Louise Trujillo

Our lovely Louise, 100, of Greeley, formerly of Denver, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025 surrounded by the love of God and family. The fourth of 8 children, Louise was born on May 10, 1925 to Julian Archuleta and Amalia Trujillo in Watrous, New Mexico. She married her childhood sweetheart, Bennie Trujillo (no relation to Amalia) on October 12, 1946. Always happy and welcoming, Louise leaves to all who knew her a legacy of love, caring, and compassion for one another and for the life given us by God.

Louise’s early childhood was spent in a small mining town near Red River, New Mexico where her father was a miner and her mother cooked for those without families. Her family returned to Watrous when, due to injuries in World War I and the ill effects of the coal mine, her father passed away, leaving a young wife with eight children. Their life was not easy, but full of love for one another. Louise’s memories of her life in Watrous were always told with a smile and laughter. Her many stories about pranks at school (a firecracker in the wastebasket), rowing a leaky boat across a nearby lake to go swimming (even though Louise couldn’t swim), waving a baton (ruler) and standing on a chair and leading the class in song painted a picture of a childhood full of joy. Her favorite memories have become others’ favorite stories.

Working as a housekeeper at a nearby ranch while also attending grade school in the tiny, adobe schoolhouse in Watrous, Louise met Bennie Trujillo. Shortly before World War II, Bennie departed Watrous to join the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). Louise remained at home and entered high school. When WWII broke out, she tried to join the WAC (Women’s Army Corps), but was denied when it was discovered she was underage. So, she and her older sister, Eloisa, trekked to find jobs in Denver. During those war years, she worked in a factory that produced sleeping bags for the military. Louise was proud to assist in the war effort as well as to help support her mother and family back in New Mexico.

Throughout the war Louise and Bennie, who had enlisted as an Army medic, exchanged cards and letters as their relationship continued to grow. Upon his discharge from the Army, Bennie moved to Denver where he promptly proposed to Louise during her lunch hour from work. Thus began 75 years of living and loving together.

During those many years, Louise and Bennie built a life based on love of family and friends. Her love was reflected in her home where all were welcome; where cooking for others was her joy; and, where the more at the table, the better. Louise cared deeply for those she loved and offering a helping hand, a sympathetic ear or a hearty cheer came naturally to her. Facing a challenge? Louise believed in meeting them head on. Her motto, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it” was heard often. For Louise loved life, and she embraced and appreciated each day God had given her. Wasting time worrying about situations used up the wonderful days of life. Meet them and move on was her philosophy.

Louise is survived by her children, Julie (Jim), Patrick (Virginia), grandchildren, Tonya (Chris), Kristina (Brian), Michael (Kim), Cindy (Eric), Bill (Kelsey), and Alicia, 8 great-grandchildren (Addison, Lilly, Logan, Bennett, Heather, Cory, Ashley, and Shane), and one great-great grandson (Jeryl aka Little Man). She will always be lovingly remembered by her sisters Bee and Elsie, sisters-in-law Josephine (Dee), Marie, and Stella, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Bennie, her son Benjamin, and siblings: Eloisa, Celina, Mollie, Julian, and Isaac.

The life of our lovely Louise will be celebrated with a viewing on Sunday, November 16th, 4-8pm. The service is November 17th, 11am, internment at 1pm, and reception at 1:30pm. All will be held at Olinger Hampden Mortuary, 8600 E Hampden Avenue, Denver, Co. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Hilda, who loved Louise as her own grandmother, Theresa, who brought spiritual joy into Louise’s life, and the staff at the Life Care Center, whose compassion made Louise’s last days those of dignity and comfort.

Louise embraced us all with her warmth and easy smile, her ability to find good in others, and her tendency to give compliments freely and generously. She always found a reason to celebrate every day of her life – no matter the season. While the pain of Louise may dim, the joy of loving her never will.