Oma Garcia

Oma (Gerhardt) Garcia, 89 of Albuquerque NM passed away peacefully on Sunday June 17, 2023, with her children by her side.

Oma was born May 27, 1934, in Puerto de Luna NM to Jesse Gerhardt and Eugenia (Candelaria) Gerhardt.  Oma attended school in Puerto de Luna.  On December 31, 1956, Oma married Ezequiel Garcia Jr at Nuestra Senora Del Refugio Catholic Church in Puerto de Luna.  Oma and her husband Ezequiel Jr made their home in Albuquerque.  Oma worked as for the Bank of New Mexico/First Interstate Bank for many years. She started as an Assistant Cashier.  At the time of her retirement, she was Assistant Vice President and Payroll Manager.  Oma was also a member of the Soroptimist Club for many years.  In her spare time, Oma loved bowling, making quilts, going to the Casino, and dancing with Ezequiel Jr.  She especially loved cooking and baking for family and friends.  When you visited her home, you would always be well fed.  Her tamales, enchiladas, and pastelitos were second to none. 

Oma is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sons Leonard Garcia and Steve Garcia, brothers Fred Gerhardt, Gilbert Gerhardt, and Robert Gerhardt.  Oma is survived by her sons Gene Garcia of Puerto de Luna New Mexico, Danny (Mary) Garcia of Salt Lake City Utah, daughter Vicki (Mike) Dare of Broomfield, CO.  Also surviving Oma are 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. 

By family (and Oma’s) request, please opt for colorful clothing for the services.  Oma requested that the celebration of her life be a party and not a time of sadness.  Please join the family to share happy memories. 

Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 11AM at Nuestra Señora Del Refugio Catholic Church in Puerto De Luna with Rev. Timothy Meurer officiating. Burial will follow at El Calvario Cemetery in Puerto De Luna with Gene Garcia, Danny Garcia, Mike Dare, Joshua Dare, Gabriel Garcia, Estevan Baca, and Angus Rueben serving as urn bearers. Serving as honorary urn bearers will be Jason Waldron, Dominic Garcia, Isaiah Garcia, and Michael Valdez.

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.