Ben J. Salazar

Ben J. Big Ben Salazar, 79, a resident of San Pedro and formally of Canones passed away peacefully with his family at his side following a brief illness, Monday July 27, 2009. He enjoyed farming and raising cattle at his Canones ranch. He also enjoyed teaching children as an educator in the Espanola, Pojoaque, and Jemez Mountain school districts for over 30 years. Ben was well known in northern New Mexico for his athletic abilities in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field for Espanola High School and St. Michaels College. It was through sports he earned the nickname Big Ben. He was preceded in death by his parents Saquello and Francisquita Salazar of Canones. In-laws Eligio and Estefanita DeVargas of Vallecitos. He is survived by his wife of over fifty years, Rose Salazar of San Pedro, a son; Eliud Salazar and wife Katherine of Canones, two daughters; Patricia Archuleta and husband Jose Coco of San Pedro. Rebecca Salazar and husband Earl of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, a sister; Orlinda Gallegos of Canones, five grandchildren, Alonso and Milena Archuleta of San Pedro, USAF Lt. Zaqueo Salazar and wife Sarah of Alamogordo, Andres and Lupita Salazar of Canones, sisters-in-law, Esther Lopez and husband Levi of Santa Fe, Vangie Herrera, Elva Trujillo and husband Jerome of Albuquerque, Geraldine Sandoval of Albuquerque, Esmeria Lucero and husband Siby of Ojo Caliente, two aunts, Severania Salazar of Canones and Ernestina Herrera of Coyote and many other nieces and nephews. A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Rivera Family Funeral Home. Recitation of the rosary will be follow at 7:00 p.m.. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, at 10:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada in Santa Cruz with Father Terrence Brennan officiating. Interment will follow at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Alonso and Milena Archuleta, Zaquello, Andres, and Lupita Salazar, Isaiah Velasquez, Tony Juice Gallegos, and Ramon Serrano, honorary pallbearers are Salomon Jaramillo, Merhege, Manny Gallegos and Ray Dupree. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Rivera Family Funeral Home, (505)753-2288 or (800) 443-4854 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com