Sam Lopez

Sam Lopez, 86 of Santa Rosa, NM, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

Sam was born May 7, 1939 in Borica, NM to Adolpho and Regina Lopez. Sam attended school in Borica and in Fort Sumner—graduating from Fort Sumner High School. Following high school, he attended Eastern New Mexico University for two years.

In his career, Sam was active in the National Guard for four years, he was a police officer for the Town of Vaughn and later was an Activity Bus Driver and School Board member for Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools for eight years. Sam also sheared sheep for many people throughout the years and many people relied on his ability for dowsing (well witching). In his later years, Sam delivered the Albuquerque Journal to many homes in Santa Rosa.

In his spare time, Sam enjoyed horse racing and dancing, however his greatest joy came from the time he spent with his family.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Antonia, and his siblings: Celia Martinez, Della Lopez, Rita Baca, Lauteria Pacheco, Joe Lopez, and a nephew raised as a brother, Fred Lopez.

He is survived by his children: Rose (Macario) Garcia of Santa Rosa, Samantha (Jeff) Lopez-Wisdom of Rio Rancho and Matthew Lopez of Santa Rosa, his grandchildren: Isaiah and Linda Lopez and Joseph Wisdom, of Rio Rancho and three great-granddaughters: Mia, Mattie and Lilyanna—all of Rio Rancho. Also surviving Sam are his siblings: Bonie Lopez, Lucy Gonzales, both of Albuquerque and a niece-raised as a sister: Lidia (Rudy) Moreno of Lubbock, TX, as well as numerous family and friends.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, August 28, 2025 beginning at 10AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa with Father Sotero Sena celebrating the service.

Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, in Santa Rosa, with Fabian Lopez, Martin Zamora, Davian Salazar, Randy Martinez, Ricky Moreno and Gabriel Baca serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will include: Sandy Martinez, Andy Martinez, Benji Gonzales, David Salazar, Jr., Lemo Hing, Shawn Lopez, Raul Lopez, Johnny Garcia, Isaish Lopez, Joey Austin and Joseph Wisdom.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.