Eloy Rodriguez

Eloy Rodriguez, of Chamisal, NM, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 96 at the family home in Chamisal. He was born on September 5, 1928, in Chamisal, NM, to Malaquias Rodriguez and Josefa Arellano. 

He grew up in Chamisal and Ojito among 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Eloy enlisted in the US Army at the age of 17 and served in Japan. He married Edith Roybal in 1950 and they promptly moved to Tooele, Utah. Eloy moved his family back to Chamisal in 1960 and opened Rodriguez Service Station where he repaired radiators. Eloy also enjoyed a long career with the US Forest Service in Peñasco. In retirement, Eloy spent many years raising cattle; growing, harvesting and baling hay and planting gardens of habas, bolita beans, peas and corn in both Ojito and Chamisal. He was also a proud member of the Peñasco/Chamisal Volunteer Fire Department where he served for many years as the treasurer. Eloy was a lifelong member and respected Elder of the Emmanual Presbyterian Church. Eloy will be lovingly remembered for his strong faith, his sense of humor and his handlebar mustache.

Eloy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Edith Rodriguez; his parents, Malaquias and Josefa Rodriguez; grandson Carlos Fresquez and son-in law Lawrence Fresquez; sisters Olivama Atencio and Lillian Lucero and brothers Lafayette (Lafo), Malaquias Jr and Obed Rodriguez.

Eloy is survived by his children, Geronimo Rodriguez and wife Gloria Jean of Tucson, AZ; Diane Romero and husband Epifanio, Raymond Rodriguez and wife Doris, of Llano de San Juan; Catherine Rodriguez, Josefa Rodriguez and husband Johnny Griego and Valerie Rodriguez of Ojito and Melanie Rodriguez and Max Garcia of Chamisal; brothers Juan Rodriguez and Joe Rodriguez (Linda) of Chamisal and sister Rose Reed (Chuck) of Rio Rancho and sister-in-law Rosa Rodriguez; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank Mountain Home Health for their care and guidance in our time of need.

A Public Viewing will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 5:00 pm at the Emmanual Presbyterian Church in Peñasco, NM, followed by an evening prayer service at 6:00 pm.

Funeral will take place Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Penasco, NM. Burial to follow at 2:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The family of Eloy Rodriguez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477