Romero Funeral Home - Belen

09/03/2026

Jerico Martin Baca, 23, was born on October 12, 2002, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and called Belen home. The youngest of six children and the only boy among five sisters, Jerico grew up surrounded by a big family-a position that probably helped shape the charm, humor, confidence, and personality that everyone who knew him came to love.

Jerico was truly one of those people you didn't just meet and forget. He could walk into a room full of strangers and somehow make it feel like he had known everyone for years. A room didn't know an awkward silence when Jerico was in it. He was funny, outgoing, a smooth talker, and an undeniable charmer. Whether you had known him his entire life or had just met him, it usually didn't take long before you found yourself laughing with him. If you knew Jerico was going to be somewhere, you knew it was going to be a good time.

He was also completely and unmistakably himself. Jerico could be stubborn and hard-headed, and once he decided he was going to do something, changing his mind was rarely an easy task. But underneath that stubbornness was someone who cared deeply about the people in his life. He could always be counted on to lighten the mood and make people laugh, but he could also be a listening ear when someone needed him.

Jerico was naturally athletic and seemed to be good at just about anything he decided to do. Over the years, he played soccer, football, baseball, and wrestled. He also loved being outdoors,...

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09/03/2026

Jerico Martin Baca, 23, was born on October 12, 2002, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and called Belen home. The youngest of six children and the only boy among five sisters, Jerico grew up surrounded by a big family-a position that probably helped shape the charm, humor, confidence, and personality that everyone who knew him came to love.

Jerico was truly one of those people you didn't just meet and forget. He could walk into a room full of strangers and somehow make it feel like he had known everyone for years. A room didn't know an awkward silence when Jerico was in it. He was funny, outgoing, a smooth talker, and an undeniable charmer. Whether you had known him his entire life or had just met him, it usually didn't take long before you found yourself laughing with him. If you knew Jerico was going to be somewhere, you knew it was going to be a good time.

He was also completely and unmistakably himself. Jerico could be stubborn and hard-headed, and once he decided he was going to do something, changing his mind was rarely an easy task. But underneath that stubbornness was someone who cared deeply about the people in his life. He could always be counted on to lighten the mood and make people laugh, but he could also be a listening ear when someone needed him.

Jerico was naturally athletic and seemed to be good at just about anything he decided to do. Over the years, he played soccer, football, baseball, and wrestled. He also loved being outdoors,...

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09/02/2026

1959- 2026

Jaala "JJ" Keist was called home to our Savior on Aug 28, 2026, at the age of 66. JJ was born Oct 12, 1959, in Gallup, NM, the youngest of 4 children. She is preceded in death by her father Homer Keist, her mother, Genevieve Keist; and sister-in-law, Irene Keist. She is survived by her brothers John and Matt, her sister Judith, and many nieces and nephews.

JJ was a devout Christian and loved reading and studying the Bible. She was a passionate reader of all books. She always said her favorite place was the library. She had a sassy sense of humor and loved sharing a good joke anytime.
Although she was never blessed with motherhood herself, she loved all children and doted on her nieces and nephews, who remember her as a loving, fun auntie.

JJ will be remembered with love by many friends in Belen, Los Lunas, and all around NM and the US.
A Memorial Service is planned for 2:00 p.m. September 12, 2026, at Bosque Farms Church of Christ, Bosque Farms, NM

The Keist family would like to express heartfelt gratitude toward JJs many friends for their love and support through this difficult time.
Please sign JJ’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.

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08/28/2026

1957- 2026

Judy Ann Padilla Castillo
It is with deep sadness that our Judy Ann Padilla Castillo, age 69, a resident of Belen, NM, followed the Angels to meet her Mom, Dad, and her loving husband Gregorio on August 22, 2026. Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on September 4, 2026, beginning with a Visitation at 9:00 a.m., and Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents; and her loveable husband, Gregorio Castillo. She is survived by her son, Steven J. Otero; Siblings, Robert Padilla (Deborah), Anthony Padilla (Rita), John Padilla (Rose), Joseph Padilla (Companion Margaret) and her only sister Mary Gabaldon (Glen), and many loving Nephews, Nieces and friends. Urn Bearers will be Steven and Sally Olguin.

