Jose Zamora Chavez

Jose Z. Chavez, 89, of Los Chavez, NM, passed away on January 14, 2026. He was born in Albuquerque, NM, to Espiridion and Ida Chavez. He was married to his beloved wife, Fela Chavez, for 57 years, and together they had five children.
Jose is survived by his children:
Chris Chavez and his wife Lorrie; Anthony Chavez; Leroy Chavez and his late wife Camille; Loretta Padilla and her late husband Peter Paul; and Doreen Chavez.
Grandchildren: Felisha and Jeff Elston; Jocelyn and Casey Crevelone; Josiah Chavez; Danae and Tim Dollinger; Shanteal Chavez; Jasmine Massingill; Lyndsi and Bryan Salazar; Jason and Vanessa Chavez; Elijah and Shaylyn Padilla; Rebekah and Nate Duran; Rachel and Jarred Thomas; and Paul Padilla.
Great-grandchildren: Cassie, Caden, Carson, Jaxon, Chase, Jaden, Zoe, Hailey, Brinley, Justus, Ayzlynn, Eliyah and Zachary Perales, Eliana, Israel, Judah, Theodore, Gracelyn, Kace, and Ezra.
Great-great-grandchildren: Ezekiel, Zoriah, and Zara Eliana.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Fela Chavez; his parents, Espiridion and Ida Chavez; his brother, Herminio; his sisters, Helena, Martha, Helen, Margie, and Becky; his son-in-law, Peter Paul Padilla; his daughter-in-law, Camille Chavez; and his great-granddaughter, Eliana Meray.
Jose was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He was known for his friendliness, his strong faith, and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He and Fela lived a life of open doors and open hearts. They fostered children in need and welcomed several Ukrainians into their home, many of whom continue to be embraced as family.
He worked at Bates and Sagebrush Lumberyard for over 40 years. He enjoyed gardening, horseback riding, and camping with family.
The family would like to thank High Desert Hospice for the special care they provided to Jose.
His memory will live on in all who loved him.
A memorial service for Jose will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026. A visitation will take place at 12:30 pm, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm, at the Grace Fellowship Church, in Los Lunas, NM, with a reception to follow.
Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com