Donald Archuleta

Donald T. Archuleta, 70, a resident of Rio Chama, NM, born on August 26, 1946, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 26, 2016 surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness. .  Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Antonia Madrid; grandfather, who raised him, Severo Archuleta; nephews, Emilio Gonzales, Leroy (Smokey) Gonzales, and great-nephew, Eric Romero; niece, Beverly Trujillo; brother-in-law, Manuel R. Maestas; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He bravely fought to live for 3 long years and as the end neared he worried not for himself, but for those he would leave behind.  Donald was a muscle car enthusiast; he loved the drag races, and the yearly Super Chevy Show and swap meet. Donald is survived by his wife of 47 years, Helen; daughter, Yvette and husband George Valdez, and their children, Kristin, Brianna, Valerie, and George, of Alcalde, and step-granddaughters Candyce and Shayna; daughter, Diane Archuleta and Mike Martinez, and their children, James and Jacob; granddaughter Tiffany Trujillo and companion AJ; son, Donald Archuleta Jr (DJ), and daughter, Denise, all of Rio Chama.  Brothers, Toby and Elizida Gonzales and Lee Madrid of Albuquerque; Emilio Gonzales, and Benjie Madrid of Medenales; mother-in-law Vitalia Maestas, of Albuquerque; father-in-law Manuel J. Maestas of Rio Chama; sisters-in-law, Vickie and Archie Maestas of Rio Chama, Mary and Aurelio Trujillo, of Santa Fe, Cathy and Antonio Guerrero of Albuquerque; brother-in-Law, Larry and Sandra Maestas of Rio Chama; God-sons, Jose Suazo, Bryan Gurule, James and Jacob; God-daughters,  Phyllis Montano and Sonia Trujillo; family friend and caregiver, Gloria Webb and son, Brenden; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.  The family would also like to recognize and thank the staff at Amber care, especially Daniel Molina and Julian Morales, nursing aides, who provided daily support during the past year. Public visitation will begin on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Memorial mass will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Abiquiu, with a burial to follow at Medanales Catholic Cemetery. The family of Donald T. 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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