Albuquerque Journal Obituaries (2024)

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THOMPSON -- Lucy Marie Thompson, 57, born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico most of her adult life and a recent resident of Augusta, Georgia where she died on Thursday, December 11, 2008 as a result of a tragic automobile crash. She is survived by her mother, Alice Thompson; her sisters, Berta Thompson, Judy Fifield (John) and Lorrie Stepetic (Tim); nephew, Jason Fifield; nieces, Jennifer Fifield, Kelly and Jamie Stepetic; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her very much also survive Lucy. Lucy is survived by her partner, Daniel Nichols of Augusta, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Thompson. While living in Albuquerque, Lucy was a long time staff member of the University of New Mexico Hospital, as secretary of the pediatric cardiology department where she coordinated the outreach program throughout New Mexico, coordinated the applications of medical students applying for pediatric residency training, and as chief pediatric residency coordinator. She touched the lives of many pediatric doctors in New Mexico. Lucy also worked at Southwest Medical Associates for many years. In Augusta, Lucy was employed by Medical Computer Billing Services. Lucy loved animals - especially cats. She was active in the New Mexico Zoological Society as a member of the parent committee, membership committee, as well as a board member and past chair of Saturday Night Wild. She was a zoo docent and docent trainer. Lucy was involved with the annual ZooBoo event, including organizing the inaugural event in 1990. She also volunteered at Pete's Playground with the University of New Mexico Hospital, specifically with the animal therapy program. Lucy's love for hot air balloons begin in the early 1970's and continued through almost every International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta until 2007, as well as events in Georgia. She was always ready for a hot air balloon ride and loved being part of the chase crew. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church, 1801 Montano NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Internment will take place at a later date at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico, 615 Virginia SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87108; the New Mexico Zoological Society, 400 Marquette Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102; UNM Children's Hospital for Pete's Playground, 700 Lomas NE - Two Woodard Center, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87102; or Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Lucy loved life and lived life to the fullest. She had a heart of gold, helped anyone in need, and was the life of any party. She brought so much joy and laughter to everyone's life. Lucy will be terribly missed by her family and her many, many friends. Anything good that Lucy gave to you is yours forever.
Published on: Sat December 20, 2008

KITE -- Roger Wayne Kite, age 62, was lifted up to heaven to join our Lord on Saturday, December 6, 2008. His recent illness brought him back to Albuquerque to be close to family and friends. He was born on December 2, 1946. The second son of John and Elfrieda Kite of Hutchinson, Kansas. Roger spent his early childhood in Kansas. Later on his family settled in New Mexico. In 1965 Roger's focus took a new purpose. It started with a letter of love, one of many he wrote to Diana, his wife to be. Their lives were forever changed. God's plan brought them together in Holy Matrimony August 26, 1967. Roger became a loving and devoted husband to his wife Diana. Together they shared the blessings of two inspiring sons, Kristofor Justin Kite and Roger Wayne Kite II. The family grew as Kristofor married Karen and before long grandson Preston was born. Roger, now became a g-dad (or grand-dad) resulting in many moments of continued joy. Being a quiet man, Roger demonstrated his devotion to his family through action, always steadfast and working hard to improve their lives. During the Vietnam War, Roger served honorably in the U.S. Navy. He was primarily stationed at the Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii which led to a lifelong enthusiasm for our 50th state. He and his family returned many times for the beauty, relaxation and peace of mind the islands provided. After leaving the Navy, Roger attended the University of New Mexico pursuing an accounting and business major. While attending UNM he became an avid Lobo enthusiast enjoying the many sporting events with friends and family. His academic accomplishments were key in two family businesses: F&S and Kite Optical. His business acumen and impeccable work ethic made valuable contributions important in each business success. For the past nine years, Roger was the general manager for American Promotional Events in Tulsa Oklahoma. He met all challenges with zeal and determination. His vast experience has always been acknowledged by his colleagues. He kept abreast with every phase related to his occupation. Roger was an active member of the Albuquerque Jaycee where he served on the board and volunteered man hours of service. Side by side, he supported his sons. It began in the early days of Indian Guides, The Boys and Girls Club and continued with team sports of several youth organizations. This set the stage that led to their numerous high school games and tournaments. He was their biggest fan! Roger took special pride in his sons' character development and with a gentle hand guided them in their many endeavors. Roger undeniably became their ultimate role model. During his rare leisure time he pursued an interest in scuba diving, snorkeling and snow skiing. He found contentment in nature. There was no project too difficult or intricate for him to take on. His garage workshop was always well designed and organized. Roger's unique talent in handyman tasks made him the consummate "Mr. Fixit!" Roger's family members include; wife, Diana, 2 sons, Kristofor (Karen), Roger II and 1 grandchild, Preston. His brothers, John (Peggy) Kite of Albuquerque, Ken Kite of Las Vegas, Nevada, Lindsey (Alyson) Kite of Albuquerque and Kelly Kite of Canon City, Colorado; sister Tamara Kite (Martin Richardson) of Huntsville, Alabama; Brother-in-law, Ken (Sharon) Delfeld of Albuquerque; Grandmother, Lois Delfeld of Chino Valley, Arizona; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Roger also enjoyed and loved the many caring friends, all their chuckles of laughter and ongoing inspiration was sincerely heartfelt. Services will be held at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd Chapel on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers Memorial Donations be made to Vista Care Hospice Foundation, 601 Martin Luther King Blvd. , Albuquerque, NM 87102 www.vistacare.com. Please visit our online guestbook for Roger at RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
Published on: Tue December 09, 2008

