Elias Hurtado, age 77, a lifelong and well-known resident of Holman, New Mexico, passed away suddenly at his home on February 20, 2010.
He was born May 14, 1932 in Holman, New Mexico, to Elias Hurtado and Teresina Gallegos Hurtado.
He attended New Mexico Highlands University where he earned Bachelor and Master Degrees. Elias was drafted by the United States Army and served his time in San Francisco, California,was stationed at the Presidio during the Korean War Conflict. After being discharged from the Army, he came back to New Mexico Highlands University where he met his wife Sara Leyba. They were married in December 1956.
He worked for the Mora Independent School District for 38 years as a teacher and school counselor. After retiring, he stayed busy working the family ranch, which he enjoyed and where he found tranquility.
He was Vice-President of the Northern New Mexico Stockman's Association and the New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 0114. He was a member of the New Mexico Farm Bureau. He served as president of the South Holman Water Association and Mayordomo of the Acequia Madre in Holman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elias and Teresina Hurtado; and infant son, Samuel.
He is survived by his wife, Sara L. Hurtado of 54 years; sons Ernesto (Nancy), Elias III (Beatrice), Francisco (Annette & son Allen) all of Holman; and daughter Elena Marrujo (Marty) of South El Carmen; grandchildren: Raul (Margeaux), Diego, Sara Bethany, Elias IV, Tranquilino, Genoveva, Miquela Marrujo, Santiana Marrujo and Natalia Marrujo; sisters: Marcia King, Teresina Cordova (Ben), Esperanza Guillen (Frank) and Lucaria Hurtado; nephew: Elias S. Hurtado and niece: Yvette Santistevan (Rick); many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Rosary Services will conducted at 7:00pm, Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at St. Gertrude's Church in Mora, NM. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00am, Thursday, February 25, 2010 with Father John McHugh as celebrant. Interment will follow at La Morada Cemetery in Holman, New Mexico with the following serving as casket bearers: Elias S. Hurtado, Raul Hurtado, Diego Hurtado, Tranquilino Hurtado, Elias Hurtado IV and Marty Marrujo. Serving as honorary bearers: Sara Bethany Hurtado, Genoveva Hurtado, Miquela Marrujo, Santiana Marrujo and Natalia Marrujo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Viles Foundation, P.O. Box 1117, Las Vegas, NM 87701; which provides scholarships to orphaned students from Northern New Mexico.
Please visit our website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign our online register book.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, NM, 1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511.