Maria "Dina" McDaniel

Maria “Dina” McDaniel, of Vaughn, NM, aged 86, passed away peacefully and mercifully in the loving embrace of her four surviving children and began her journey to heaven on the 19^th of February, 2024.

Dina was born in Vaughn on the 27^th of August 1937 to her parents, Beatrice and Abran Gallegos Sr., was a life-long resident of Vaughn and a cherished and respected member of the community for many years.

She is preceded in death by her son, Steven Joseph Foote of Clovis, NM, sisters Luz Arguello, Isabel Gallegos and Alice Luna of Vaughn, Stella Romero of Pastura, brothers Tony Gallegos and Abran Gallegos Jr. of Albuquerque, Maguin Gallegos of Tucson, AZ and Celso Gallegos of Vaughn.

 Dina is survived by her children Randy Turner, Pamela Cordova and Paula Foote of Vaughn, Ron Foote of Seattle, WA and daughter- in-law Esther Foote of Clovis. Dina is also survived by her sister and niece, life-long best friends, Jane Anaya and Roseann Maes of Vaughn. She raised five energetic kids on her own and built for us a tower of unconditional love, an appreciation for adventure, a stern discipline, a practical approach to compassion, respect for people, and the importance of familial bonds of affection.

Dina was a devout Catholic Christian in the truest sense in that she almost never wavered in doing more for others than she did for herself.

Obituaries often mention the love and joy our departed elders gained from their grandchildren and great-grand- children. Dina was no exception and adored all her grandchildren; Shena Cordova, Bianca Quinonez, Sierra Foote, Stephanie Foote, Madison Turner, Sarah Turner, Miana Vinceslio, Isabella Vinceslio and step grandchildren Billy Ray McDaniel, Tim McDaniel and Lee Britten. She adored them because they’re all and to a person, smart, strong, beautiful souls that gave our mom and matriarch great faith in the future.

Our family is deeply grateful to our relatives, friends and the people Vaughn and Guadalupe County who gave us strength, guidance and support.  God bless you all.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 1, 2024, beginning at 10AM at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Vaughn, NM.

Interment of cremains will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, in Vaughn, with all Dina’s great-grandchildren serving as Urn Bearers.

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.