Elma Bal

Elma Bal, 91, of Chimayo and Fairview, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in the arms of her family on Wednesday, December 2, 2015.  Elma was known by countless people as the long time proprietor of El Potrero Trading Post next to El Santuario de Chimayo, New Mexico.
Elma was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bal, her youngest son Frank Bal, her parents, Ildefonsa (Alfonsa) and José Manuel Vigil, her brothers Modesto Vigil and Orlando Vigil and his wife Isabel, as well as her brother-in-law Seledon Martinez, all from Chimayo. Elma is survived by her children Priscilla and husband Ben Martinez of Cordova, Vikki and husband Loren Tejada of Nambe, Raymond Bal and his wife Elizabeth Kay who live near Chimayo, her sister Josephine Martinez and a special niece, Valerie Martinez of Chimayo. Elma is survived by three grandchildren; Adrian Martinez and partner Katie of Albuquerque, Andrea Martinez and partner Luis of Fairview, and Benito Martinez and Jessica Retzlaff and their two children Estevan and Andres Martinez of El Guique, as well as numerous friends and relatives. Donations in memory of Elma Bal can be made to the Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association. Public visitation will begin on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 7, 2015 10:30 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada, with a burial to follow 12:45 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, with the following serving the family as pallbearers Benito Martinez Jr., David Vigil, Danny Vigil, Seledon Martinez Jr., Adrian Martinez and Mark Trujillo. The family of Elma Bal has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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