Eloy Apodaca Armendariz

Eloy Armendariz was born on July 5,1944 in Loving, New Mexico to Vigilia Apodaca Armendariz and Angel Armendariz.

Eloy was born into a musical family and at the tender age of 4, his older sister Elodia taught him how to play the piano. This was the spark that ignited his first and forever love…..music. At 12 years old Eloy began playing piano for the family’s 8- piece band. He joked that he was in dive bars way before he could even drive. At 17-years old, Eloy left Loving/Carlsbad NM to attend the University of New Mexico on a music scholarship. It was there that a few of his roommates & he started a band, The Czars. Although initially started to raise money for rent and tuition they quickly became famous throughout the college scene. Eloy would play until 2am, sleep for 4 hours then go to class and repeat, 7 days a week. This work ethic was Eloy’s trademark!!!

A few years into college Eloy started what is arguably still known today as the Best Band to ever come out of Albuquerque, New Mexico…..The Spinning Wheel. He also welcomed his first son Todd on August 23, 1966. It was time that this incredible group of musicians hit the road and share their insane talents with the world. A few years into traveling on the road the band made a quick stop in Alb. And it was here when the love his life walked in the bar, Mary Lou. As Spinning Wheel took fame and headlined from Vegas to Tahoe the two spent years rubbing elbows with the likes of Sammy Davis jr. Frank Sinatra, & Wayne Newton et.all. On Feb. 15th 1973 the two married at the Silver Bells Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas with Eloy in a Grey Leisure Suit & Mary Lou in a yellow fitted dress.

On August 25, 1977 Eloy and Mary Lou welcomed a daughter, Valerie and shortly after, Eloy retired from touring, finished getting his bachelors degree from the University of New Mexico and began his career at The Public Service Company of New Mexico. He also went on get his Masters degree from the University of Phoenix.

On May 17, 1983 Mary Lou and Eloy welcomed Brandon to the world.

Eloy took on parenthood just as he did his music career with love, compassion and drive for all around him. He was the anchor of his entire New Mexico family. Along with his best friends (his brother Erv & his wife Carmen) the four quickly created a picturesque & remarkable childhood for their children. Eloy embraced and loved his brother & sister-in-laws and as

a result, Valerie & Brandon grew up with so much love, laughter, family & togetherness.

Eloy embraced Grandparenthood as he did parenthood when Valerie & Greg welcomed his grandchildren. Tanna, Kole & Zane. They quickly became the center of Eloy and Mary Lou’s life and when work took Brandon & Greg( Son-in-law) out of Alb. Eloy and Mary Lou, as they always did, packed up and moved to beautiful Southern California to be with their children and grandchildren. They are their grandchildrens’ BIGGEST FANS!!!

Eloy was a legend in his time and will be deeply missed here on Earth but we all have extreme comfort knowing he is with the love his life, Mary Lou and we have no doubt he is “doing him” in heaven and looking out for all of us.

Eloy is Preceded in death by his parents, Vigilia & Angel Armendariz. His brother’s Enrique, Ermino & Ernesto. His son Todd and his wife Mary Lou.

Eloy is survived by his sister Elodia, his brother Ervey & wife Carmen, his brother Ernie & wife Pam, his brother-in-law Angel and wife Trish, his sister-in-law Lilian & husband Edward, his daughter Valerie & Husband Greg, his son Brandon Armendariz, his grandchildren Tanna, Kole & Zane. Along with countless loving nephews & nieces.

Mary Lou and Eloy will be laid to rest together in San Diego CA. Another celebration of life is being planned in Albuquerque, NM this summer.

In lue of flowers the family kindly asks that donations be made in Eloy or Mary Lou’s name to either:

https://giving.scripps.org/how-to-give/memorial-gifts

or

https://giveto.ucsd.edu/giving/home/

A Memorial Service will be held at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121, US, on June 16, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will be held at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121, US, on June 16, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.