Helen Griego

Helen Griego, 103, of Vaughn, NM passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, April 3, 2023.

Helen was born on May 13, 1919, in La Palma, NM, to the home of Cayetano and Melita (Sandoval) Chavez. She was raised and attended school in Vaughn.

On September 25, 1939, Helen married Gilbert A Griego. Gilbert and Helen owned and operated the Desert Sand Motel, and Gilberts Grocery Store & Hardware in Vaughn.

A lifelong and devout Catholic, Helen prayed the rosary daily, and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vaughn.

Helen loved spending time with her family and friends, loved to dance, and enjoyed life to the fullest, she was always smiling.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband Gilbert A. Griego, parents Cayetano and Melita Chavez, son Arnold Griego, brothers Domingo and Jose, and sisters Victoria, Antonia, Monclovia, Rita, Carol, Nora, Nolia and Molly.

Helen is survived by her sons; Ruben Griego of Vaughn, and Jerry Griego of Albuquerque, daughter and caretaker; Ethel Griego of Vaughn, daughters Theresa Sisneros (Herman) of Las Vegas, NV, and Nadine Tinagero of Scottsdale, AZ, 9 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 28 great-great grandchildren, 3 great-great- great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be Monday, April 10, 2023, from 1-4PM at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa, NM.

Visitation will again take place on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 9-9:55AM at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Vaughn.  Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, immediately followed by The Mass of Christian Burial, will begin at 10AM at Saint Mary's, with Father Timothy Meurer officiating the service.

Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn with Juan Tovar, Scott Tinagero, Johnny Tapia, Chris Matson, Christopher Matson and Arnold Chavez serving as pallbearers.

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.