Andrew John Ceballes

Andrew John Ceballes, 70, a proud son of the Espanola Valley, namely Guachupangue, Fairview, and Hernandez, left this earthly home to begin his eternal life on September 27, 2022, after a lengthy illness.

The ever exuberant, funny, positively friendly, generous and humble Andrew was a fantastic athlete, scholar, Eagle Scout, band member and proud member of the Espanola Hornets Class of 1970. He earned his degree in Psychology, minoring in Spanish, from the College of Santa Fe. He served the city of Espanola as a City Councilman and Fiesta Council President in the late seventies and early eighties. He was proud of his faith, culture, and family and would do anything to preserve, promote, and honor the Espanola Valley.

As Richard Cook’s right hand man, Espanola Transit Mix Estimator, and the former construction estimator at Leroy’s Excavating, Andrew procured millions of dollars in contracts to improve many roads and buildings in and around the city, valley, and Northern New Mexico. He helped many people with employment and construction of their homes and businesses.

As great a businessman and statesman as he was, he was an even better father. His pride and joy were his children, daughter Melissa Gonzales (Marcos), and son John Ceballes. Not only did he pass on his beautiful green eyes to each of them, he molded what a good Catholic and Democrat should be. One of his favorite sayings was, “Vote Straight Democrat”, but he never had an enemy and was friends with people of all faiths and political parties.

His grandchildren, Kristen Maestas (Andy Lujan), Amaya Dee Maestas (Angel Ponce), Diego Maestas Jr., Frankie Gonzales, Emma Rae Ceballes, and great-grandson Liam Lujan, looked forward to their Grandpa Andrew’s Sunday roast, killer salsa, and his ever dapper attire- a suit and tie. He never missed an event of theirs.

Andrew considered himself extremely blessed when he met his wife, Margie Ceballes. They made their home together in Guachupangue and Hernandez. They enjoyed attending mass at various Catholic churches, gardening, cooking, caring for their grand-dogs (Blanca, Bubba, Val and Maverick), wood and rock hauling, and taking road trips together. Andrew was the very best stepfather imaginable to his stepchildren Justin Thibodeaux (Ernestine) and Mara Lynn. To them he was patient, kind, and generous, and treated them as his own. Step-grandchildren Zac Martinez (Maegen and Kena); and Adrian Martinez (Ayana) loved his many humorous stories, strong faith, and love of family.

As the baby of the family, Andrew was adored and cared for by his siblings: David, Priscilla, and Nick. They protected and guided him and were extremely proud of him. Family holidays were spent together at their respective homes: David and late wife Carmen Ceballes of Fairview; David and Priscilla Trujillo of Guachupangue; and Nick Ceballes of Guachupangue. A favorite holiday time was after Easter mass when the family participated in the annual children’s Egg Hunt and the Adult Beer Hunt. Andrew and the other adults were always ready with their big paper bags or pillowcases in hand for the event to begin.

“Uncle Jack” was a favorite of his nephews and niece: David (Angie) Ceballes and girls: Danielle (Xavier), Samantha, Collette, and Olivia of Alamogordo, NM; Jason (Brina) Ceballes and Lenora and Alex of Las Vegas, NV; David (Marisela) Trujillo and Oziah and Yzzette of Santa Fe, NM; Randy (Carmela) Trujillo of El Guache; Lenore (Freddie) Trujillo and Loryn, Adrian, and Luka of Guachupangue; Vince (Tracy) Baros and Vince Jr. (Christina) and Keri Baros of Albuquerque. He was a terrific care taker to them as well as his godchildren: Brian Montoya, Brian Chavez, Alonso Archuleta, Heather Gray Nelson, and Francesca Jimenez.

Andrew is also survived by mother-in-law Marjorie A. Zoller, brothers and sisters-in-law: Jim Zoller (Janice); Donald Zoller (Rosie); Linda Ortiz (Orlando); Susan Veale (Gary); Kathy Lamb (Mike); David Zoller (Lee Ann); Bonnie Nihad (Sam); and the mother of his children, Marquita Fresquez Velasquez (Alex).

Andrew was undoubtedly happily and warmly welcomed by his parents Luciano (Louie) and Maria Leonora (Nora) Ceballes of Guachupangue who predeceased him in 1986 and 2005 respectively as well as his sister-in-law Carmen Ceballes in 2016.

Honorary Pallbearers are David L. Ceballes II, Jason Ceballes, David E. Trujillo II, Randy Trujillo, and Lenore Trujillo along with all his grandchildren and great-grandson.

A Rosary will take place on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 6:00 pm at the Sangre de Christo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home. Catholic mass will be held on Wednesday, October 05, 2022 at 11:45 am at Sacred Heart Church in Espanola, NM.  

The family of Andrew has entrusted the gentle care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory in the beautiful Espanola Valley. (505)747-7477 devargasfuneral.com