Ernest Torrez

Ernest VallesTorrez

Our dad, Ernest Torrez, has left this world to claim his eternal reward in heaven.
He is now in the presence of God and has reunited with his loving wife, Mary.
A rosary is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Saint Johns Catholic Church, for Ernest Valles Torrez, 88, of Roswell, who passed away April 21, 2010, at Casa Maria Health Care Center. A funeral mass is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Monday, April 26, 2010 at Saint Judes Catholic Church in San Patricio, NM officiated by Deacon Bob Rachicot. Burial will follow at the Hondo Cemetery.
Ernest was born in Lincoln, NM, on February 14, 1922. He was the second child born to Martin and Rita Torrez, both of whom preceded his entry into heaven. He was also preceded in death by a brother Manuel, and a sister, Florinda..
Ernest and Mary Sanchez began a romance as teenagers that continued for 67 years. About three years into their relationship, Ernest married his beloved wife, Mary on June 27, 1942 in Carrizozo, NM. They began an eternal romance which is now continuing in Heaven. His loving wife, Mary, preceded him in death on October 12, 2009. He expressed his love to Mama every day. He couldnt leave the house without giving her a kiss. As an ultimate sign of love, Ernest decided to join the love of his life by passing away on her 89th birthday, April 21st .
Ernest is survived by his daughter, Ernestina Martinez of Roswell, NM and her husband, Raymond Martinez, and sons, Richard A. Torrez of Tempe, AZ, and Arthur Torrez and his loving partner, Emma Burt of Roswell, NM. In addition, Ernest is survived by his five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Ernest was a loving husband, an inspiring father and a protective grandfather. Ernest was raised in Hondo, New Mexico, where he acquired property and started raising crops. He instilled a sense of family togetherness in his children and grandchildren. He loved weekends at his orchard and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He was quick to comment during serious situations and turn them into lighthearted moments.
After honorably serving his country in the United States Air Force as a fighter airplane mechanic, he and his wife Mary settled in Roswell where they raised their children.
He was a master carpenter, plumber and cement finisher. He was a foreman for Riley Construction and worked for ten years at Walker Air Force Base, and another fifteen years for the Roswell Housing Authority. He was always available to help family members and close friends in their time of need. He was a member of both St. Johns Catholic Church and St. Peters Catholic Church. He also was a member of Saint Johns Holy Mens Society.
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Michael Archuleta, Becky Aguilar, Martin Torrez, Sarah Torrez, David Torrez and great grandson, Michael Brandon Archuleta. Honorary Pallbearers are her great grand children, Alexis Nicole Aguilar, Tanner Archuleta, Makayla Archuleta, Garrett Archuleta, Colten Archuleta, Jalen Lovato and Joshua Anderson.
The family would like to thank Ernests sisterinlaw, Cecelia Booky and nieces, Alice Booky, Josephine Booky and Paulina Ponce. They would also like to thank Zoila Arnero, Bobby Richardson and the choir at Saint Judes Catholic Church for their time and effort in helping celebrate his life.
In addition, the family would like to thank Ernests neighbors for watching over him through the years, the caring and compassionate caregivers at New Mexico Rehabilitation Center and Casa Maria Health Care Center, particularly, Nurses, Penny Ferguson, Connie Creswell, Teresa Smith, and Betty De Los Santos along with all the CNAs and staff members, for the love and care they gave our father.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, April 23, 2010
12:00 p.m.

Service

Rosary

St. Johns Catholic Church
506 S. Lincoln
Roswell, NM  88203
Sunday, April 25, 2010
7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass

St. Judes Catholic Church
San Patricio
San Patricio, NM  88301
Monday, April 26, 2010
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Hondo Cemetery
Hondo, NM  88301