Matthew "Bear" Robert - Age 53 - He Maestas

Matthew “Bear” Robert Maestas 53, a lifelong resident of his beloved community of Hernandez passed away on December 10, 2012. He was born on August 22, 1959, in Española to the late Joe L. and Stella R. Maestas. He was a graduate of Española High School and the New Mexico Highlands University. He was a former employee of Rio Arriba County, the state of New Mexico including the State Legislature that he especially enjoyed. He was a member of the Victory Outreach Church and was always appreciative of their support. Matthew loved his son and family. He loved politics and especially cherished the final months before an election; he truly enjoyed every aspect of campaigning. He was a people person. He liked eating “carne seca,” green apricots, and reading the sports page of the newspaper. He was an avid sports fan. He loved small animals, especially cats, and would not hesitate to pick up stray animals. He was preceded in death by two brothers Lloyd and Walter, a nephew Joey, grandparents, Luis and Adela Maestas of Hernandez and Silviano and Aniceta Roybal of El Duende. Matthew is survived by his son, Jose Luis; mother of his child, Lavina Maestas; sisters Annette and husband Juan Garcia and Cindy and husband Leroy Salazar; brother, Kenny and wife Annette Maestas; nieces, Angelica, Joanie, Consuelo, Mariah, Allison and Jacqueline; nephew, Anthony; great nephews, Jayz and Nehemiah; great niece, Azariah and many relatives and friends. Services are pending at this time. Please contact the funeral home for more information. Memorial donations may be made to the Española Valley Humane Society, 108 Hamm Parkway, Española, NM 87532. The family of Matthew “Bear” Robert Maestas has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

---