William J. Anaya

William Anaya, 87 of Santa Rosa, NM, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 29, 2024.

William was born on November 9, 1936 in Pastura, NM to Moises Anaya and Adela (Tapia) Anaya.  William was raised in Pastura and attended school in  Vaughn, NM.  

William married the former Cynthia Griffith on December 15, 1975 in California.  William worked as a Glazer for 40 years in California and was a union member of Southern California Glazers.  William moved back to New Mexico in 2000, making his home in Santa Rosa.  He was also a parishioner at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Pastura.  

In his spare time, William enjoyed fishing and hunting, and stayed busy around the house.  However, William’s greatest joy came from the time he spent with his family.

William is preceded in death by his wife Cynthia, his parents: Moises and Adela, his siblings: Odela Gurule, Frocela Hidalgo, Herbert Anaya and Bob Anaya, and his granddaughter: Gemina Amaro.

William is survived by his son: James (Dawn) Anaya, his daughter: Cindy Anaya, his grandchildren: Ashley Anaya, Daniel Amaro, Destiny Apodaca (Leon Weatherford) and Silviano Apodaca, his great-grandchildren: Braelyn and Triztyn, his siblings: Gilbert Anaya and Corrine Iacobellis, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, February 3, 2024 from Noon to 2PM at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa.  Following visitation at 2PM, recitation of The Most Holy Rosary will take place.

Interment will take place at St. Helen’s Cemetery in Pastura, NM on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11AM, with Anthony Anaya, Richard Gurule, Curtis Anaya, Douglas Lobato, Ricky Chavez, Leon Weatherford and Silviano Apodaca serving as Urn Bearers.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.  575-472-3369.  To place an online condolence or tribute, kindly visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.