Obituary of Ernest Mondragon

Ernest Mondragon, 73, a resident of Las Vegas, NM passed away Tuesday July 5, 2022 surrounded by his family.

He was born to Juanita and Santiago Mondragon on May 4, 1949 in Holman, NM. He was a 1969 Mora Graduate. Ernest retired after 25 years from NMBHI where he was a food service supervisor. He continued to work in the food industry at two local nursing homes in Las Vegas. Ernest proudly served and retired as a Staff Sergeant with the local 720th National Guard unit. Ernest was a Desert Shield/Desert Storm Veteran having completed 22 years of service. He completed military missions in Germany (Reforger), McGregor (Roving Sands), and Alaska (Ketchikan) highway. He was also passionate about mechanical work.

He is preceded in death by both his parents, 4 half-sisters, a half-brother, In-laws Cornelia Sanchez, Perfecto Gurule, and 4 brother-in-laws.

Ernest is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Mondragon, Children; Arthur Mondragon (Lupe), Ernest Mondragon (Veronica), and Katie Mondragon-Montoya (George), Grandchildren; Angelica Mondragon-Esquibel (Santiago), Santiago Mondragon (Havenlee), Venessa Chavez (Jeremy), Jennifer Chavez (Marc), Danielle Mondragon, Step-grandchildren; Anthony Vigil (Ashley) and Marcus Vigil, Brother Cipriano Mondragon (Esther), Brother-in-law Paul Sanchez, half-brother Damian Duran (Zenida), special nephew Ciprianito Mondragon Jr, Best Friends; Tony & Connie Martinez, Tony & Josie Pino, Nick & Mae Coca, Gabriel & Elena Lopez, Nick & Mary Ortiz, all Comrades of the 720th, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special thanks to Dr. L Murray, Physical Therapist Deanna Roybal, Father Rob Yaksich, MaRian Brotherton RN, Tamara Marquez RN, VSO Karen Abeyta, staff at UNM Cancer Center, LV VA staff, and the nursing staff at AVRH.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be announced when arrangements have been finalized. Interment will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with Full Military Honors at a later date.