Denise Archuleta

Denise Marie Archuleta, 45, beloved daughter, sister, auntie, and friend, went to be with our Lord on September 22, 2016 following injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She devoted her life to her family and all the children she taught while employed with Mesa Vista Schools. She enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews, playing board games, telling jokes, and showing immense love for each of them. She also enjoyed caring for and playing with her puppy Bailey. Though she did not have any biological children, she felt as though she was a mother to her students. Denise attended New Mexico Highlands University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and later earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction. She shared her knowledge with many. Denise was preceded in death by her grandparents, Florencio and Tina Archuleta and Aurelio and Annie Herrera, uncle, Nathaniel Herrera, and cousin, David Herrera. She is survived by her parents, Pres and Dee Archuleta, God-son, Andres Maestas, brother, Matthew Archuleta and wife Monica, sister, Desiree Maestas and husband Andres, nieces and nephew, Kristan, Tyler, Jaden, Anelicia, and Noah, dear friend, Maria, madrina, Liz Holterman, numerous aunts and uncles, who loved her dearly, many special cousins, relatives, and friends.  Public visitation will begin Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church in El Rito with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. also at the San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church with the burial to follow at the El Rito Community Cemetery.  Assisting as pallbearers are Cornelio Lopez, Jr., Andrea Vargas, Becky Lopez, Nimrod Herrera, Jose Armijo, and Adrian Gallegos. Honorary pallbearers are her nieces and nephews, Kristan, Tyler, Jaden, Noah, Andres, and Anelicia.  The family of Denise Marie Archuleta has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com

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