Utilia “Tillie” Arellano

Utilia “Tillie” Arellano, 86, was born September 10, 1922 in Los Luceros and passed away on Monday November 24, 2008 following a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Adolfo Arellano Sr.; parents, Benjamin and Senaida Vigil; sister, Rufina Salazar and her husband Leandro and brother; Adan Vigil and his wife Susie. Tillie was a welder and riveter for the shipyards in Oakland, Calif. She worked as a cook at the Española Hospital and for the Española School District where she retired from after many years of service. Many of the students, now grown, remember her kindness, big loving heart and will be fondly remembered for the extra bread and cookies she lovingly served the children. Tillie, together with her husband Adolfo Sr., operated the Los Luceros horse track for a number of years and had a passion for gardening and loved flowers. Mrs. Arellano is survived by her daughter, Dollie Vigil and husband Duane; two grandsons; Juan-Antonio Vigil and Francisco Vigil. Sister, Toni Alarid and husband Fidel; step-children, Adolfo, Estevan, Arnold, Nelson and Bialquin Arellano, Alice Arellano, Elsie Kinsey, Sally Finney and Tomasita Mercer  and numerous other relatives and friends. Public visitation will begin on Wed. Nov. 26, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will again be held on Friday Nov. 28, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.  also at DeVargas Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday Nov. 28, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the San Juan Catholic Church with burial to follow in the La Villita Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be; Juan-Antonio Vigil, Francisco Vigil, Geraldine Sanchez, Michael Sepulveda, Johnny Fresquez and Darren Cruz. Honorary pallbearers named; Pamela Rodriguez, Aldolfo Arellano Jr., Maria de La Luz Leyba, Kelly Ortiz, Cordy Sandoval. The Vigil family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com