Arthur L. Tafoya

During the early morning hours of May 10, 2013, as result of an extended illness, our beloved father, Arthur L. Tafoya, 88, with his family at his side, passed from this world into the open arms of the Lord.

He was born on Oct. 5, 1924 in Las Vegas, to Brigido Tafoya and Amalia Gallegos. A lifelong resident of Las Vegas, Arthur was proud of his ancestral roots being from El Morphe in Mora County.

Arthur was united in marriage on Aug. 30, 1954 in Las Vegas, to Nora A. Montoya.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Brigido and Amalia Tafoya; brothers, Leonires and Joe Tafoya; sister, Feloniz Gonzales; grandson, Benjamin W. Moore; father and mother-in-law, Horacio and Antonia Montoya.

Arthur is survived by his loving wife, Nora A. Tafoya of the family home; sons, Alex Tafoya and companion Marie Rubio of Las Vegas, Anthony Tafoya of Santa Fe; daughter, Normajean Moore and husband William; and son, Stephen Tafoya and wife Evonne all of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Patrick Tafoya and girlfriend Valerie Gonzales, Vanessa Cordova (Jacob), Patricia Romero (Armando), Sheila Gonzales (Justin), Alysha Tafoya, Frank Roybal, Christopher Tafoya and girlfriend Adryanna Trujillo, family friends considered as grandchildren, Julian Coca and Nick Tyrone; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ernestine Duran of Santa Fe, Gertrude Escudero of Wilmington, Calif., Mary Fedelina Tafoya of Albuquerque; sister–in-laws, Fannie Tafoya of Albuquerque, Lucy Tafoya of Las Vegas, Nancy Gonzales of California, and Margaret Sedillo of Las Vegas; brothers-in-law, Tito Montoya (Maria) of Las Vegas, and Horacio Montoya, Jr. (Bernadette) of Albuquerque; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was an Army veteran, having served during both World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor during World War II and was a patriotic American. During World War II, Arthur suffered serious wounds and burns to his body and as a result spent six months in an Army hospital.

Arthur was joined in marriage to Nora Montoya and together they shared 58 years, raised a family and made a home. Arthur enjoyed 26 years of retirement after having worked for 33 years at the New Mexico State Hospital as a supervisor in the Brain Re-training Unit. During his retirement, Arthur kept busy by helping to raise his grandchildren, tending to his yearly garden and growing his vegetables.

Arthur kept the wood pile stocked so that Nora could have a warm home. He loved football and was a Robertson Cardinal fan. He enjoyed traveling and he and Nora were always on the road going somewhere.

Arthur was a humble man who tried to make sure his children were prepared for the world, and he taught them all he could. He made a good chocolate cake and a delicious meatloaf. His sweet tooth was legendary.

Arthur loved to dance, and he kept Nora on her toes on the dance floor.

Arthur grew up during the Great Depression of the 1930s and, as a result, did not waste anything and took nothing for granted. He was grateful for all that life gave him. His illness came suddenly and he accepted it and dealt with it quietly. He fought to the very end with a strength from within that amazed his family.

During the quiet early morning when all was still and peaceful, he took his last breath and began a new journey.

Public visitation will be held all day today (Monday) at Rogers Chapel in Las Vegas. Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. today (Monday) at Immaculate Conception Church. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Church with Father George Salazar as celebrant.

Interment will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe with full military honors. Serving as casket bearers will be: Patrick Tafoya, Frank Roybal, Jacob Cordova, Julian Coca, Christopher Tafoya, Armando Romero, Nick Tyrone, and William Moore. Serving as honorary bearers will be his remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visit Rogers Mortuary's website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, 1-800-479-3511