Lawrence Tafoya 1929 – 2024

On July 25, 2024, in a room full of family, love, and prayers, Lawrence Tafoya took his last breath. At the age of 95, God ended his pain, gave him peace, and called him home.

One of seven children, Lawrence was born to Ramon Tafoya and Lourdes Baca on February 15, 1929. He attended Normal High School in Las Vegas, where he was quite popular. At the tender age of 17, he would enlist with the U.S. Army, after adjusting his age accordingly to be eligible. He served a combined 13 years with the Army and Army National Guard. He was very proud of being a Veteran. He loved his country and would always encourage everyone to vote. He was a Precinct Poll Worker for many years. He just loved talking with everyone he saw there.

Lawrence was active in his community belonging to the Elks Lodge, IC Altar Society, and the Las Vegas Bowling League. He was a standout bowler and represented Las Vegas all around the State.

Lawrence worked for the State Highway Department, now called the Department of Transportation. He was a Foreman for the Northern Region. He had a very strong work ethic and instilled to his crews to always show up and work hard. He and his crews were awarded several certificates for exemplary work. He was very proud of them! No matter what time, day or night, no matter how high the snow was, he traveled to each location to supervise crews, we called him our snowman and thought he could predict the weather! He retired after 34 years.

Lawrence loved to go to the Senior Citizen dances every Sunday. He was a pretty smooth dancer and loved Spanish music. He also loved to tinker with things. Every cord he had, every appliance he had, radios, or weed eaters, you can bet they were covered in duct tape!

If you left anything at his house, it got duct taped! Saying he liked to go to the Casino was an understatement…he loved it! We would tease him that his car could drive itself to the casino! Lawrence was also a very talented artist. He could draw anything! He loved to do oil paintings. His specialty was animals and western landscapes. We will cherish his beautiful paintings always! But above all, he cherished his family. He would get very emotional when speaking of his children. He was very proud of each and every one of them. He may have started getting very forgetful, but he never forgot his children.

Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Lourdes. His beautiful daughter Loretta Montoya, and mother of his children, Connie Edwards. His brothers, Ramon Tafoya Ernest Tafoya; sisters, Rita Gurule and Stella "Andy" Salazar. Numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Lawrence is survived by daughters, Debbie Pajak and husband Dan of Mesa, Arizona. Christine Duran and husband Martin, of Las Vegas, NM. His one and only son, Larry Tafoya and Rebecca LeDoux, of Rio Rancho, NM; A son-in-law Bob C. Montoya; sister, Nora Maes and brother Roger Tafoya.  A very special niece Martha Beiser and husband Doug of Fountain Valley, California. Lawrence has 19 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Rosary service will be recited on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 7:00pm. Funeral mass will be conducted on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 9:00am both services will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM with Father Rob Yaksich as celebrant.

Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery on August 7, 2024, at 2:00pm.

Honored to be Pallbearers to their grandpa are, Elena Tafoya, Ryan Montoya, Jordan Marquez, Jaryd Marquez, Cameron Montoya, and Marcus Sena.

Honorary Pallbearers, George Marquez, LouAnna Sena, Chris Montoya, Robert Lee Montoya, Danny Pajak, Diane Pajak, Erica Baca, Vanessa Tafoya-Garcia, Maria Williamson, Paul Beiser, Alica Carasco, DJ Duran, and James Duran. And all great-grandchildren.

The family of Lawrence would like to thank La Vida Buena (Encantada) Healthcare, for taking such good care of our dad. He adored the staff and nurses, and they were so good to him. We appreciate all of you very much! Also, we'd like to thank Anvoi staff and nurses for their wonderful care during our Dad's hospice care. Thank you so much!

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.

Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.

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