Antonia Ovalle

Beloved wife of James Ovalle; Mother of Susan (Alvin) Theragood, Thomas (Ruby) Duran, Alan Duran, Gerianne (Lupe) Martinez, James (Mary) Duran, Paul (Cindy) Duran, Marie Duran and Michelle Esquibel, the oldest grandchild, who was one of us. In addition to her seven children, Toni is survived by 24 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and great, great granddaughter Maiya. She is also survived by four siblings, Mabel Sierra, Joe Rodarte, Mary Kohlbeck and Esther Martinez.

Mom was born in Gascon, N.M. on August 10, 1927 and went to our Lord on May 7, 2013. She was born to Jacinto Rodarte and Andalecia Ortega-Rodarte. Mom was the second oldest of seven children Solomon being the oldest. Uncle Saul survived WW ll only to be killed in an auto accident in 1946. Her younger brother George, who she loved dearly, passed away not too long ago. Growing up we heard many stories of her childhood some sad but mostly very amusing. As she was the oldest of the girls it was her chore to care for the younger ones while her parents worked in the fields.

Mom was born with a hearing disability so when she was older she was sent to the Colorado Deaf and Blind School. After graduating she worked at Samsonite Corp. She met and wed Lawrence Duran and raised her seven children. During our early years Mom and Dad also helped raise a foster child, Neil Brown, who was also hearing impaired. Being a member of the hearing impaired community she was involved with many functions when we were younger. After thirty-two years of marriage Mom and Dad divorced and Mom met and married a good man, James Ovalle in 1985. During her lifetime, Mom worked for many years at St. Anthony Hospital and then at various other jobs.

Mom loved to take road trips with James, mostly through the Southwest. She was always happy when her vast family would visit her and she would always ask if they were hungry. She loved to tell stories of her adventures and experiences to her family and friends. It was her way of expressing her love to us, with her stories both happy and sad.

Mom loved the Virgin Mary and prayed to her often. In lieu of flowers please offer donations to the Little Sisters of the poor or the National Parkinson’s Foundation.

Viewing of our Lovely wife and Mother will be on Saturday, the 11th of May, 2-5 P.M. Rosary and Mass to follow will be held on Monday the 13th at 10:00 A.M.

Viewing and services will be at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary.