Changing Destiny
Española Valley is a beautiful place to live and have your family enjoying the blessed multi-cultural and diverse population.
This beauty has been changing...
Española Valley High School Coach Gilbert Sandoval has high hopes for Jazlynn Maestas and Izaac Rivera
Española Valley wrestling coach Gilbert Sandoval is hoping to...
5.21.1959 - 2.3.2026 John Ignacio Martinez, fondly known as Johnny, was born on May 21, 1959, in Ogden, Utah. He passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on February 3, 2026, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.
Also known as Ben or Benzo, was a lifelong resident of Northern, NM, unexpectedly passed away at 34 yrs old, on January 22nd, 2026 due to hypothermia related complications. He was born to Renee Clark & (late) John Lopez on July 21st, 1991 in Albuquerque. He grew up in both Espanola and Las Vegas where he attended middle/high school, and played football at Espanola Valley High.
Alfonso Duran (Al or Fungi) passed on January 22, 2026. Born in Dixon, New Mexico, in 1937 and raised in Santa Fe and Española, Al led a purposeful life dedicated to his family and the service of his community.
Adriano G. Valdez, peacefully stepped into Heaven on February 6, 2026. This was exactly 3 years and 3 days after his beloved wife of 62 years, Valeria, had departed. We think he wanted to celebrate an early Valentine’s Day! His children and grandchildren were with him throughout the day to pray with him, talk to him and lovingly let him move on to be with Jesus and all his family and friends who had gone on before him. Adriano was born on September 6, 1936, to Antonio and Vicentita Valdez in Cebolla, NM where he grew up and attended school. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from September 1954 to September 1958. He then worked with the NM Highway Department for 25 years. After retiring from the highway department, hestarted his own surveying business, Valdez Surveying. Throughout his lifetime, he had various jobs. He served Rio Arriba County in the capacity of Rio Arriba County Surveyor, was an E.M.T for La Clinica del Pueblo and he also served on the clinic board of directors. He was actively involved in serving the community of Canjilon as a comicionado for the different acequias and served on the water association board. He and Valeria also served as mayordomos for the Catholic Church. He was instrumental in starting the historical restoration/ renovation of the old church in Canjilon. He enjoyed ranching, fishing, hunting and eating Payday and Butterfinger candy bars with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved bubble gum. He had many hobbies but especially loved playing the bygone card game of conquian, which is a Spanish form of rummy. Other hobbies included riding his horses Mora, Palomino and Tonto. He enjoyed traveling and gambling in Las Vegas, NV. He loved making red chile and eating. For 36 years, he devoted much of his time to his grandson, Augustine, whom he loved with all his heart.
Jerry Leo Ortega June 7, 1961 Jan. 10, 2026 With great sadness, We announce the passing of Jerry Ortega 64. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was born in Santa Fe, NM to Leo and Esther. A resident of Albuquerque, NM. with the Love of Chimayo forever in his heart. He was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada most of his youth and early teen years and Chimayo his teenage to adulthood. He married his loving wife, La Verne Garcia Ortega and made their home in Albuquerque. Blessed, with 42 years together. Jerry served in the US Army, worked at LANL,Motorola, Intel, Fed Ex and Kirtland Air force base, with a degree in ITT and Eclipse Aviation. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, enjoying dining out, motorcycle rally events, gathering with family and friends, always willing to help others and always ready to have his photo taken. Jerry leaves everlasting memories with all those that crossed his path.
A Rio Arriba County Detention Center officer who allegedly tried to de-escalate a situation with an inmate who “had an attitude,” ended up struggling...
