Roberto D Apodaca

1927 - 2016

Roberto D. Apodaca, 89, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016 after a stroke. He was born February 3, 1927 in Garfield, NM to Nestor and Hijinia (Sedillo) Apodaca. Life on the family farm was the beginning of his love for all things agricultural.
Roberto served his country in both the Navy and Air Force. Upon returning to NM, he earned his degree in Agricultural Science from NMSU and served the Ag community for many years. He worked for Burpee Seed Company in Mexico, the Soil Conservation Service in Belen, Bureau of Indian Affairs in Santa Fe and as a County Extension Agent in Valencia, Santa Fe and Taos Counties.
Roberto married Teresa Telles on September 28, 1957, one month after graduating from NMSU. She was his partner in crime and always set up "home" after each move. After his retirement in 1984, they returned to Las Cruces where they enjoyed building their retirement home and he could continue his obsession with gardening. Retirement changed in 1987 after Teresa's death from cancer and Roberto became a distributor for El Guapo Herbs & Spices. He loved traveling southern NM and El Paso, making new friends during his second career.
In 1992, Roberto married Mabel Bourget after reconnecting at a high school reunion. They enjoyed dancing, card games with friends and traveling to various casinos until her passing in 2008.
Roberto's love of gardening was a constant and he was gathering jalapenos and pears just a few weeks ago. He loved being outside, digging in the soil and could always been found tending his plants or working on a plan for next year's garden.
Roberto was also preceded in death by brothers: Mike, Roger and Don Apodaca and sisters: Mariana Gonzales and Esther Chavez. Survivors include He and Teresa's sons: Hector (Patsy) and Robert (Christine); Grandchildren: Amber Apodaca, Amanda (Matthew) Dyer and Roberto Apodaca. Three great-grandchildren: Madilynn, Marlie, and Nikolai. Siblings: Emma Bouvet, Vera Chavez and Paul Apodaca; and his sidekick and cousin Wash Apodaca.
The family would like to thank nieces: Nancy Terrazas, Veronica Caro and Bertha Goldbatt for their help and support. Roberto's friends and family are too numerous to mention, but each were an important part of his life. He loved visiting with all his family, friends and neighbors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity in his honor.
A visitation for Roberto will take place from 9am to 9:30am on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be at 10am at Holy Cross Catholic Church with burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave Las Cruces NM 88001. To sign the local online guest book visit www.GetzCares.com