Johnny Maestas

Johnny R. Maestas, 81, a resident of Albuquerque and formerly of Chamita, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 14, 2015. Johnny is preceded in death by his wife, Mercedes Maestas; parents, Felipe and Julianita Maestas, granddaughter, Angela Konitzer; brothers and sisters, Benito Maestas, Henry Maestas, Charlotte Velasquez, and Santiago Maestas. Johnny loved and lived his Catholic Faith in every aspect of his life. He was a Euchristic Minister, Parish Council Member, a Lector, Choir member, Knights of Columbus 4th degree, Cursillo member at San Juan Parish. He loved dancing, farming, and basketball and was a people person. Johnny is survived by his children, Jeanette Maestas and husband David of Albuquerque, Debbie Maestas-Traynor and husband Randy of Albuquerque, Lynda Klein and husband Christopher of Sacramento, CA, Marquita Baca and husband Andrew of  Albuquerque; grandchildren, Stephanie and Albert Madrid, Kimberly and Francisco Baros, Joshua and Dominic Maestas, Jacqueline and Jon Garcia, Mariah and Brandon Sanchez, step-grandchildren, Zachary, Jordan and Kyle Traynor, Pilar and Roman Baca, great-grandchildren, Isabella and Andres Baros, Nathaniel Madrid and Dominique Garcia; sisters, Polly Tainter of Chili, Elvera Gienzentanner of Española, and Terry Espinoza of Chamita, and numerous nieces nephews and other loving relatives and friends.  The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to the staff and caregivers at La Vida Llena Assisted Living and Ambercare Hospice in Albuquerque for the loving care and support they provided to Johnny and his daughters and extended family.  We could have not gotten through this without you.  Public visitation will begin on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh. Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque. Serving the family as pallbearers will be David Maestas, Randy Traynor, Christopher Klein, Andrew Baca, Carl Sanchez, and Joshua Maestas, honorary pallbearers named are Dominic Maestas, Kimberly Baros, Stephanie Madrid, Jacqueline Garcia, Mariah Sanchez, and Brandon Sanchez. The family of Johnny R. Maestas has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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