Richard Joseph Russom, a lifelong resident of Chama, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 85.

He was born on October 12, 1940, to Dan Russom and Elizabeth DeYapp. His early years were spent in the loving home of his maternal grandparents, Clarence and Lena DeYapp, where strong family bonds and lifelong values were formed. He was proud to be the oldest of fifty DeYapp grandchildren and remained connected to his large extended family throughout his life.

In 1961 he married the love of his life, and together they raised seven children: John, Lisa, Roberta, Joe, Ron, Kim and Bill.

Richard loved each of his siblings very much and he had a special place in his heart for them: Edna, Donnie, Norma, Roger, Patricia, Louella, Donna and Kathy and was close to his brother Pete Garcia Sr., whose friendship he deeply treasured. Along with many family members, Richard endured the profound sorrow of losing his grandson, Michael Russom and his great grandsons, Kayden Velarde and Isaiah Polaco.

Richard spent his life building, fixing, hauling, and fabricating. He began working in his early teens, in the woods logging and driving a truck alongside his father. In the 1960s, he contributed to the construction of the Azotea Tunnel, a project he took great pride in. He went on to purchase a semi-truck and became an independent long-haul truck driver, forming lifelong friendships along the road, especially with his cousin Royal Elwess Jr. and dear friend Robert Thompson. Richard later worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for the Bureau of Reclamation, Chama Field Office. After retiring from the Bureau in 1988, Richard and his sons founded Russom Trucking, Inc. He was widely respected by clients and colleagues for his knowledge, integrity, work ethic and unwavering strength of his word.

Richard’s greatest legacy is the family he and Bev created. He adored his wife, took great pride in his children and their spouses, and found his greatest joy in his 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He shared an extra special bond with his nephew Albert Gonzales and his grandson, Little Joe Russom. As much as Richard loved his work, he loved being around his family even more.

Richard’s strength, generosity, humor and devotion to his family and his community will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services include:

Viewing – Thursday, January 29, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Devargas Funeral Home, Espanola, NM.

Rosary and Funeral Mass – Saturday, January 31, 2026, 9:30 a.m., St. Patrick Catholic Church, Chama, NM.

Private burial will follow at a later date.

The Family of Richard Russom has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477