Fern M. Maestas

Fern M. Maestas, a few months shy of her 100th birthday, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fern was born in 1925 in Dolores, Colorado, to Fermin Vallejos and Fedelina Sandoval Vallejos. She spent her early years in Colorado and New Mexico, residing in Blanco, New Mexico; Telluride, Colorado; and Cortez, Colorado.

Fern was united in marriage to Fred Maestas, and together they raised three daughters, building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Fern was well known in the Cortez community for her many years of service as a cafeteria lady at Kemper Elementary School, Cortez Middle School, and Cortez High School, where she was fondly remembered by students and staff alike.

She had a special talent for sewing and needlework, and enjoyed camping trips with her family. Fern’s kindness, dedication, and loving nature touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Maestas; her daughter, Helen Leffel; son-in-law, Layne Leffel; grandsons, Vaughn Hougland, Kip Logan, and Brian Leffel; and her siblings, LaVerne Archibeque, Jasper Vallejos, Alfred Vallejos and Richard Vallejos.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Logan of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Sally Maestas of Lakewood, Colorado; granddaughters, Alisa Stine (Stephen), Denise Sanchez (Shane), and Dawn Hill (Nate); beloved great-granddaughters, Sara Hill and Samantha Sanchez; special niece LaVella Vialpando, siblings Margie Martinez, Bernadine Vallejos, and Louie Vallejos; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fern will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Graveside services will be held Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Cortez Cemetery.