Ben Castañeda

Ben Castañeda, 97, a resident of La Mesilla, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side on Thursday, March 12, 2015. Ben was preceded in death by his wife, Avelina Castañeda; son, Paul Castaneda; and grandson Ray Martinez. Uncle Ben, as all his friends referred to him, was an avid golfer. He also loved gardening, leather work, cooking, and reading. Ben started his military career at the age of 17. He retired after 29 years of service with the U. S. Army as a Sergeant Major. Ben was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Ben is survived by his children, Ben Frank Castañeda and wife Janet of San Carlos, CA, Becky Olivas and husband Jake of La Mesilla, NM, Danny Castañeda and wife Vici of La Mesilla, NM and Mary Balzer and husband Jay of Boulder, CO; daughter-in-law, Candie Castañeda of Espanola; sister, Nela Ortiz Y Pino and husband Joe of Galisteo, NM, and his cat and best friend Dixie, plus numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank all of his caregivers that tended to him for the past two years especially Martha Meza, Maria Jimenez, Carmen DeAlba, Juana Ronzon and visiting nurse Becky Gurule-Lovato. CHEERS! Services with military honors will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. with a Reception to follow. The family of Ben Castañeda has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.\r\n

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