donovan Gallegos, Jude Gallegos, Aaron Gallegos, Adam Gallegos and Adrian Gallegos serving as Pallbearers.  Honorary Pallbearers will include Esther’s many friends.

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, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.