Frank “Fred” Archuleta

Frank “Fred” Levi Archuleta 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Frank “Fred” Levi Archuleta, 73, of Ranchitos, New Mexico. Fred passed away on September 7, 2024, surrounded by family.

Our family is beyond heartbroken for the loss of Fred. He was the strongest man we knew; he did not lose his battle, but rather inspired so many of us with his outlook in life and his way of living… he lived with faith, love, and humility for God and lived with dignity and courage until the end.

Fred was born in Santa Fe, NM on July 19, 1951 to the late Pedro and Beatrice Archuleta of El Rito, NM. He attended school in El Rito and was part of the first graduating class of Mesa Vista High School in 1970. Fred was drawn to New Mexico Highlands University where his many siblings attended college; he earned his bachelor degrees in both Industrial Arts and Machine Technology. He then worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory where he retired after a 38-year career.

He married the love of his life Jeanette Vigil on February 17, 1973. They met while Jeanette was attending nursing school in El Rito; they spent 51 cherished years of love and commitment to each other. Together they built their family home and raised their three children, Albinita, Amanda, and Francisco “Cisco”. Ranchitos (Espanola) was the perfect location for Fred; he traveled between Los Alamos, El Rito, and Medanales in order to balance work, family, and ranch life. Fred, a fourth-generation rancher, had the upmost respect for animals, land, and natural resources. He lived a simple and traditional life. He enjoyed spending time with family and had a strong passion for researching and documenting his Archuleta family lineage. 

Fred was our family’s oak tree, our strength, our stability. His love, patience, understanding, and infinite wisdom will forever be cherished. He has given us gifts that are more precious than anything in this world. 

He will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He made a significant impression and impact in many people’s lives with his genuine kindness and he will live forever in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Amanda Archuleta; parents, Pedro and Beatrice Archuleta; In-laws Toby and Angie Salas; sisters, June Archuleta and Charlene Martinez; brothers, Pete Archuleta Jr. and Hilbert Archuleta; brothers-in-law, Joe Lopez, James Lovato, J.R. Derby, Joe Salas, Jerry Salas, Ted Salas; nephews, Glenn Archuleta, Jacob Salas, Von Vigil; niece, Erin Vigil and other special loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; children: Albinita (Jose)Romero and Francisco (Christina) Archuleta. grandchildren: Amanda (Luke) Mahar, Isaac Romero, Michelle (Josh) Casias, Dominic Romero, Santiago (Katie) Garcia, Santanna Garcia, Kristianna Archuleta, and Baby Archuleta; Great grandchildren: Eli and Mia Casias, Aria Romero and special great-granddaughter, Madelyn Mahar; Brothers/sisters: Celerino (Marjorie) Archuleta, Marie Lopez, Gladys (John) Archuleta, Peter (Pearl) Archuleta, Lucy Archuleta, Marylyn (Juan) Baca, Isadora (Steve) Archuleta, Louie (Carol) Martinez. Brother/sister in-laws: John Vigil, Billie Salas, Jimmy (Debbie)Salas, Cathy (Terry) Peterson, Elaine (Martin) Horvath, Debbie Salas, Louise (Gary) Fissel; and other special loved ones; God children: Dominic Martinez, Toby Salas, and Mia Salas.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the continuous outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. 

Public visitation will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. 

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada, with burial to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers are Isaac Romero, Santiago Garcia, Steve Archuleta, Rusty Guillen, Louie Martinez, Jerry Romero, Felipe Martinez and Rubel Baldonado.

The family of Frank “Fred” Archuleta has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley 505 747-7477.   www.devargasfuneral.com