Ernesto Salazar, the beloved patriarch of the family passed away on December 20, 2025, after a long history of illness. He was born on January 3, 1938, at his family home in Garambullo, NM, the home that still belongs to the family today. Ernesto was the last child born to Placido and Adelaida (Rivera) Salazar. He was lovingly known as the baby of the family by his sisters due to the age gap between them.

Ernesto was a very hard worker, who began working at a very young age. He graduated from the 8th grade in May 1952 from the (old) Ribera School (now the Ribera Community Center). He never attended high school, but was a self-educated man. He read the newspaper every day, watched the news regularly, and was always ready to discuss any topic with any "primo" or stranger who made time to visit with him. He loved to talk politics and his children would tease him that he should run for office, as he knew everyone.

Ernesto worked various jobs as a young man to support his family. He worked on the railroad, in construction, and finally for San Miguel County. While working for the railroad, he was in Montana, where he met his life partner. He married Gladys Wood in August of 1968 in Las Vegas, NM. Ernesto retired from the San Miguel County Road Department as a Motor Grater Operator twice, the last time in 2000. He was known as the "blade man" throughout the valley, as he plowed and bladed all the roads, no matter the weather. Ernesto never took a day of sick leave in his 27 years with the county as he was dedicated to the people of the valley. He fondly talked about how he would be cleaning the roads and would receive coffee and food at several stops throughout his route. His eldest son, Ricky, also worked for the road department as an equipment operator for a time, which was a proud moment for Ernesto.

In his retirement, Ernesto enjoyed staying active. He would go with his "primos' and friends to "town" to eat and shop. He would drive daily to the post office, the tiendita for his cigarettes and buying scratchers, and to eat at La Risa Café or the Senior Citizen's Center. Later in his retirement, he discovered the casinos with a life-long friend. Ernesto loved babysitting for his grandchildren in Las Vegas. All the grandchildren loved to be sick and be home with grandpa as he would take them shopping and out to eat. He loved to go to the various restaurants in town and visit with anyone who was willing to have long conversations about politics and worldly news.

Ernesto is preceded in death by his parents, Placido and Adelaida; his brothers, Alfonso and Andres Salazar; his sisters, Lucinda Gallegos and Vicenta (Bessie) Gallegos, and their respective spouses; his nephews, Estevan Gallegos and Fedelino Gallegos and his best friend, Frank Romero.

Ernesto is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gladys, of the family home. His children, Ricky Joe and wife, Janel; Linda Salazar and partner, James Lopez; all of Las Vegas. Aaron Salazar and wife, Diana, of Panama; and Billy and wife, Rebecca, of Garambullo, NM. Grandchildren, Bobby Salazar, Robert Stopell, Kim Stoppel, Keith Salazar and wife Erica, Isaac Salazar and fiancé Arlen, Geoffrey Williams and partner Grace, Karissa Salazar and partner Marce, Alejandra Salazar and Ricardo Salazar. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Cameron Salazar, Theodore Cedarleaf, Jacob Jaramillo, and Zia Martinez. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Walter Wood and wife Elizabeth, of Montana, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews, as well as many, many primos throughout the valley.

As a life-long Catholic, Ernesto only attended church for family events; but he listened to mass and prayed the rosary on the radio every day. Services will be held at San Miguel del Vado Church in Ribera, NM, on Monday, January 5, 2026. The rosary will begin at 9:30 am and the funeral will follow afterwards. The eulogy will be given by his grandchildren, Karissa and Ricardo Salazar. Burial will be at El Pueblo Cemetery following the mass. Urn bearers are his grandchildren, Bobby and Cameron Salazar. A luncheon will be served at the Parish Hall next to the San Miguel Church.

The family would like to send their appreciation to the staff of La Vida Buena, especially Corrine, for the love and care provided to our father during the last year of his life.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

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