Joe "Jose" A. Arias 1942-2025 Joe "Jose" A. Arias passed

Joe "Jose" A. Arias 1942-2025 Joe "Jose" A. Arias passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, surrounded by his loving family. Known affectionately as "Pepe," Joe was born on Oct. 6, 1942, in Roswell, N.M. He was one of 10 children born to Paubla and Pedro Arias. A longtime resident of Jarales, Joe had recently relocated to Los Lunas. Joe dedicated his career to the craft of butchery, working at Furr's, Adam's and Mathew's, and sharing many memorable years alongside his best friend, Ray Chavez. He was cherished for his cheerful spirit and ever-present willingness to lend a hand. Joe had a deep passion for cooking especially breakfast. He could often be found whistling joyfully to ranchera music as he prepared meals. His red chile became legendary within the family, a staple requested at every gathering and celebration. On Dec. 5, 1981, Joe married the love of his life, Berlinda. Together, they shared 44 beautiful years and raised their children, son, Rito and daughters, Antoinette, Monica and Jessica. Joe cherished his time in Jarales, where he enjoyed being close to his in-laws and took pride in maintaining his yard often seen riding his lawn mower with a sweatband, hard at work. Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife, Berlinda Arias, of Jarales; his son, Rito Arias; and Rito's daughters, Christina and husband, Juan, Amanda and husband, Luke, Araceli, Julissa, Antoinette and his son, Angelo. He is also survived by his daughter, Monica Santiago and husband, Carlos, and their children, Lucas, Lea and Roman, and his daughter, Jessica Arias. Joe is also survived by his grandson, Jose Arias and companion, Renee Monteverde; and his great-grandchildren, Miliana, Christian, Isabella, Joselynn, Christian A., Aneliz, Johnny, Zyeli and Jahaziah. His surviving siblings include sisters, Nancy Gonzalez, Carmen Carrillo, Clara Alaniz and Alice and her husband, Henry Villareal; and brothers, Robert and his wife, Edith, and Richard Arias. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Paubla Arias; his sister, Reynalda Candia Arias; brothers, Raymond, Peter and Johnny Arias; his daughter, Antoinette Arias; and grandson, Robert "Bobby" Montoya. Pallbearers are Rito Arias, Leonard Arias, Carlos Santiago, Lucas Baca, Roman Santiago and Danny Hester. Honorary pallbearers are Jose Arias, Dennis Trujillo, Anthony Trujillo, Daniel Trujillo, Patrick Gallegos, Garrette Gallegos, Carlos Trujillo, Mathew Trujillo, Robert Trujillo, Jason Thrasher, Noah Jaramillo, Justin Hester, Raymond Trujillo, Tommy Guzman, Joe Jaramillo and Ray Chavez. Funeral services for Joe will take place on Thursday, Sept. 11, at San Francisco Xavier Catholic Mission in Jarales. A visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Joe will be laid to rest at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12, at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.