Pauline Arellano

Pauline A. Arellano, 71, a resident of Santa Cruz, NM, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years Ben, parents Rudy and Marie Roybal, father-in-law Filemon Arellano, mother-in-law Annie Arellano, brother Augustine Martinez, sister-in-law Irene Herrera, brother-in-law Gilbert Arellano, brother-in-law Ruben Lujan, brother-in-law Lupe Vigil, nieces Michelle Guinn, Crystal Arellano, nephews Brian Vigil, Michael Lujan, Manuel Lujan, and Rudy Roybal. 

Pauline was a wonderful person inside and out and an amazing cook and baker. She loved to read, camp, tend to her yard, and attend her family’s sporting events, but her favorite pastime was spending time with her grandchildren. She opened her home to numerous family and friends to celebrate Christmas, her favorite holiday. She and her husband looked forward to hosting epic annual celebrations with endless food, goodies, laughter, and joy, creating memories to last a lifetime. 

Pauline is survived by her children son Jeff Arellano and special daughter-in-law Stacie Trujillo, son Jerome Arellano and fiancé Kimberly Yates, and daughter Jeannie Gallegos-Esquibel and husband Bill; grandchildren Cassandra Nunz and husband Jeremy, Timothy Gallegos and wife Erin, Kristen Gallegos, Lucas Arellano, Rianna Arellano and fiancé Alejandro Atencio, Elijah and Ethan Arellano, and John, Kylie, and Gracie Bird; great-grandchildren, Avianna and Ares Arellano and Asher Gallegos; brothers Rudy (Loyola) Roybal, Dave (Debbie) Roybal, Orlando (Martha) Roybal, and Mike (Theresa) Roybal; sisters-in- law Theresa Vigil, Patsy Lujan, Rose (Don) Vogt, Veronica Chacon and Carol Arellano; brother-in-law Eddie Herrera; Goddaughters Cathy Vigil-Martinez, Antonita Vigil, Marissa Roybal, and Hailey Guinn, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. And finally, we can’t forget to mention her beloved dog and constant companion Pepito. 

A Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de La Canada, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in El Llano, NM.

Serving as pallbearers are Jeff Arellano, Jerome Arellano, Bill Esquibel, Timothy Gallegos, Lucas Arellano, Jeremy Nunz and John Bird. Honorary pallbearers are all Pauline’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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