Joe Bennie Sanchez

1927-2016 Joe V. “Bennie” Sanchez, age 89, a lifelong resident of Belen, NM, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Monday, August 30, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 24, 1927, in Jarales, to Ramon and Eusebia Sanchez. Bennie was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Belen. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in Germany from 1944-1946. Bennie was the owner of Hub Furniture Co. since 1949. He was greatly involved in his community being part of many organizations including Belen Chamber of Commerce (past President), Ranchers State Bank (past Director), and Belen Lions Club (past President). Bennie was appointed by Governor Jack Campbell as the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School Director, and was appointed by Governor Bruce King to serve on the State Police Board. Although having a great career, he enjoyed most of all traveling with his family, having family gatherings, gardening, playing guitar, learning new languages, reading and going to his ranch in Abo. Bennie is preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Eusebia Sanchez; and siblings, Adela Maes, Elena Apodaca, Carmen Baldonado, Mary Lou Anaya, Sam, Ramon, Tomasita, Paul, Ernesto, and Manuel Sanchez. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ursula; children, Marti Have-Perry, Jeanette Garcia, Michael Sanchez, Dorothy Nichols (Pete), Elley Lifke, and Cynthia Bleicher (Paul); 12 grandchildren, Garrick, Juliette, Marleigh, Jenalee, Nicolette, Jordyn, Kristina Marie, Brendon, Nicholas, Jackson, Lauren, and Rylee; brother, Bernard Sanchez and wife, Eva; sisters-in-law, Dolores Garcia, Erlinda Garcia, Vina Sanchez, Charlotte, Sanchez; and brother-in-law, Ray Anaya. Bennie is also survived by many nieces and nephews. All services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, September 5, 2016. A Final Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are grandsons, Garrick, Brendon, Nicholas, Jackson, and Rylee. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dennis Garcia, Robert Apodaca, Johnny Gutierrez, Mike McCartney, Charles Sanchez, Richard Garcia, and Lawrence Garcia. The family would like to give a special thank you to the many wonderful caregivers that assisted throughout his illness, Sarah, Norma, Frances, Roxanne, Lala, Gloria, Mary, and Natalie. Please sign Bennie’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.

Joe Bennie Sanchez

May 24, 1927 - August 30, 2016