Jose[1] Alfredo Roybal 

August 14, 1936 – March 5, 2026

Jose Alfredo Roybal, lovingly known as Alfredo, age 89, a lifelong resident of El Rancho, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at his home on March 5, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of the family he cherished so deeply.

Alfredo was born on August 14, 1936, and lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he carried a strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and shared that faith through both his words and his actions. Alfredo believed deeply in the importance of family and community and found his greatest joy in spending time with loved ones, sharing stories, wisdom, and laughter.

He enjoyed listening to KDCE radio, playing cards, and gathering with family and friends. Alfredo was known for the lessons he passed on through everyday life—teaching others not only through words, but through patience, generosity, and example.

Alfredo was preceded in death by his parents, Epifanio and Leonor Roybal; his sister, Diolinda Gallegos; his children Rebecca, Christobal “Chris,” Victoria “Vicky,” Jacqueline “Jackie,” and Pauline “Paula” Roybal; and his beloved granddaughter, Matilda “Mattie” Gallegos.

He is survived by his loving wife, Amy Roybal; his children Rumaldo and Adriana Roybal, Miriam and Dusty Webb, Eliazar, Ishmael, Maclovia Roybal, and Frieda Roybal; stepdaughter Cindy Vigil; Fred and Diana Roybal, Terri and Kim Ackerman, Eleanor Gonzales, and Marietta and Tiofilo Bencomo. Alfredo’s legacy also lives on through his 21 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother Florian Roybal; his sisters Bersabella Perez and Siria Salazar; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will forever cherish his memory.

Alfredo was known for his loving and generous spirit and his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He took pride in teaching practical skills that connected his family to their heritage and the land. He enjoyed cooking traditional Norteño cuisine, teaching his children and grandchildren to make sopapillas and tortillas, making adobe bricks, picking pinon, repairing automobiles, fishing, and teaching others how to gather wild herbs such as chimajá. These moments of teaching were more than lessons, they were expressions of love, culture, and tradition.

Above all, Alfredo cherished time spent with family and friends. He was often found praying for the sick, comforting those who were grieving, and sharing words of encouragement and faith. His quiet strength and compassionate heart touched many lives.

One of Alfredo’s favorite sayings reflected the way he lived his life:

“Si no tienes amor aquí en tu corazón, no tienes nada, porque la vida es amor.” “If you do not have love here in your heart, you have nothing, because life is love.”

His legacy of love, wisdom, faith, and kindness will continue to live on through the many lives he touched. Alfredo will be remembered for the warmth he brought into every room, the guidance he offered to those around him, and the deep love he held for his family and community. He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered.

Funeral services for Jose Alfredo Roybal will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Worship Center, located at 18010 US Highway 285, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506.

Family and friends are invited to attend and Celebrate Alfredo’s Life and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

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