Ernest Maestas

ERNEST R. MAESTAS , a resident of La Mesilla and a deeply faithful man passed away December 13, 2020.  He was born September 21, 1958 in Espanola, NM to Juan Andres and Esequiela (Sally) Maestas of Chamita.

Left to cherish his loving memories are his wife and best friend, Mary K. Maestas of La Mesilla; his mother, Sally Maestas of Chamita; brothers, Juan Andres (Dolores), Gilbert and Brian; brothers and sister-in-law, Isaac Montoya, Tom Montoya (Brenda), Phil Montoya, Mando Montoya (Sylvia), Luella Aragon (Diego), and many nieces, nephews, numerous Godchildren and many dear friends.  Ernie was preceded in death by his father, Juan Andres; grandparents, Merced and Petrita Quintana and Tomas and Petronila Maestas; his dear Tia, Helen Gallegos; his mother and father-in-law, Roberta and Armando Montoya and his sister-in-law, Karla R. Montoya.

Ernie was a friend to the Espanola Valley—serving unselfishly on various boards and committees in the community and volunteering his time wherever needed.  He was most known for his warming smile and commitment to serving his Lord and Savior by serving those in need—always in a quiet and humble manner ensuring his generous and kind acts were not publicized.

One of Ernie’s redeeming qualities was being multi-talented.  He was a modern-day man with the work ethic of days past.  He worked diligently on his family orchard with his brothers tending to the needs of the various fruit trees and freely sharing the fruit of his labor with many.  Ernie was also equally comfortable in an office environment where he spent much of his professional career enhancing the lives of those he worked with as well as the fiscal health of his employer.

Never could you find an instance where Ernie wasn’t chatting with a neighbor or friend with the conversation usually focused on how Ernie could be of help or support.  His spirit of charity and love will leave a gaping hole in the Espanola Valley that he loved so deeply.

Ernie’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, December 17, 2020 beginning with a rosary at 10:30 a.m. and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 at Santa Cruz de la Canada Catholic Church.  Internment following at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers will be Andy, Gilbert, Brian, and Andres Maestas, Tom Montoya and Diego Aragon.  Honorary pallbearers will be Phil Montoya, Mando Montoya, Clyde Sanchez, Joseph and Arlene Crespin, all of Ernie’s nieces and nephews, and his many Godchildren.

Although Ernie will be missed terribly, his legacy of kindness will forever be engrained in the hearts of the many he touched over his years.  In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to one of Ernie’s favorite causes—the Holy Cross Catholic School or the Holy Cross Church Cemetery Fund.

Due to the current COVID pandemic environment, Ernie’s funeral mass will be conducted in accordance with state government limits on number of attendees at places of worship.  Therefore, attendance will be limited to immediate family members.  However, the funeral mass will be live-streamed, and everyone is invited to join in to celebrate the life of Ernest R. Maestas via: Facebook – Santacruz Espanola or via You Tube – Santacruz Parish Espanola. The family of Ernest R. Maestas has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ernest R. Maestas, please visit our Tree Store.