COBURN -- Haskell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, went to be with his Lord on November 18, 2008. Haskell was born on August 14, 1918 in Nacogdoches, TX. He attended Stephen F. Austin College but, prior to completion, he joined the Marine Corps in 1939. After basic training in San Diego, he was assigned as a radio-telephone operator. During one of his training events he was injured but refused a medical discharge because he was, in his words, a "gung-ho" Marine. Haskell was stationed on Midway during the Battle of Midway, one of the pivotal battles of the war in the Pacific. He returned stateside where he met and married the love of his life, Onnie Chavez, on December 4, 1943. Discharged from active duty in November 1945 as a Lieutenant, he continued in the USMC Reserves, retiring with the rank of Major. After the war, he and Onnie returned to Texas, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. He then entered into a career as a geophysicist with Shell Oil Company which spanned 35 years. He was very active in the Catholic Church and installed as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus in Spring, Texas. Haskell and Onnie were married for almost 65 years. Most of those years were spent in Texas, but they moved to Albuquerque in 2005 where they resided until their deaths. Onnie preceded Haskell in death by two short months. He leaves behind his children: James Coburn (Corpus Christi, TX); Cecilia and husband Jerry L. Perry (Dallas, TX); Jeannette Coburn (Napa, CA); John Coburn and wife Robin (Altascadero, CA); Robert Coburn and wife June (Tijeras, NM); Dennis Coburn and wife Barbara (Tomball, TX); Rita Rice and husband Brent (Albuquerque, NM); plus 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held Friday, November 21, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122 with a viewing before services. Interment will be after the services at 2:30 PM at Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Disabled American Veterans or the Catholic Relief Society. Arrangements are in care of: RIVERSIDE FUNERAL HOME OF ALBUQUERQUE 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE 764-9663
Published on: Thu November 20, 2008

FORSBERG -- Jean Forsberg, long time resident of Rio Rancho, died October 29, 2008, three weeks after celebrating her 90th birthday. Jean was born October 8, 1918, in Milwaukee, WI, where she married Howard Forsberg in 1941. During the next 61 years, the couple lived in Chicago, Tucson, AZ, Pasadena, CA, and Westport, CT. In 1977, they moved West again, settling in Rio Rancho, NM. Jean was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom who began working outside the home when her daughters were grown. She worked for the Famous Artists School in Westport for ten years, and for the City Clerk's Office in Albuquerque until her retirement in 1988. Throughout their marriage, Jean was a valued critic of the commercial illustrations and western art painted by Howard, and she served as a model for much of his work. Jean volunteered for three years with Meals on Wheels. She was also a devoted weekly volunteer at The Storehouse from 1997 through 2007. She was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Paradise Hills for 30 years, giving her time and talents to W-ELCA, the women's organization of the church. Jean loved flowers and gardening, cooking, and advising her family on the latest health tips from the many medical sources to which she subscribed. She maintained and promoted a healthy lifestyle, practicing yoga and playing golf into her seventies. She was a voracious reader and was passionate about politics and following current events. Jean was beloved by her family as a woman of faith, intelligence and spirit. Her sunny smile and good humor could be counted on in any situation. She will always be remembered as a wonderful wife and mother. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Jean was preceded in death by Howard in 2002 and by their daughter, Nancy, in 1983. Jean is survived by her daughters Karen Benke and Julie Forsberg, son-in-law, Richard Benke, all of Rio Rancho; grandchildren Richard Kuntz and wife Amy of Bernalillo; Gregory Kuntz and wife Kim of Genoa, NV; and Kathy Kuntz of Santa Ynez, CA. Great-grandchildren Sanova Lorenzo Kuntz of Albuquerque and Bruce and Connor Kuntz of Genoa, NV, also survive her. A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 4800 All Saints Road NW, on November 14, 2008 at 11 a.m. Private interment will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to The Storehouse, 106 Broadway Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, 87102.
Published on: Sun November 09, 2008

