Steve H. Tapia

Steve H. Tapia, 87 of Pastura, NM passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Guadalupe County Hospital. Steve was born on November 25, 1933 in Pastura, NM to Jose PlacidoTapia and Pauline (Sanchez) Tapia. Steve was raised in Pastura and attended schools in Vaughn and Washington. Following graduation from high school, Steve married Odelia Flores on October 27, 1956 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Corona, NM. Steve and Odelia made their home in Pastura where Steve ran the family ranch. He is fondly remembered as a workaholic and for never wanting to leave Pastura. Steve was also a faithful parishioner and mayordomo at Saint Helen’s Catholic Church in Pastura. Steve served as Guadalupe County Sheriff, Santa Rosa Chief of Police, and involved in law enforcement for 20 years. He was also a Juvenile Probation Officer and worked at Santa Rosa Dam. In addition to Steve’s career, he honorably served his country in the Korean Conflict receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1961. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, son; Tyke Tapia, sisters; Emma Fiedler and Viola Schmitt, brothers; Jose Placido, Jr., son-in-law; Juan Lopez and grandson; Joseph Higgins. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 64 years; Odelia Tapia, and his children; Diana Lopez of Santa Rosa, Ernest Tapia (Marylou) of Santa Rosa, Lillian Gonzales (Thomas) of Pastura and Susan Martinez (Scott) of San Antonio. His grandchildren; Jennifer Cordova (Daryl), Antonia Lucero (Cristobal), Tomas Gonzales (Samantha), Amanda Tapia, Joaquin Gonzales (Alyssa), Leticia Salazar (Brian) and Xavier, Kayla and Rianna Martinez, great-grandchildren; Austin, Amber and Elizabeth Higgins, Natasha Eyster (Patrick), Sarah, Jonas and William Cordova, Samantha Jimenez (Alejandro), Cristobal, Estevan and Reyes Lucero, Madilyn and Tomas Gonzales, Joaquin and Jacob Gonzales, Avalei Tapia and Zara and Alaia Salazar, great-great-grandsons; Ezmiel Tapia Jimenez and Jari Lopez. Steve is also survived by his sisters; Carmen Steele, Vivian Hindi, Mary Ellen McKinney and Pearl Marr. Steve will be laid to rest at Saint Helen’s Cemetery in Pastura with Jennifer Cordova, Antonia Lucero, Tomas Gonzales, Amanda Tapia, Joaquin Gonzales, Leticia Salazar and Xavier, Kayla and Rianna Martinez serving as Pallbearers. Visitation will be Sunday, May 9, 2021 at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa from 2-6pm. Visitation will be limited to 10 persons at a time in the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, May 10, 2021 at 11am at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, NM with interment to follow at Saint Helen’s Cemetery in Pastura, NM. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.