Joe Archuleta

Joe Matias Archuleta, 92, of Truchas and Espanola New Mexico, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 14th, 2024. 

Joe Matias Archuleta was born in Truchas, New Mexico to Primitivo and Rebecca Archuleta on April 12th, 1931. Joe was the fourth child out of eleven. He deeply loved his parents and all of his siblings, and they loved him back. 

Joe attended and graduated from Menaul Boarding School in 1949.  He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After his time in the service, Joe graduated from Highlands University with a Masters degree in teaching and education. He had a passion for teaching and he did so for 36 years. 

Joe was married to the love of his life, Josie Archuleta, on August 20th, 1955. Together they had five beautiful children, Ivan, Allen, Debbie, Jacquline, and Joey Archuleta. 

Joe Matias Archuleta is preceded in death by his parents, Primitivo and Rebecca Archuleta, sisters Olivama Martinez, Genevieve Noland, Frutosa Lopez, and Erma Fernandez. His brother Nelson Archuleta, and his beloved daughter Jacquline Archuleta. 

He is survived by his wife, Josie Archuleta, his siblings Alex and Ruby Archuleta, Louise and Arthur Jiron, Diana Archuleta, Lydia and Ralph Riley and Sammy Archuleta. Also by his children, Ivan and Allen Archuleta, Debbie and Sammy Martinez, and Joey Archuleta. His in-laws, Alfonso and Pearl Archuleta, Pia Martinez, Eva Archuleta, and Connie Martinez. Joe is also survived by his ten grandchildren, Nicole and Lucas Archuleta, Shaun Suazo, Michelle and Mario Romero, Leanne and Joey Valdez, Jenny and James Salazar, Jacob and Jenay Martinez, Shane Archuleta(Mariah), Jaclyn Archuleta(Tristan), and Jamie Archuleta(Antonio). Along with his 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

The Family of Joe Matias Archuleta would like to express their gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who assisted Joe in his final weeks on this earth. Especially his sister and brother-in-law, Lydia and Ralph Riley, Louise Jiron, Diane Archuleta, who took the time to visit him and spend time with him when he was in the care of doctors. 

Public Visitation will be held at 12:30 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM. Rosary will be at 1:00 p.m. Mass will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 9:30 am at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

Serving as pallbearers are: Lucas Archuleta, Jacob Martinez, Shane Archuleta, James Salazar, Shaun Suazo and Joey Valdez. 

Honorary pallbearers are: Rudy Vialpando and John Paul Archuleta.