KEKICH -- Mitchell (Mike) George Kekich, went peacefully to our Lord on Thursday, November 6, 2008. He was born on February 4, 1927, in Butte, Montana, the son of George and Thelma Kekich. Mike was a larger than life individual, where he touched so many lives by being a sailor, teacher, coach, mentor, friend, world traveler, wonderful father and husband. Raised in the mountain back country of Western Montana; his surroundings included cowboys, lumberjacks, and attending and living in a one room log cabin school house, where his mother was the teacher. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 where his first tour of duty during World War II, was on the USS Medussa. He saw South Pacific action and was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign and the American Campaign Medals. After mustering out, he enrolled in the University of Montana for studies in Education from 1945 until his graduation in 1951. He re-enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Stephen Potter, where he had stations in Cuba, England, and the Mediterranean. Mike began his first teaching job in 1951, in Browning, Montana, on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation. He adopted some of the local culture when teaching and coaching and was highly respected in the Indian nation. He left Browning in 1954 to start a new teaching career in California. Traveling to Mojave, California, Kekich, Kuster and Kelly (The 3 K's) brought music, athletics and a new administration to a small high school in the desert, north of Los Angeles. As the Athletic Director and the coach of the football and baseball teams, Mike brought new standards and standings to the athletic programs of Mojave High School. This endeavor, however, was no greater than his passion for teaching history. Always a favorite to his history students, he made them feel as though they were truly engaged in historical events and far away geographical places. After eight inspiring and exciting years in Mojave, Mike and his family moved to the big cities of the Los Angeles basin. He began teaching and coaching at Bellflower High School. From 1962 through 1986, besides maintaining his standards for educational excellence; Mike achieved numerous athletic successes and sincere gratification with a number of his players ascending to the ranks of professionals. Relationships made during all of his years of teaching and coaching have been maintained to the time of his passing. Throughout his life, Mike was associated with, contributed to and cared about numerous issues, organizations and causes. Finding the religion of his ancestral heritage mid-life, he became very active with the Serbian Orthodox Church, belonging to St. Peter of Cetinje Church in Los Angeles, CA, and directing the Children's Serbian Youth Camp, in Jackson, California. He directed and counseled the children of the St. Sava Serbian Camp for eleven years. Other organizations include but not limited to, the Elk's Club and American Legion Posts in several states. Favorite organizations for contributions were Boy Scouts of America, the NRA, the Salvation Army, and a few others he supported for many years. Coinciding with his love of history and geography, his hobby was world travel. He and wife, Betsy, occasionally joined by family and friends, saw the world by cruise ship, guided tours, and individually sought destinations. In all, they traveled to 52 different countries around the globe. Fortunately, though late in life, a trip to Montenegro allowed them the discovery of unknown relatives and places of ancestral history. As a highlight of their travels, he was able to open and establish new avenues of communication for the whole Kekich family. Since 2005, Mike and Betsy have attended the USS Stephen Potter's Naval Reunions, most recently they were together in September of this year in Buffalo, NY. Other reunions were held in Branson, San Francisco, and Savannah. This indeed has been a great comfort in being able to reunite with shipmates of the "Greatest Generation". Mike was preceded in death by his father, George; mother, Thelma; his sister, Jean; and his granddaughter, Amanda K. Kekich. Mike is survived by his wife, Betsy Kekich of Albuquerque, NM; his sons, Michael Kekich and wife, Michelle of Albuquerque, NM, Brian Kekich and wife, Janet of Missoula, MT, Steven Kekich and wife, Nanette of Buena Park, CA; daughters, Kim Milosevich of Rio Rancho, NM, Denise Meek and husband, Jim of Rio Rancho, NM; grandchildren, Kristen Kekich of San Francisco, CA, Stacey Smith and husband, Mike of Missoula, MT, Reagen Dearstone and husband, Larry of Dubuque, IA, Morgan Nichole Kekich of Albuquerque, NM, Risto Milosevich of Rio Rancho, NM, Jake Brown of Phoenix, AZ, and Jovan Milosevich of Rio Rancho, NM; great- grandchildren, Kathrine Leddy, Nathaniel Smith, Adrienne Leddy, Timothy Smith, Ivy Dearstone, and Toby Dearstone; other surviving relatives include niece, Anita Berns of Parker, AZ; and her children, Danny and Rhonda and their families. Mike is also survived by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews of various locations throughout England, and the surviving family members in Montenegro. Flowers or contributions may be sent to: Amanda Kekich Memorial Children's Fund,112 Rolling Green Place,Missoula, MT 59803, All Saints of North America Orthodox Church, 10440 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87114, or Boy Scouts of America Great Southwest Council, 5841 Office Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109, http://www.gswcbsa.org. A Visitation will be held Friday, November 14, 2008, at 10:00 AM with the Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM; both will be held at Daniels Family Funeral Services- Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE. Interment will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Funeral Services are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 505-892-9920 www.danielsfuneral.com
Published on: Sun November 09, 2008

