George Maestas

George Maestas 90, a resident of Rodarte, passed away on February 23, 2023, unexpectedly.

He was preceded in death by parents: Vidal and Beroniz Maestas; maternal grandparents: Jose and Sofia Lopez; paternal grandparents: Manuel and Ninfa Maestas; brother Herson Maestas; son in law, Edward Lucero; parent in laws: Trinidad and Elaisita Martinez; grandson, Ramon Michael Maestas; great- granddaughter Peyton O’Malley; and brother-in-law Edward Leyba.

George was born and raised in Rodarte and attended Peñasco and St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe. He met the love of his life, Melba, in high school and they were later married.

At 17, he enlisted into the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Point Cruz during the Korean War. George proudly earned a Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal during his time in the service.

After returning from the Navy, he attended New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas. As a young man George worked as a Rodman in the mines in Grants and later as a supervisor at the Moly Corp Mine in Questa. He specialized in open pit and underground tunnel surveying. Later he worked for the State of New Mexico as a surveyor until his retirement.

George had many interests and gave his time to serve his community. He served on the Peñasco Independent School Board, the Rodarte Water Association, and the Santa Barbara Cattle Grazing Association.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years Melba Maestas, their six children: Louise, Sofie (Elizabeth), Ramon (Susan), Cecilia (Bernabe), Jose George (Marina), and James. He leaves a legacy of 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Siblings: Lucille Leyba and Josephine (Thomas) Miller and many beloved nieces and nephews.

During the last years of his life, he enjoyed spending time on his farm, working with his tractor, riding the four-wheeler, or giving rides to his great-grandchildren. He loved his wife’s “chilito” and fresh tortillas as “comida sin chile no es comida”, and especially his sweets. Sitting in the sunshine “mi resolana”, was his daily pleasure, while looking at his beloved Jicarita. He was a man of few words. He loved and was loved by his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Pallbearers are:

Kasen Murphy, Edwin Lucero, Evan Lucero, Myranda Maestas, Vidal Maestas and Antonio Miller.

Honorary Pallbearers are:

Marcella Lucero and Morgan Lucero.

A public viewing will be on March 6, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. A mass will be held on March 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at San Antonio de Padua in Penasco, NM and the burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

The family of George Maestas has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of Espanola, NM.

505-747-7477. www.devargasfh.com