Ines Lopez

Ines Lopez  passed away on March 21, 2023 in her casita surrounded by her beloved girls. She was born on March 9, 1938 to the parents of Miguel & Augustina Sandoval, and raised by Juan and Sencionita Serrano in Vaughn, New Mexico.  She married Rumaldo Lopez on July 31, 1953, in Littlefield Texas. 

She lived in Vaughn for a majority of her life. Her home was built by her father Juan and later maintained and added to by her husband Rumaldo. She loved her little house very much. The comfort of her wood burning stove and the rooms lined with pictures of her loved ones and saints, brought her joy and contentment.

She was employed as a housekeeper by the family of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Aragon, owners of “The Peoples Store.” She took pride in her work and enjoyed keeping everything tiddy for the family. Her passion was in caring for others and ensuring her family had what they needed. She didn’t have much, but if she had something someone else needed, she would give it to them along with a friendly twenty dollar bill. She fed everyone who entered her home and made sure they had a nice, comfortable place to sleep. 

Ines cherished her family and gave thanks to God daily for everyone in her life. Her home was filled with saints and images of our Dear Lord. She taught others how to love unconditionally and to forgive. She was humble and giving. 

She enjoyed watching television, especially wrestling. Everyone around her knew not to call or disturb her during Monday Night Smackdown. It reminded her of the times she’d spend watching alongside her late husband Rumaldo and her beloved son Tommy. She loved watching Family Feud and laughing at the funny responses from the contestants. Driving around town with her daughter and visiting the gravesite of her loved ones at the cemetery was part of her daily routine. Her telephone was often busy as she spoke with family and friends in efforts to keep up with all the latest happenings. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rumaldo Lopez of 61 years, her infant twin daughter Odelia Lopez, daughter Helen Sisneros, her sons, Albert and Tommy Lopez, her brothers Felix Sandoval and Mike Sandoval Jr., and her sisters Nora Baca and Candelaria (Lala) Martinez, along with her father in-law who she helped care for Valentin Lopez, her mother in-law, Teresita Lopez, and daughter-in-law Celestina "Tina" Griego. 

Survivors include her daughters: Christina Lopez of Clovis, Jane and husband Richard Sanchez of Clovis, Rosella Lopez of Vaughn and partner Bobby Marez of Encino, her granddaughter who she raised as her own, Janice Ulibarri of Santa Fe, son-in-law Andy Sisneros of Vaughn, daughter-in-law Nancy Lopez, her sisters-in law Joann Chavez of Albuquerque, Rita Madril of Santa Fe, Martha Archibeque of Clovis, Maria Lopez of San Pedro, and Helen Anaya of Vaughn, her brothers in-law, Daniel Lopez  (Jeanette) of Vaughn, Lupe (Linda) Lopez of Clovis, and Horacio Lopez (Patsy) of Santa Rosa.  

Surviving grandchildren: Angela Padilla (Lorenzo), Sabrina Gonzales, Dayna Griego (Vicente Baca), Latricia Sanchez (Abel Garcia), Janice Ulibarri, Joseph Lopez (Sunni Lopez), Tomas Lopez, and Ricky Rumaldo Sanchez.

Surviving great grandchildren: Lawrence Jr. Padilla (Lisa), Jonathan Valentin Padilla, Alyssa Teresa Lopez, Unique Crosby, Maria Padilla, Hannah Sanchez, Jasmin Baca, Cassandra Ines Serna, Lucas Castillo, Aja Gonzales, Xavier Castillo, Azaliah Castillo, Jaya Gonzales, Amor Elena Padilla, Aimon Juarez, and Sage Wallace.

Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. 

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary will be Friday, March 24, 2023 at 11AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vaughn, immediately followed by The Mass of Christian Burial.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery with the following serving as Pallbearers: sons-in-law; Andy Sisneros, Richard Sanchez, and Bobby Marez, with grandsons; Abel Garcia, Ricky Sanchez, Joseph Lopez, Lawrence Jr. Padilla, Jonathan Padilla, her nephew Miguel Espinosa, and family friend Manuel Garcia. 

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be: great grandson Aimon Juarez, along with granddaughters and great granddaughters; Angela, Maria and Amor Padilla, Latricia and Hannah Sanchez, Sunni Lopez, Cassandra Ines Serna, Dayna and Jasmine Griego, Alyssa Lopez, and Sabrina Gonzales.

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.