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September 2024

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Ana "Mayo" Archuleta

OBITUARY: Ana “Mayo” Archuleta

d. August 8, 2024

It is with great sadness but rejoicing in our Lord Jesus Christ that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend: Ana “Mayo” Archuleta.


Mayo, to whom she was known by everyone, was born on May 12, 1930 to Amado and Beatriz Quintana in Cerro, NM and departed from this world on July 29, 2024.


She is preceded in death by her parents, Amado & Beatriz Quintana; beloved husband Claudio Archuleta; sons Leroy Archuleta, Gregory Archuleta, Ralph Archuleta and daughter Claudia Archuleta; siblings Duby Quintana, Utila Salazar, Arsenio Gallegos, Adonario Gallegos, Crisiforo Gallegos; and grandson Macario Vigil.


Mayo is survived by her loving children, Pete Archuleta (Sally), Ruth Lewis (Brett), Johnny Archuleta (Rhonda), Mary Archuleta (Jim), Juan Archuleta (Lori) and Teddy Archuleta; siblings Alonzo Quintana, Frank Quintana, Lucio Quintana, Betty Archuleta, Loveida Cisneros (David); grandchildren Claudia Castilleja (Lalo), Jason Archuleta, Megan Archuleta (Jose), Marissa Archuleta (Trent), Matthew Salerno, Madison Salerno; great-grandchildren Elliot Herrera, Ethan Herrera, Damian Castilleja, Julian Castilleja and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.


Mayo was a beautiful person and enjoyed life to the fullest. Resilient and hardworking through the years, she had been known to split her own wood, irrigate and hike down the Rio Grande to try her luck at some trout. She was instrumental in setting a solid foundation for her family with her husband Claudio. They built a house, raised sheep and hogs and knew the meaning of hard work. She was also in the front lines with muddy hands helping with the restoration of St. Anthony’s church in Questa. Mayo had a passion for gardening, canning, and cooking. Fresh beans, chile, tortillas, and apple pies were always in abundance in Mayo’s kitchen. And everyone knew what time to stop by her house for a visit. She used to say, “a bowl of beans, not an apple, will keep the doctor away.” A devout catholic who loved her faith and our lord Jesus Christ with all her heart, Mayo belonged to Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church in Cerro and enjoyed praying the rosary, singing in the choir, reading her bible, and also taught catechism. Mayo had a big family and an extensive family and friends. She loved everyone and everyone loved her back. It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who meant the world to everyone, but she lived her life as a steward for Christ and definitely and example to follow. She will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for everything, mom. We love you.


At this time we would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, phone calls and kind words. We would also like to thank the staff at Three Springs Lodge, Chester, Illinois for their love and care. A very special thank you to Joaquin Gonzales and staff at DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos, for their care and compassion.


Rosary was recited on Friday, August 16, 2024 at St. Anthony’s Catholic church. Mass of Christian burial was on Saturday, August 17, 2024, and burial followed at the Cerro Cemetery.
The family of Ana “Mayo” Archuleta has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. (866) 657-4019.

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