George Robert Archuleta

A devout believer throughout his life, George Robert Archuleta, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends and is now resting in the hands of our Lord, leaving behind a legacy of faith and kindness. George was born on March 28, 1942, to Moises and Estella Archuleta of El Rito and was the fourth of fourteen brothers and sisters. He is preceded in death by his parents Moises and Estella Archuleta, in-laws Frank and Virginia Gonzales, grandson Jered Martinez, siblings Camillo, Pete, Rudy, and Genara Archuleta, brother-in-law Abe Gonzales.

He was a man of faith and a devout Catholic who had a deep love and belief in the Virgin Mary. He was a Eucharistic Minister for 50+ years and was very devoted to his parish of San Juan Nepomuceno in El Rito. He took great pride in landscaping the church grounds. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved being outdoors camping, going for wood, cruising the mountains and traveling, his latest excursion was to Prescott, AZ. He loved to see the world and all of God’s beauty.

George worked for the Mesa Vista Consolidated Schools for 18 years and the Rio Arriba County for 17 years where he retired after 35 years of public service.

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will be remembered by those who were fortunate to know him. His gentle nature and kind heart were complimented by a genuine humility that made him loved by all. He touched the lives of the many people he encountered and always found the good in others.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He loved his children and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Frances Archuleta of 59 years, son Glenn Archuleta, Cassandra Martinez (Clarence), James Archuleta (Stephanie), Gina Terrazas (Chris), Georg-Ann Salazar (Victor). Grandchildren AshleyAnn, Jose Martinez, Joshua, Raelynn Archuleta, Samantha (Eugene), Kaitlyn (John), Miguel Terrazas, Jordan and Marisela Salazar. Great-grandchildren Cade Fernandez and Esenya Trujillo. Special niece Cheryleve Archuleta and her family Paul, Estella, and Emilee. George is also survived by his siblings: Ted Archuleta (Frances), Floraida Martinez (Augustine), Isabel Siqueiros (Beto), sister-in-law Grace Archuleta, Moises Archuleta (Genara), Steve Archuleta (Isadora), Tony Archuleta (Janet), all of El Rito. Romelia Oselio of Albuquerque, Cres Archuleta (Gail) of Santa Fe, sister-in-law Bennie Madrid (Ponciano), sister-in-law Geraldine Gonzales, godsons Camillo Archuleta and Jesse Vasquez, goddaughter Yvette Branch and many numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Public Visitation will begin on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 5:30 pm followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm, in the Chapel of Peace of DeVargas Funeral Home. A second Public Visitation will be on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 6:00 pm followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm at San Juan Nepomuceno in El Rito. A Funeral Mass will be on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 am at San Juan Napomuceno in El Rito followed by a Burial at the El Rito Community Cemetery. 

Serving as pallbearers are Jordan Salazar, Miguel Terrazas, Jose Martinez, Joshua Archuleta, Clarence Martinez, Victor Salazar, Tito Terrazas, Felix Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers are Marisela Salazar, Ashleyann Martinez, Samantha & Kaitlyn Terrazas, Raelynn Archuleta, Cade Fernandez, Esenya Trujillo and Susan Terrazas.

The family of George Archuleta has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Cremator of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   www.devargasfuneral.com   505-747-7477