Guadalupe Herrera

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Guadalupe “Eli” Herrera, on September 11, 2024, at the age of 90. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with dementia, and subsequently leukemia, and prostate cancer. 

Eli was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco Herrera, Fidel and Ophelia Archuleta, his in-laws, Jesus and Feloniz Martinez; his wife, Dolores; his son, David; and his grandson, Adrian. He is also preceded by his siblings, Fidel Jr. Julia Trujillo, Cleo Montoya, Sylvia Pinney, and brother-in-law Denny. Additionally, his in laws George Martinez, Roy Martinez, Tomas Martinez, Jorge & Mela Chavez, Tillie and Teodoro Romero, Teofila and Arturo “Fasho” Trujillo, Felix and Dorothy Martinez, Benito and Viola Martinez, and many nephews and nieces. 

He is survived by his children, Benito, Eli Jr., Anna (Marty), Dolores (Meliton) grandchildren Juan Steven (Tammy), Carlos (Cayla), Sean David (Richard), And Juan Marcos, great- grandchildren Emily, Oliver, Alana, and Jason, and many bonus grandchildren. 

After graduating from Taos High School, Eli married Dolores Martinez in 1953. They were married 50 years before she passed away from cancer in November 2003. In April 1954, he joined the US Army, serving honorably until April 1959. During his service, he proudly served with the Battle Group 9th Infantry and Airborne Battalion as a paratrooper. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued higher education through the GI Bill, attending New Mexico Highlands University and the University of Denver, where he earned a master’s degree in social work. Eli dedicated his career to public service, working as Director of Public Health, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation, and teaching Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University – Taos Campus. He also served on the Taos County School Board of Education and as a Taos County Commissioner. Eli was a proud member of the Morada de San Francisco. Known for his immense humor and wisdom. Eli cherished every moment spent with family and friends. He was an accomplished guitar player, singer, and carpenter. In his younger days, he enjoyed skiing, hunting and fishing. 

We are deeply grateful to our family and friends for their prayers, love, and support during this challenging time. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Mountain Home health Care for their dedicated care of our dad over the past year. Special thanks to Father Mike Garcia and Father Andrew Ifele for their blessings during his illness. We also want to express our gratitude to the Hermanos and their families for visiting our home to pray a special rosary and offer a blessing; your presence meant the world to us. Special thanks to the staff at Rivera Funeral Home for their care and concern during our loss. 

A viewing will be held on Sunday September 15, 2024 from 2 -4 PM at Rivera Chapel. a Rosary will follow at  6 PM at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. A mass will be held on Monday September 16, 2024 at 10 AM at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church with burial to follow at San Francisco Cemetery in Ranchos. A meal in his honor will be served at the Llano Quemado Community Center following the burial. If possible, wear something colorful to accompany us in his “Celebration of Life”.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com.