Benerito Seferino ""Bennie"" Archuleta

Benerito "Bennie" Seferino Archuleta passed away surrounded by his family at home on June 20, 2009. Bennie was born March 9, 1926 in San Ignacio, NM to Seferino and Genoveva Archuleta and lived in San Ignacio until his enlistment in the United States Army in 1942 at the age of 16. Bennie was assigned to the 99th Infantry Division in Europe, where he found himself marching across many European countries. He was awarded the Army combat Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, European, Middle Eastern and African Ribbons, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. Bennie was a lifetime member of VFW Post #1547. Upon his return from Europe he moved to Las Vegas, NM and married Eva Rains on June 24, 1946. They had four sons, Toby, Bennie Jr., Ruben, and Anthony. Bennie was employed by the United States Forest Service for 23 years and was the Forest Fire Liason Officer. During his years in the Forest Service he worked in many areas of the West fighting fires, as crew leader and had invaluable, local knowledge of the Santa Fe National Forest. After retiring he spent the next 28 years enjoying time with his family, doing master carpentry work for friends and family, as well as being a jack of all trades. There wasn't anything Bennie couldn't build or repair for those in need. Bennie also passed on this expertise to his sons and grandchildren, patiently teaching them how to build, repair and the meaning of hard work. He was the owner of Rancho Del Oso in Sapello Canyon. There he spent countless hours working the ranch, entertaining guests and being a most gracious host. We will miss watching sunsets from the porch being in his company. Bennie was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. He was a friend to all he met.
Bennie is survived by his wife Eva of Las Vegas, NM; son Toby and wife Anita of Anchorage, Alaska, and son Ruben and wife Theresa of Rio Rancho, NM; grandchildren Christopher Archuleta and wife Lena of Las Vegas, NM, Steven Archuleta and wife Kim of San Diego, CA, Angelo Archuleta and wife Teresa of Castle Rock, CO, Richard Archuleta of Rio Rancho, NM, Daniel Archuleta and wife Emily of Albuquerque, NM, and Audrey Archuleta of Kirksville, MO, Anita Archuleta Allen of Jefferson City, MO, Alexander and Nicholas Archuleta of Anchorage, Alaska. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Bennie was preceded in death by sons Bennie S. Archuleta, Jr., MD and Anthony Archuleta with the US Army.
A rosary followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please join the family and friends for a reception at the Elk's Lodge, 2305 Collins Drive beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Cremation has taken place and the burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bennie's memory to the Heating and Air Conditioning Fund at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 403 Valencia Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701.

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