Lilia Raquel Bustamante

Lilia Raquel Bustamante, 87, was called home on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Please take a moment to share a kind thought or memory with Lilia’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, September 23, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home. A Rosary will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021, at 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Dexter, New Mexico. Interment will follow at Hagerman Cemetery. Lilia was born on June 19, 1934, to Biterbo and Rosita Vallejos in Progresso, New Mexico. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who always went out of her way to help others. Lilia will be remembered with the many fond memories that she left her loved one’s to speak of for years to come. Among those precious memories, she will be remembered for the love she had for cooking, especially for her family and she was known for her tamales, red chile, and beans which was always a favorite for anyone who had the privilege of dining at her table. Sewing was one of her favorite hobbies, and over the years, she sewed many special keepsakes for her family and friends that will be cherished for many years to come. Lilia could often be found in her favorite spot, sitting in her kitchen, looking out at the sheep and goats, and watching her novellas on television. She also enjoyed going to the Casino. As a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Dexter, New Mexico, Lilia was a woman of great faith and read her Bible daily with great love and devotion for her Lord. She was a very special woman and will be missed dearly by her family and friends. Lilia is survived by her children: Mary Lujan, Helen Saenz, Jimmy and wife Rebecca Sanchez, Rachel and husband Daniel Melendez, Suzy and husband Gilberto Carrillo, Yolanda (Judy) Sanchez, Frankie and wife Michelle Sanchez and Rebecca Sanchez; 26 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Alberto and wife Lupe Vallejos, Tomas Vallejos, Ricardo and wife Olivia Vallejos, Carlos and wife Gloria Vallejos, Clara and husband Pete Aguilar, Cecilia and husband Dan Lucero, Irene and husband Jesse Aguilar, Vidal and husband Westly Daniel, Alfredo and wife Patsy Vallejos, Cathy and husband Manuel Gamboa, Lori and husband Gary Chavez; numerous aunts and uncles; numerous nieces and nephews; close friend, Carmen Jimenez; and many beautiful friends, all “Golden Girls.” Lilia is preceded in death by her husband, Romelio Sanchez; daughter, Dolores Sanchez; grandson, Crescencio Lujan; parents: Biterbo and Rosita Vallejos; grandparents; Phillipe and Alcaria Lechuga and Fermin and Teresita Vallejos; siblings: Tila Sigala, Nestora Sedillo, Felix Vallejos; and son-in-law, Crescencio Lujan. Serving as Pallbearers are Nick Lujan, Louie Saenz, Jimmy Sanchez, Danny Ray Melendez, Raul Duran, Raul Salazar, Frankie Sanchez, and Christopher Lujan. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are all of Lilia’s grandchildren. A reception will follow the services at the American Legion Hall, 1620 N Montana Ave, Roswell, NM 88201.

Lilia Raquel Bustamante

June 19, 1934 - September 15, 2021