Joe Raymond Bustos

Joe Raymond Bustos, age 72, Our beloved Joe (Jody) passed on to eternal life on Thursday, September 17, 2009 with his family at his side. Joe was born on August 18, 1937 to Jose I and Drusilla T. Bustos and was a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz, NM. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Juanita B. Archuleta, also his father and mother in law Eufemio and Anita Rivera, brothers-in-law Johnny Archuleta, Armando Rivera, Jose Rivera and Eliseo Baca, sister-in-law Anita Rivera and Nephew Gilbert Rivera. He graduated from Espanola Valley High School in 1955, and received his Bachelors Degree from Highlands University in 1959, and also received his Masters degree from the University of New Mexico in 1971. He started his teaching career at Santa Rosa High School in 1959. In 1961 he began teaching at Espanola Valley High School where he taught in the areas of Biology, English and special education. He retired from teaching in the public schools after 34 years and had taught courses at Highlands University and UNM as well. A member of The New Mexico National Guard for several years, he was active in community projects and served in outreach programs for the City of Espanola. Joe Loved, enjoyed and respected life-humans, animals and plants. He fed birds all year round and enjoyed having different animals in the classroom and caring for his pond at his residence. Mr. Bustos is survived by his wife of 47 years, Frances. children; Raymond Joe and Erica Anne Bustos Whom he cherished; brothers and sisters-in-law; Mary Rivera, Susie Baca, Laura Montoya and husband Joe, Tino Rivera, Harold Rivera and wife Frances, numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends. Recitation of the rosary will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 12:00 noon at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola, NM. (505) 753-2288, toll free (800) 443-4854 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com