Naomi B. Sanchez

1927-2016 Naomi Barba Sanchez, age 88, a resident of Belen, NM, passed away Friday, March 18, 2016, after a lengthy illness. Naomi was the oldest of 15 children, born to Jose and Elvira Barba. She was born in El Paso, Texas, and spent her childhood in Swanee, New Mexico. Naomi’s parents and nine of her siblings moved to Belen in 1941 where she lived the rest of her life. Naomi was a dedicated Christian woman and loved the Lord with all of her heart. She had a great work ethic. In her teenage years she worked at Rays Café as a waitress on main street in Belen and at the laundromat on first street. Naomi was a perfectionist in ironing clothes. She was asked by many preachers, school principals, doctors, school superintendents and pharmacists to iron their white shirts. These prominent professionals were so impressed by her work ethics that she was hired as their housekeeper. Naomi also worked for the Belen schools cafeteria. She was known as the best bread maker. Because of her illness she had to give up caring for children at the First Baptist Church nursery department after 30 years. Naomi believed that it was vital for fathers and mothers of young children to attend Sunday school and worship service on Sunday mornings were she would teach their children about how much Jesus loves them. At a young age Naomi was taught by her mother Elvira the art of embroidering. She was a skilled hand embroiderer and enjoyed working on ceramics. Naomi received many blue ribbons for her embroidery and ceramic work at the Valencia County Fair. She was most generous with her siblings and children, always being there for them in anything and anyway she could help. Her family enjoyed her many delicious meals especially her pastelitos. She was always wearing a freshly ironed apron. Naomi’s Saturday ritual was getting her hair done at the beauty shop. She always had a smile for everyone. Naomi will definitely be missed by her children, siblings, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great- granddaughter, nieces, nephews, and friends who are richer for having her in their lives. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Elvira Barba; brothers, Raymond, Mike, Elias, and Samuel Barba; and sister, Pearl Margaret Barba. Naomi is survived by her children, Josephine (Arthur) Fender and, Daniel, Andrew (Elda) Sanchez; brothers, Richard (Karen), Joel (Letie), John (Judy), and Benjamin (Diane) Barba; sisters; Josephine (Raymond), Lydia (George), Domie (Andrew) and, Phoebe (Ramon). She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great- great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Belen on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor David Guerrero officiating. Interment will follow at Terrace Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers are John, Mark, and Melissa Fender, Adam Sanchez, Elijah Marquez, and Anthony Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers will be Vincent Lucero, Randy and Jacob Fender, Natasha Silva, Andrea, Wynter Marquez, Elizabeth Castro, Timothy Barba, Vera Preece, Javier, Aaron Barba, Cynthia Hoffecher, Christine Spindal, Carolyn Dawson, Colleen Hudson, Levi Gurule, Danielle Valenzuela, Alisha, Adam Jr. Sanchez, Ana Young, Cathy Barba, Joey Barba, Kylie, Lilly, and Norrin Fender. The family would like to give a special Thank You to Desiree, Dan, Luz, and Laura at Onpointe Hospice and Home Care. Please sign Naomi’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.

Naomi B. Sanchez

March 27, 1927 - March 18, 2016