Ernesto T Garcia

Ernesto T. Garcia, age 84, of El Prado, was born on February 28, 1941, and passed away on March 3, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of his family and hospice caregivers.

He is preceded in death by his father, Timoteo Garcia; mother, Adelaida Garcia; and siblings Leo Garcia, Eddie Garcia, Pauline Romero, Margaret Ornales, and Rose Duran.

Ernest is survived by his loving wife of over 58 years, Mildred Martinez Garcia; sons Ernest Brian Garcia (Frances) and Glen Garcia; daughter Sharon Garcia; grandsons Matthew Garcia, Sean A. Romero (Cassandra), Domonic E. Romero (Brianna), Adrian M. Romero (Aliyah), Jesse Martinez, Josh Gonzales, and Michael Sanabria; granddaughters Kandice Graves (Claude), Yvonne Stow (Mike), and Ravanne Duby (Tim); great-granddaughters Sonia Graves, Zoey Stow, Amara Stow, and Jamey Lyn Stow; siblings Tim Garcia, Mike Garcia (Carla); and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In early 1963, Ernest met the love of his life and best friend, Mildred Martinez Garcia. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in November 1963. While on leave, Ernest and Mildred announced their engagement. Ernest served in Vietnam as part of a special forces unit for the last six months of his service and was honorably discharged in December 1965. Mildred graduated from Questa High School in May 1966, and the couple married on September 17, 1966. In 1969, the couple moved to El Rito, where Ernest attended school for auto mechanics. After two years, they returned to Taos, where Ernest worked at Montgomery Ward. Between 1972 and 1982, he worked in Questa as an auto mechanics instructor. Later, he was employed by the State Corrections Department in Springer, New Mexico, and also did landscaping for eight years.

Ernest was a kind, loving, caring, and generous person who will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at Rivera Chapel on March 28, 2025, at 10AM. He will be laid to rest at Angel Fire State Veteran Cemetery.