Judy was born on August 15, 1957 to Tony F. and Adela Luna Padilla. After high school she had her only son Steven John Otero, then went on to marry the love of her life, Gregorio Castillo. She worked with her Mom and Dad in the business of A&A Pumping Service, Inc. Judy was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and The Moose Lodge #1680. She was blessed with many friends. Judy was a beautiful woman inside and out. Her Dad and sister, Tony and Mary use to tease and call her "Our little hand full" and that she was.

A special Thank You to Our Lady of Belen and Romero Funeral Home.
Please sign Judy's online tribute at...

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08/20/2026

1963- 2026
Johnny Richard Chavez, age 63, a resident of Peralta, NM, was called home to be with our Lord on August 14, 2026. Services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, beginning with a Visitation at 9:00 a.m., a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou Chavez; daughter, Stephanie Bell (Ryan); son, Richard Chavez; his grandchildren, Alexis, Bryan, Reagan, Mariah, Christina, Aaliyah, and Hudson; brother, Dennis Chavez (Pauline); sisters, Olga, Lorraine, and Viola; step mother, Karen Reese; step brothers, Shawn and Patrick Reese; step sister, Kelly Reese; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Johnny was preceded in death by his father, Delfino Chavez; his mother, Viola Chavez; his son, Gregory Looper; brothers, Max and David Chavez; and numerous family members he loved dearly.
Johnny was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, dear brother, and loyal friend. His passions included spending time with his family, and enjoying outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hunting. Johnny proudly served in the US Coast-Guard from 1981 to 1985.
He is remembered for his generous spirit and his wonderful sense of humor, which brought joy to all who knew him. Johnny's presence enriched...

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08/20/2026

Please sign Ector's online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.

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08/20/2026

1955- 2026


Paul A. Romero, 71 years old, passed away on August 15, 2026 at his home in Belen, New Mexico.

A visitation will take place at Romero Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 2:00 p.m. A Final Visitation will take place at Our lady…

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08/19/2026

1932- 2026


Fred Eldon Tiede, age 93, a resident of Belen, NM, a beloved father, grandpa, and all-around master of storytelling, passed peacefully from this world. Services will take place at Romero Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, August 21, 2026, beginning with a Visitation at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 11:15 a.m. Fred is survived by his children, Paul (Donna), Suzn Reazin, and Lynn Ortiz (Patrick); 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; siblings, Murl (Eileen), Karl (Buelah), and Martha; as well as an enormous family that will forever cherish his memory. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Karl and Edna Ashbaugh Tiede; brothers, Joy and Marvin; and sister, Marvelle Lahm.

Fred lived in Belen, NM, since 1999, but his heart always carried memories from San Diego, CA, where he married his sweet heart, Ruby Armelda Clark Tiede, on August 1, 1952. Together, they formed a loving partnership that lasted 58 beautiful years until Ruby's passing in 2010. His love for Ruby was legendary, as was his storytelling. Fred attended Overton Highschool in Nebraska, graduating in the Class of 1952. He was not just a devoted husband, he was the kind of dad who'd brave sleepless nights nursing a sick child back to health. Fred was generous with his time and love, traits he passed on to his children. He was a cherished figure who...

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08/19/2026

Odelia Montoya Williams, 82, a resident of Jamestown, NM, was received into the arms of our Lord on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Monday, August 31, 2026, beginning with a Visitation at 9:00 a.m., Rosary at 10:00 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be Celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Odelia was born in Belen, NM. A dedicated Catholic, Odelia lived a life rooted in faith, prayer, and daily devotionals. She was a highly active parishioner at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, located in Gallup, NM where she faithfully attended Mass, participated in parish meetings, church groups, and regularly requested Mass intentions dedicated to the souls of her deceased loved ones. Odelia is dearly missed by her parish. She always took time to visit with her fellow parishioners after mass. Odelia absolutely adored animals and took such loving care of the many dogs, horses, and even chickens she had throughout her life. Odelia loved to travel and visited many places by motorcycle and RV. She often shared memories of her trips, and was especially fond of Alaska. Odelia was blessed with a true green thumb. She found immense joy in her garden and was known to grow tomatoes every summer. Odelia is reunited in eternal rest with her husband Bobby Williams; parents Timoteo and Cipriana Montoya; as well as 9 of her siblings. She is survived by her children Joel Moya...

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