Obituary of Robert Lee Benavidez

Robert Lee Benavidez age 77, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend was embraced by the Lord and taken to his heavenly home early Sunday, November 6, 2011. With his loving wife by his side, Robert passedaway peacefully after courageously battling a lengthy illness. Robert was born on September 1, 1934 in Trinidad, CO. He spent his early years in Nevada and California before making New Mexico his "true" home in 1948. He attended Sacred Heart School and St. Mary's High School where he met his future wife, Dolores. Robert played on his high school baseball team where he developed his love for the game. After marrying and starting a family, they moved to Los Alamos where Robert was a dedicated and proud fireman/EMT until his retirement. Robert loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing with his son-in-laws and grandchildren. Mr. "B" was loved by many and a friend to all who met him. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and by those whose hearts he touched. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Celio and Stella (Gallegos) Benavidez, in-laws Joe and Elisa Vialpando and Carlos Sisneros, and great-granddaughter Kaylen Rose Foster. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dolores, brother Dan Benavidez, sisters Leola (Ted) Cline and Stella Benavidez, brother- in-laws Henry (Corrine) Sisneros, Joey Sisneros, Johnny (Bea) Sisneros, and Lewis (Virginia) Sisneros, daughters, Geri (Ernie) C'deBaca, Barbara (Ken) Foster, Theresa (Christopher) C'deBaca, Rocky Benavidez (Art Sanchez), and Renee (Justin) Miley, grandchildren Robbie C'deBaca, Seth C'deBaca, Shannon (Tom) Russell, Dustin Foster, Gary (Krystle) Foster, Tim (Julie) Locke, Melanie (Kenny) Stimson, Joseph C'deBaca, Andrea C'deBaca, Justin Brophy, Kendra Brophy, Christiana Miley, Shane Miley, 16 great grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Public visitation will be held Friday, November 11, 2011 at 6:00 pm at the Riverside Funeral Home Chapel, 225 San Mateo NE, Albuquerque, with a rosary to follow at 7:00 pm. Memorial mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 301 S. Camino Del Pueblo, Bernalillo. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Robert's grandchildren. The family wishes to extend special thanks for the love and support of Marla, Christina, and Wayne and the exceptional care provided by Vista Care Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home, Albuquerque.