Luis F. Pantoja
June 5, 1923 - July 23, 2010
Luis Fierro Pantoja
Luis F. Pantoja passed away on Friday, July 23, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. A rosary will be recited on Monday, July 26, 2010 at Ballard Funeral Home Chapel at 7:00 PM. Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at Ballard Funeral Home Chapel. Matt Brooks of First Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery.
Luis was born June 5, 1923 in Valentine, Texas to Gavino and Delores (Lola) Pantoja. He married Delfina Delgado on March 18, 1943 in Artesia, New Mexico. Preceding him in death are his loving wife, Delfina Pantoja, his parents Gavino and Delores Pantoja, his brothers Tino, Lorenzo, Salvador, Jesus, and Jose Pantoja, and his granddaughter Yvette Barela.
He is survived by his sons, Ismael D. Pantoja and wife Carol of Albuquerque, Robert D. Pantoja and wife Linda of Roswell, Sammy D. Pantoja and wife Roberta of Albuquerque, Ricky Pantoja and wife Lupe of Roswell, and daughters Edwina Araujo of Albuquerque and Rose Ornelas and husband Max of Roswell. He is also survived by his only sister Almida Pantoja. He is survived by his grandchildren: Robert, Paul, Darren, and Roberta Pantoja, Lana Candelaria, Max Jr., John A., and Christopher Ornelas, Samantha Pantoja, Robert, Ross, and Randy Narvaiz, Samuel Pantoja, Erin, Amanda, and Matthew Trujillo, Gavin, Michelle, and Eric Pantoja, Joe Ray Lerma and Dennis Araujo, 37 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Luis worked 15 years for the Southern Pacific Railroad in Texas. In 1953 Luis moved to Roswell and worked in construction for over 25 years until her retired. He loved to work outside in his yard and was notorious for doing many projects around his home. He always was willing to give advice to his grandchildren. His favorite saying to his grandchildren was “Keep it that Money Tight.” His coffee pot was always on and was ready to be offered to anyone who would come by to visit. When his great-grandchildren would leave his home, they would always leave with cookies and candy. Luis enjoyed having good conversation with the neighbors that lived around him.
Pallbearers will be Robert, Paul, Darren, Samuel, Gavin, Eric, and Samantha Pantoja, John A. and Christopher Ornelas, Robert Narvaiz, Dennis Araujo, and Joe Ray Lerma. All other grandchildren and great-grandchildren are honorary pallbearers.
The family would like to thank Carmen Anaya and Ed at Frontier Medical for their care they gave their dad the past few weeks.
The family will receive guests at the home of Robert and Linda Pantoja at 2515 Park Drive.
All arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com.
To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears.
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love. You can only guess
how much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown.
But now it’s time I travel on alone.
So grieve awhile, for grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for awhile that we must part,
so bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear.
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then when you must come this way alone.
I’ll greet you with a smile and say:
WELCOME HOME!
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