Elias Bustos

Elias J. Bustos, 85, carpenter and counselor at the Hoy Alcoholism Treatment Center (retired) passed away in the early morning hours of June 29th in the loving arms of his wife and daughter and surrounded by his family in Chimayo following a lengthy illness.

Elias was born to Elias Sr. and Barbarita Maestas on March 25th, 1935 in El Llano, New Mexico. He grew up in the Espanola Valley and attended Santa Cruz High School as a Crusader. He married his high school sweetheart, Dora, and six months later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, was stationed at Camp Pendleton then proudly served his country in Japan until his release. Though he worked at various jobs he was known throughout the valley as an excellent carpenter and built many structures and capped them off with many complex roofing designs. His workmanship and pride in what he accomplished lives on today through his sons, to whom he passed on a variety of skills. Later in life, and through the faith of his beliefs, he became a counselor at the Hoy Alcoholism Center. While employed there he helped many people to reset their life priorities, with many returning to offer thanks for receiving a guiding hand at just the right time. Many of his therapy sessions were received as he gave haircuts to both young and old either in the kitchen, the porch of his home or when summoned to assist an elderly friend in need of a trim.  He was a self-taught musician who played his guitar alongside many of his friends at the fiestas of yesteryear and family gatherings. He and his wife, Dora were a sight to see on the dance floor as they moved together as one to the tune of Spanish songs, be they “rancheras”, “corridas”, “cumbias” or even “the twist”.

Elias was preceded in death by his parents Elias P. Bustos Sr. and Barbarita Maestas, his in-laws, Julian D. Trujillo, Natividad Espinoza Trujillo and step-mother-in-law Rosa Trujillo, brother’s-in-law and sisters-in-law  Max Trujillo (Carolina), Ismeal Trujillo (Erlinda), son Eric A. Bustos, granddaughters Dr. Bryanna G. Bustos, DPT; and Ashley Garcia, grandson Nicholas B. Bustos and brother Manuel A. Bustos.

Elias is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Dora, children Carmelito, Geraldine Martinez (Seledon), Harold (Nora), Walter (Leah), Rodney (Cynthia) and Nadine Mondragon (Chris). Grandchildren Randy J. Martinez (Gloria), Rhonda L. Evenhus (Jeremy), Nicole Fresquez, Julian Bustos, Tracy Lovato, Eric Bustos, Ryan Bustos (Briana), Ricky Bustos, Hilary Bustos (Edger Huerta), Adrianna V. Salazar, Joshua D. Mondragon, Jayson S. Bustos, Jayme L. Bustos, Jasmine E. Mondragon, Great-Grandchildren Michaela F. and Marisa R. Martinez, Kyle D. and Lauren C. Evenhus, Josiah and Zaccariah Fresquez, Damian and Yolianna Huerta, Gabriella Salazar, Hannah and William Bustos. Brother Arturo P. Bustos, half-sister Placida Maestas and sister-in-law Evelyn Bustos. Dear and close friend Susie Ruiz.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Connie Garcia, Addus; Hospices nurses, Judith Hurula and Jacob Gonzales and Mary Wyatt, social worker. A heartfelt thank you to Theresa Westfall and the Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations staff for their help and compassion shown during this difficult time. In appreciation for all the donations, meals, food items, thoughts and prayers from family, friends and neighbors, an extended hug with a big thank you to all!

A catholic rosary will take place on Monday, July 6th 2020 at The Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo, NM at 9:30 a.m. followed by memorial mass at 10:00 a.m. with the burial to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.  * Due to Covid 19,restrictions are in place at the National cemetery. We ask that the burial be reserved for imidiate family only, as the Santa Fe National cemetery has a maximum occupency of 20 people, entry to the church will be limited to 125 people at the Holy Family Catholic Church.

We encourage you to leave your condolences on our website for Mr. Elias J. Bustos.