Rosalie Vargas

Rosalie J. Vargas, 81, from Des Montes passed away on February 17, 2025. She was born on October 22, 1943. She was a graduate from Taos High School and worked as a certified nursing assistant with the Taos Living Center and Holy Cross Hospital where she was loved by many of her peers. 

She was born in Taos, where she remained a life-long resident. She was born to Gilbert Vargas and Carmelita Varos. She was a passionate individual and rooted in her faith. She taught Sunday school at the Spanish Assembly of God church in Taos for many years. She was a devoted mother to her two sons. She had a green thumb and grew some of, if not the biggest roses in many colors. She was a talented seamstress. She made beautiful quilts and designed and created Fiesta dresses for children on numerous occasions. She was a passionate baker, with the best cakes and bread. Her signature capulin jelly has yet to be duplicated and will be missed. She was a very strong woman in all aspects of her life and always gave to the best of her ability to whatever she put her mind and heart to. She sacrificed for her family above all else and took great care of her mother. Her conversation entailed words of great encouragement. She could get a little angry at times, but then again who doesn’t? On the other hand, she had a great sense of humor and always made those around her laugh. We will miss her hugs and her smile. 

Rosalie is survived by her son Leo Duran, his wife Denise Duran, granddaughter Amarie Duran, brother Gilbert Vargas and his wife Josie Vargas, brother Ralph Martinez, sister-in-law Judith Martinez, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father Gilbert Vargas, mother Carmelita V. Martinez, son Joseph Duran, brothers Antonio A. Martinez, Ben Martinez, James Vargas, Joe Lee Martinez, sisters Jennie Dalzell and Lucy Ortega, nephews David Herrera, Joshua Herrera and Jonathan Herrera, and niece Sarah Herrera. 

Services will be held at the Spanish Assembly of God church in Taos on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM, immediately followed by the burial at the Spanish Assembly of God cemetery in El Prado. A reception will follow at the Spanish Assembly of God Church at 305 Burch Street, Taos.