Lucas Orlando Trujillo Sr.

Lucas O. Trujillo Sr., of El Rito, NM, was called home with the Lord on December 9, 2024, at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 8, 1939, to Victor and Eliza Trujillo.

Lucas attended high school at El Rito Normal School where he played football and ran track. Here, he became interested in the teaching profession, which he further pursued at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM where he met the love of his life, Jesucita Montoya, his wife of 63 years. 

Lucas went on to teach first at the Normal School in El Rito, then at Mesa Vista High School in Ojo Caliente, where he taught for almost 30 years. He poured his heart and soul into his vocation. He took the responsibility of educating future generations of northern New Mexicans seriously and taught his students to take pride in their history and their language. Lucas was an invaluable resource on local history and would generously give his time to share his knowledge. The saying “When an Elder dies, a library burns to the ground” is an apt description of the service Lucas provided to his community.

Throughout his career and retirement, his students made it a point to let him know he was their favorite teacher, and that ultimately, he helped them become the best versions of themselves.

Lucas’s other passion was ranching and gardening, which he learned working alongside his family, but most especially from his grandmother, Mama Lela. He also enjoyed spending time with loved ones enjoying the great outdoors, whether that be hunting, fishing, or camping. 

Preceded in joining the Lord: mother and father, Victor and Eliza Trujillo; brothers, Norberto and Mike Trujillo; sister, Aurelia (Zack); and granddaughter, Veronica Nicole Trujillo. 

He is survived by his wife Jesucita Trujillo; daughter Amanda Trujillo; son Lucas Orlando Trujillo, Jr. and wife Debbie; daughter Eva Sanchez and husband Francisco; sisters Ermelinda Romero (Manual) and Presciliana Schafer (Jim); his grandchildren Andres, Marcos, Jonathan, Francisco, Elicia, Amelia, Alejandro, and Santana; great-granddaughter Estrella Skye; and many special in-laws (Delia Trujillo, Josie Trujillo, and Estella Torrez), nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

 The family wishes to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to Gedeon Santos and Danny Baldonado for their unwavering support and compassion while caring for Lucas daily for the past several years.

In place of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at: act.alz.org

A Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 6:00 pm, with Rosary to follow at 7:00 pm at the El Rito Catholic Church.  Mass will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:00 am at the El Rito Catholic Church.  A Private Burial will take place at a later date.

The family of Lucas Trujillo has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   www.devargasfuneral.com   505-747-7477