Juan Felix Archuleta

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Juan Felix Archuleta, a resident of Agua Negra (Holman) New Mexico, on Monday July 21, 2025 from extended illnesses. A lifelong Catholic, Juan Felix was a member of Santa Gertrudis Parish in Mora, NM. Juan Felix was born on April 4, 1948 in La Sierra, NM to his mother Corina Padilla.
Juan attended school in La Sierra and the St. Gertrude's Parochial School. At a very young age, Juan annually traveled to El Valle de San Luis in Colorado to work in the fields as a migrant farmworker. Juan worked in the cabbage, sugar beet, and potato fields, with la papa being the primary crop he worked in. Juan learned that la vida es trabajar and he worked in multiple industries in his youth, including farm and ranch work, dishwasher, laborer, carpentry, and various others.
Juan signed up for the draft voluntarily in 1966 and enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Alaska. Juan served his country with pride and dedication and was a true patriot who understood the responsibilities of a democratic society to help those in most need. His later involvement in politics was driven by a deep-seated desire for equality and fairness in a world full of selfishness and hate. Juan served as a Mora Independent Schools Board member for 14 years and board member for the Western Mora Soil and Water Conservation District for several years as well.
Juan met and fell in love with Sophia Martínez of El Carmel, NM, whom he married on April 4, 1970 and raised a family with. Juan and Sophia were married 55 years until Juan's passing. Juan was a dedicated husband, proud father, and loyal friend. He never hesitated to help anyone in need, especially his friends, and never expected anything in return.
Juan is preceded in death by his unborn daughter Jolene Archuleta, mother Corina Padilla (Ruiz), brother John Henry Padilla, sister Lillian Martinez Corona, brother John Lucero, nephew Albino Martinez, nephew Joseph Archuleta, brothers-in-law Frank Martínez, Johnny Martínez, Leroy Abeyta, Will Rentería, and Robert Trujillo; sister-in-law Dolores Archuleta; nephew Max Valdez, and countless more family members, and close friends.
Juan Felix is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Sophia, daughter Jeanette Luján-Thornburg (Chris), sons Juan Felix, Jr. (Julia), Angelo (Audrey), and Jacob (Sarah); grandchildren Justin Estrada (Jolene), Gabriel Estrada (Shyan), Fabián Romero (Jamie), Joaquín Archuleta (Donna), Mariposa Archuleta (Sean), Reina Archuleta, Santiago Archuleta, Corrina Archuleta, Santana Archuleta, Marisabel Archuleta, Angelina García, and Gabriella Torrez; great grandchildren Jusiah, Lucas, Ella Rose, Gabriella Sophia, Essence, Aaryce, and Azaylia. He is also survived by his maternal brothers David Archuleta, Fred Padilla (Leticia), and Peter Rudy Padilla; his paternal siblings, Josephine Padilla, special sister Berna Trujillo, María Sandoval (George), Charlie Martinez, Patsy Martínez (Panchito), Ray Lucero, Robert Lucero (Jean), Donnie Martínez (Moira), Carlos Martínez (Ruby), Kenneth Martínez (Kathy), and Jordan Vigil (Lacey); special niece Annette Velasquez (Paul), and special nephews Ivan Phillip Trujillo and Robert Beto Corona (Nelly); brother's-in-law Eugenio Hatchas Martínez (Gloria), Willie Martínez (Joann), Ted Martínez (Betsy), sisters-in-law Luisita Abeyta, Margie Rentería, Prescilla García (Delano), Linda Valdez (Michael), as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, primos y primas, compadres, and close friends. Juan Felix valued relationships and loyalty and never wavered when a friend or family member needed help.
El Santísimo Rosario for Juan Felix will be on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 7:00 pm at Santa Gertrudis Parish in Mora, NM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 10:00 am at Santa Gertrudis Parish with Fr. Paul Grala, S.O.L.T. officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm at the National Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM, reception will follow that evening at 5:00 pm at the Olivas-Valdez VFW Post 1131 in Mora, NM. Pallbearers will be Justin Estrada, Gabriel Estrada, Jusiah Estrada, Fabian Romero, Joaquin Archuleta, Santiago Archuleta, Robert Corona, and Ivan Phillip Trujillo. Honorary Pallbearers will be his friends Jerry Martinez and Joseph Griego.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Avenue, Las Vegas, NM (505)425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.
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