Antonio “Ike” DeVargas

Antonio "Ike" DeVargas 77 of Servilleta Plaza,  died suddenly and peacefully in the home of his close cousin in El Llanito, NM, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.  Antonio was preceded in death by his parents Louise and Tony DeVargas, his two children Antonio and Carmela DeVargas, his brothers Alfredo and Gerald DeVargas, and his nephew Adam Lujan.

He is survived by his siblings Shirley Lujan, Johnny DeVargas, Phillip DeVargas, Tim DeVargas, Lorraine Vigil, Elaine Rice, Margie Martinez, and Pam Quihuis, his children Eusebio DeVargas, Denise Rueda, Stephanie DeVargas and Elisa DeVargas, his beloved Andres DeVargas (adopted son/grandson), his grandchildren Trisha Dimas, Anthony DeVargas, Faith Gallegos, Derek Gallegos, Johniqua DeVargas, Cherity DeVargas, Mallory DeVargas, Mariah DeVargas, Eusebio Jr. DeVargas, Isaac Rueda, Alejandro Rueda, Milagro Rueda, and Maria Tanuz, in addition to many great grandchildren, cousins, and friends. 

Antonio was well known throughout his community as a long-time activist, Vietnam War veteran, and mentor/compadre to many. He worked in many professions but had a passion for logging and social justice. He retired from work with Rio Arriba County where he served as the risk manager for various years. After retirement, Antonio dedicated his time to developing his property in Servilleta Plaza, spending time with friends and relatives, and raising his grandson whom he adopted in 2017. He also remained an active participant in local politics and movements to ensure justice and rightful treatment to the communities of Rio Arriba and Santa Fe County. He organized a youth group called the "Water Watchers" to teach children in his community about local acequias and land/water rights, he fought against North Central Waste to challenge them for placing liens on people's properties, and he won a lawsuit against the Santa Fe County Jail for negligence and mistreatment of both his daughter, Carmela, and another inmate who died in the care of the jail. Antonio was and is a well-respected man who cared deeply for New Mexico, his community, and the rights of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American people across the state. He was a force to be reckoned with and will certainly be missed. 

 A public visitation will take place on Sunday July 14, 2024, at 4:00 pm. In the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home and a Rosary to start at 6:00 pm.  A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday July 15, 2024, at 10:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz. Burial will take place at a later date. 

Pallbearers: Eusebio DeVargas, Johnny DeVargas Jr., Jason DeVargas, Ramon Trujillo, Andres DeVargas, and Apolinar Rueda.

Honorary Pallbearers: Luis Pena Jr., Isaac Rueda and Alejandro Rueda

 The family of Antonio “Ike” DeVargas has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Española Valley 505-747-7477