Ernie Clifford Gallegos

It is with deep sadness to announce the unexpected death of Ernie Clifford Gallegos, 81, was a resident of Espanola, NM and was returned to the Lord on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Ernie was born and raised in Comanche Canyon, New Mexico on December 17, 1942, had lived in Espanola for the past 50 years with his family, and enjoyed 51 wonderful years of marriage to Mary Louise Gallegos. He is survived by his children; Ernesto Gallegos (Angelica Gutierrez), Dawn Gallegos-Vigil (Patrick Vigil), and Andrew Gallegos (wife Jessica Gallegos), grandchildren; Chyanne Gallegos, Caleb Vigil, Aidan and Jacob Gallegos, and great grandchildren Nicholas, Lucas, and Autumn, brothers Glen and Ruben, and sisters Mary Lopez, Gloria Garcia, and Judy Gallegos and numerous other nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Louise (Mamma Lou) Gallegos, mother Sara Tafoya, father Hipolito Gallegos, sister Evelyn Martinez.

 Ernie was a caring and generous husband and father who enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and being in the mountains. His friends and family knew him as a selfless person who would drop what he was doing to lend a hand. He also was a jack-of-all trades builder and an engineer, who worked with Los Alamos County for almost 25 years until he retired in 1993. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, traveling with his wife to Las Vegas, Nevada, camping and fishing in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico and Creede Colorado and telling the same stories over and over around the campfire. Everyone who knew him will deeply miss his jokes, laughter, and unforgettable smirk and now is with is beloved Mary Lou in heaven to whom he is telling the same jokes and stories. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, well wishes, and friendship.

Public visitation will begin on Monday January 6th at 5:00 p.m. at Devargas Funeral Home and a rosary to follow. Mass to follow on Tuesday January 7th at 10:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada in Santa Cruz.

The family of Ernie C. Gallegos has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.