Espanola resident Pilar V. Archuleta, 99, took her journey home to heaven on March 31, 2021 after being blessed by God with a beautiful & fulfilling life surrounded by her loved ones.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Adelia and Santiago Gallegos; husband Ramon Orlando Archuleta; children, Manuel Archuleta, Mary Agnes Maestas, Sarah Gutierrez, and a newborn son; grandchildren, Michael Naranjo, Suzette and Therese Quintana, Manuel Archuleta, great grandson Joshi Sanchez, and great-great granddaughter, Aaliyah Medina; sons-in-law, Joe Quintana and Geronimo Borunda; sisters, Genoveva and Andrea; brothers, Severo, Arturo, Elizardo, Luciano and Jimmy Gallegos. 

Pilar is survived by her 9 children: daughters, Juvela Naranjo (Mike), Viola Quintana, Sandra Borunda, Prescilla Riofrio, (Fabian), Martha Salazar (Jessie), and Geraldine Sena (Jose); sons, Roberto Archuleta (Loretta), Roy Archuleta, (Lorraine), Joseph Archuleta, and grandson Aaron Archuleta whom she raised as a son; brothers, Fred Gallegos (Nora) and Johnny Gallegos; sister, Cres Sanchez (Leo); and 40 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, and 10 great, great grandchildren. 

Pilar was born and raised in El Guache on October 12, 1921. Pilar was the eldest of her siblings. She grew up on a farm consisting of large fruit orchards and vegetable gardens spread over many acres of land. She had the responsibility of caring for her youngest siblings and also assisting her parents with cultivating the fields and harvesting and canning the crops. She attended high school in the Espanola Valley.  When Pilar was 19 years old, she was visiting a mutual girlfriend where she was introduced to Ramon Archuleta. They started dating and soon fell in love. A year later, they were married on April 27, 1941 at the San Antonio Church in La Villita. Shortly after she wed Ramon, he moved to San Francisco to look for work. It wasn’t long before he sent for his new bride.  Together, they began to build a life of happiness and it was at this time that they started their family. After living in California for a few years, they would eventually return to Espanola to raise their growing family.  Ramon and Pilar raised their children with a Christian upbringing that was strict, but loving.  They taught their children to love, respect and obey their elders, and to help others without expecting anything in return. After Ramon’s tragic and untimely passing in 1969 from an auto accident by a drunk driver, Pilar and her children were forced to face the devasting and life-changing event. Pilar took charge and learned how to persevere in the most difficult of times. Pilar began working outside the home to support the seven remaining kids she still had left to raise. She worked as a maid at the La Fonda Hotel then went on to work at a candle factory and a leather sewing factory. In the latter part of her career, Pilar worked as a Foster Grandparent for the Espanola Elementary School system where she was loved by many students.  Pilar had a way of touching many people’s lives, especially the lives of her family. She was always ready with words of encouragement and prayers for her children, grandchildren and other family members, and friends that took comfort being around her.  Pilar’s life was a testimony for God. Everyone that knew Pilar knew how bold she was in sharing the gospel message of Jesus. She was definitely a servant of the Lord. Aside of being a prayer warrior, she can best be described as feisty, strong-willed and having a stubborn streak especially when it came to food! She loved a good argument and never admitted when she was wrong.  She had wisdom and she let you know when she thought you were wrong, regardless of your age or status, and most of the time, she was right!

The Archuleta family would like to give thanks to Almighty God for the blessing of having our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother for 99 years. She will be deeply missed by all. 

Public Visitation will begin on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Victory Faith at 6:30pm, followed by services at 7:00pm. Services will be on Friday, April 9 at 10:00am at Victory Faith followed by burial at Loma Vista Cemetery in Alcalde.

Serving as Pallbearers are:  Jared May, Aaron Archuleta, Nate Archuleta, Jesse Salazar, Ramon Archuleta, Noah Gutierrez.  Honorary Pallbearers:  Fabian Riofrio Jr, Justin Hickman, Steve Maestas, Ramon Fidel Archuleta, Gabriel Salazar, Donna Naranjo  

Due to Covid Restrictions, Masks are Required

The family of Pilar V. Archuleta has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargafuneral.com