Funeral Mass for former Mancos resident Jose Benito "Joe" Garcia will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 14 at St. Rita Catholic Church in Mancos. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 13 at St. Rita Catholic Church.
Our beloved Joe completed his journey to his heavenly home on Sunday, January 6, 2013 in Albuquerque, N.M. at the age of 76. Joe was born in Lyden, N.M. on March 14, 1936 to Salvador Ernesto Garcia and Maria Clorinda (Romero) Garcia. His parents and brothers, Albert, Sosten, and Abel preceded Joe in death.
Joe's lifetime spanned three states; Colorado living in Mancos and Cortez and later returning to live in Summit Lake; California where he moved with his wife, Geraldine and children while enjoying a thriving career for many years; and New Mexico where he was born and where he spent his last 10 years in Albuquerque. Joe traveled throughout the United States, parts of Mexico, Belize and Central America. His greatest joy was spending time with all the children, grandchildren, extended family and many dear friends. He left behind wonderful memories for all of us.
Joe is survived by his wife, Katherine; his sons, Keith Garcia and wife, Nancy, Duane Garcia, and Allen Garcia and wife, Virginia all of Santa Maria, Calif., and Calvin Garcia of Bend, Ore.; and by his daughter, Tammy Garcia of Santa Maria, Calif. Joe also leaves behind his step-sons, Kenneth Gonzales and wife, Alyssa and Eric Gonzales all of Albuquerque, N.M.; his step-daughter, Renee Espat of Albuquerque, N.M.; 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; his brother, Silviano Garcia of Mancos; his sister, Carmen Maestas of Cortez; his sisters-in-law, Rayes Garcia of California, Ernestine Garcia of Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go to friends, Keenan and Beverlee Ertel, Peter Holter, Miguel Guajardo and Presbyterian Hospice for their loving care and support.
Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.
