Elias Atencio

On December 8, 2016, our family suffered one of our greatest losses.  Elias Atencio, 76, a resident of Dixon and formerly of Leadville, Colorado lost a courageous battle with cancer.  Elias was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.  He loved his family dearly, and was known for his love of growing his own vegetables and fruit trees, and never hesitated to share with family, friends and anyone who expressed interest.  Prior to his illness, he was meticulous about the upkeep of his beautiful property.  He was a hard worker and took pride in anything he did.  Most days, he could be seen weeding his property, or cutting the grass in his yard.  Elias applied the same work ethic while performing his job as a grounds laborer until his retirement from the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Elias was preceded in death by his parents Anastasio and Bersabe Atencio (Martinez), his wife Helen Sanchez Atencio, daughter’s Bernadette and Annette Atencio, and his son Richard Atencio.  He is survived by his son Ronnie Atencio, grandchildren Michael and Angela Atencio all of Dixon.  Brothers Gabriel Atencio (Tessie) of Espanola, Eugene Atencio of Rio Rancho and Tony Atencio of Las Vegas, NM.  Aunts Ida Apodaca of Albuquerque, Bernice Martinez of Utah.  Nieces and nephews, Debbie, Gabriel, Roger, Floyd, Eugene, Rose and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.  Elias will be missed by all who knew loved him, and leaves behind many wonderful memories, and friends, including his best friend, Mauricio Sanchez, and his former-daughter in law, Cindy Atencio. A Memorial service will be celebrated on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. The family of Elias Atencio has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

---