Manuel Archuleta

A rosary will be recited for Manuel Z. Archuleta, 75, of Roswell at 7 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home Chapel. The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 12:10 pm Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Assumption Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Pacquing officiating. Burial will follow in South Park Cemetery. Manuel passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at his home. Manuel was born December 29, 1937 to George and Aurora Archuleta in Roswell, NM. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Becky Aguilar and her husband, Stephen of Roswell, NM and their daughter Alexis Nichole Aguilar; his son, Michael Archuleta of Roswell and his children ,Michael Brandon Archuleta, Tanner Cole Archuleta, Colton Boe Archuleta, Makayla Dawn Archuleta , Garrett James Archuleta; great-grandson, Javier Salas-Archuleta; his siblings, George Archuleta and his wife, Mary of Roswell, NM; Geneva Trujillo of Carson, CA; John Archuleta and his wife, Christine of Roswell, NM; mother of his children, Ernestine Torrez of Roswell, NM; numerous nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Aurora Archuleta, three sisters, Pauline Brady, Beatrice Aguilar and Mary Nieto, three brothers, Jesse Archuleta, Jimmy Archuleta and Benny Archuleta. On Tuesday, April 2nd Manuel went to spend his last days at home with the two people he cherished the most, his children Michael and Becky, they provided him loving caring up until the moment he passed. On April 14, 2013 Manuel went to heaven to meet his Lord and Savior after battling a long terminal illness. He was surrounded by his children and loved ones who are relieved that his suffering is over. Manuel loved his children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews dearly. One of his favorite past-times was spending Saturday mornings with his best friend and brother John Archuleta. Manuel could be seen fishing, hunting, and golfing with his family and friends. He also enjoyed picking and shelling pecans, and keeping them on hand for his family when they needed them. Watching college and professional sports on television was another thing he loved to do. He also loved sharing his deep faith in God with all he came in contact with. He was known as the local neighborhood bike fixer and received the Keep Roswell Beautiful Neighborhood Yard Award. He especially loved his and Ernestine's favorite niece and God-daughter, Laurie "Hito" Jerge who has always been there for them since her birth. He will be forever grateful for the love and friendship shared with the mother of his children. Manuel served in the United States Navy on the USS Kidd as a deck hand stationed out of San Diego, California from January 31, 1956 - January 30, 1962. He worked for Auto Supply, Denios, Pepsi Cola Co., Car Quest, and finally Roswell Ford as a parts specialist for twenty years. Michael and Becky would like to give special thanks to their employers: Leprino Foods and NMDOT for allowing them the opportunity to take as much time as they needed with their father in his last days. The family appreciates the Roswell Fire Department, and Superior Ambulance Co. for always coming out when needed. The ICU nursing staff of ENMMC went beyond the call of duty especially Cory Petersen, and Dr. Jay Bishop, Dr. Castro, and Dr. Mohamed for showing love and compassion to Manuel in his time of need. Gratitude also goes to Frances, RN and Rebecca, Nursing Assistant of Roswell Hospice who kept him comfortable and well taken care of. Thank you Uncle Arch and Auntie Chris for showing daddy so much love. Uncle George, we appreciate you keeping Dad so handsome. Thank you to Pastor Gerry Chavez of Christ Church for his numerous visits to the hospital and home to provide prayer to Manuel and to Fr. Joe and Karen Lupien of Assumption Church for their many prayers. Also, to neighbor Jose Serrano, thank you for watching over Manuel and his property. Special thanks to all of the people that visited, prayed, and brought food during this difficult time. Pallbearers will be John Archuleta, Jr., John Jerge, Jose Serrano, Art Torrez, Michael Brandon Archuleta, Stephen Aguilar, Tanner Archuleta and Richard Torrez. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Manuel's grandchildren. Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. God saw he was getting tired, And a cure was not to be. Though he put his arms around him And whispered, come with me, With tearful eyes we watched him suffer And watched him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, We couldn't make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us. He only takes the best.

Manuel Archuleta

December 29, 1937 - April 14, 2013