The Rosary for Jose Anaya, 89, of Portales, will be recited at 9:00 AM, Mon., Mar. 18, 2019 at St. Helen Catholic Church. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 AM by Fr. Francisco Carbajal. Burial will follow in the Portales Cemetery.
Jose Celestino Benito Anaya was born Jan. 23, 1930 in Las Vegas, NM to the home of Sofia (Chavez) and Santos Anaya and died Mar 13, 2019 in Clovis, NM. As a teenager he enlisted in the US Army and served for 4 years. During that time he served in the Korean Conflict and was wounded twice for which he was awarded two Purple Hearts. In addition he was awarded a Bronze Star and Medal of Honor. After returning from the service, he worked in construction for several years, and then as a grounds keeper at ENMU. Later he was employed at Borden Peanut Company. For over 43 years he and Emilia Lucero made their home together.
He is survived by a son, David Ortega of Los Lunas, NM; three daughters, Benita Anaya and Gloria Ortega both of Las Vegas, NM and Mary Jean Ruiz of Las Cruces, NM; eight grandchildren, including Tanya (Michael) Baca of Portales and Amanda Lucero of Las Cruces, NM; numerous great-grandchildren, including Vanessa, Isaac and Emily Baca; and two sisters, Estella Anaya of Cheyenne, WY and Peggy Ortega of Roswell, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Horacio and Jeff Anaya, a sister, Josie Serafina and by his longtime companion, Emilia Lucero who died Oct 25, 2012.
