A.J. Mares

A.J. MARES, 20, a resident of the Española Valley passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Ben Romero; step-grandparents, Orlando and Isabelle Vigil; great-grandparents, Esquire and Aurora Mares; uncles, Benjie and Andy Romero; maternal great-grandparents, Tomás and Josefa Garcia. Alexander James Mares, known to family and friends as “AJ” was always full of life.  He had a heart of gold and passion for the outdoors.  He loved new adventures and you could always find him with a radiant smile on his face.  He was most known for his generosity and warm heart; A heart that was genuine and filled with a spirit that can never be forgotten.  He was a hardworking young man eager to take on life’s challenges.  More than anything his love for his friends and family was everlasting.  “Our destination is a place far greater than we know.  For some the journey is quicker, for some the journey is slow.  When the journey finally ends, we’ll claim a great reward, and find an everlasting peace, together with the lord.”  Mr. Mares is survived by his mother, Stephanie Canales; father, Pepe Mares (Christina); sisters, Mariah Gabaldon (Norman Archuleta), Jaedyne Canales, Jacqueline Archuleta-Jiron (Jon) and Alyssa Montoya; brother, Anthony Montoya; paternal grandmother, Patsy Vigil (Victor); paternal grandfather, Pepe Mares (Terri); maternal grandfather, Cruz Gabaldon; maternal grandmother, Ramona Garcia; step-grandparents, Floyd and Naomi Archuleta; great-grandmother, Viola Romero; nephews, Austin and Bentley Archuleta, Marcos Romero and Damían Jiron; best friends who were like brothers, Santi Vigil and Ronald Vigil; very close cousins, Niya Morris, Loren Martinez and Andy Romero, Jr. and many aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz.  The family of A.J. Mares has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477