SWIGERT -- Robert (Bob) George Swigert, a resident of Rio Rancho, NM died November 3, 2008 after a six month battle with cancer. He was born September 11, 1934 in Detroit, MI to Clarence and Frieda Swigert. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Serena, having recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 25, 2008. Mr. Swigert attended Valparaiso University with a degree in Electronics Engineering. He also attended the M.D. Anderson School of Business at the University of New Mexico. His work as an electronics engineer took him to Michigan, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Montana and Oregon. He was an Air Force veteran having served at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts and Burns Radar Base in Burns, Oregon. It was in Oregon that he met and married the love his life, Serena Davis, daughter of Oscar and Irene Davis of Burns. Bob held a license in amateur radio and was a member of the American Radio Relay League starting in 1955. He was past president of the High Desert Amateur Radio Club and participated in the Special Events station at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Bob is also survived by his son, Robert Scott of Apache Junction, AZ; daughter, Lt. Kendra A. Carter of the US Public Health Corps in Kirtland, NM; two granddaughters, Lindsay Swigert and Kathryn Carter; two grandsons, Matthew Scott Swigert and Merle Robert Carter; and sister, Marie A. Swigert. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Bob's name be sent to Rio Rancho Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 4210 Sabana Grande SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. If you wish to do so, you may send condolences to the family at www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Rd. SE Rio Rancho, NM 505-892-9920
Published on: Wed November 05, 2008

HURLBUT-MILLER -- Jana Hurlbut-Miller, MD, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2008 after battling cancer for over six years. She died at her new home in Salt Lake City, UT at the age of 38. Born June 2, 1970 in Washington state, Jana then grew up in Albuquerque, NM. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After working in commercial real estate, she realized her true gift was in helping people. She was accepted into medical school at the University of Massachusetts, and graduated in 2001. She married her medical school sweetheart of four years shortly before graduation. They then moved to Houston, TX for residency training, she in family practice and he in ophthalmology. In spite of multiple major surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, Jana completed her residency and worked as a professor for two years at the University of Texas Medical School. She also traveled extensively, studied ceramics and photography, and became a talented potter. She did volunteer work with the Junior League of America, and participated in many charitable events. Jana is the beloved wife of Peter Hurlbut-Miller; and treasured daughter of Bruce Miller, Estelle Miller, and step-mother Jill Miller. She leaves behind siblings Joshua, Seth, and Tamara, as well as countless close friends. Jana's bravery, strength and positive outlook on life has been an inspiration to everyone who had the good fortune to know her. A Memorial will be held for her in Sandia Park, NM on November 1, 2008 at 4:00. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the University of Massachusetts Memorial Foundation, 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
Published on: Sun October 19, 2008

JURCHAK -- Marjorie Dee "Marge" (Gould, Fischer) Jurchak, of The Meridian, Temple, TX went to be with the Lord on September 17, 2008. She was born to Ralph E. and Ethel Dee Gould on September 20, 1923, in Gary, IN. She was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church in Berwyn, IL. She graduated from high school in Pana, IL. In high school, Marge participated in plays and musicals. She loved to swim, being taught to swim along with her sisters, by their father. Marge's dad also arranged music for his daughters which they performed at athletic events while being accompanied by their mother on the piano. The sisters also sang in the church choir. Marge was employed by Tellepsen Construction Company, in Houston, TX. She served as Office Manager for many years until retiring to unite in marriage with Stanley H. Jurchak. They were married on July 24, 1959 in Boulder, CO. Marge and Stanley moved to Sun City, TX after Stanley retired from AG, Inc in Albuquerque, NM (1975-1996) (where they were active members of Tanoan) to be closer to his family in Texas. Marge was a longtime member of the Sun City Georgettes and she and Stanley were avid golfers and enjoyed their time together square dancing and traveling. In addition to her husband, Marge is survived by her daughter, Diane Fischer, of Albuquerque, NM; her sisters Martha Beard of Baytown, TX, and Genevieve Michael, of Longmont, CO; her sister-in-law Gladys Oakley of Bellville, TX; and her brother-in-law Jay C. Buenger of Industry, TX; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Patricia Gallup; and her son Maurice David Fischer. The family wishes to express special thanks to her dear friend, Pet Stueck, of Temple, and to her many caregivers at The Meridian and at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, TX. In lieu of usual remembrance, memorial gifts may be given to the Welcome Lutheran Church, 13636 FM 109. Brenham, Texas 77833; The Worship Place, 811 Sun City Blvd., Georgetown, Texas 78633; or to a charity of your choice. A Memorial Service was held at the Worship Place in Sun City, Georgetown, TX on September 21, 2008 and later at the Welcome Lutheran Church in Welcome, TX on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
Published on: Sun October 19, 2008

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