Gilbert Patrick Archuletta

Gilbert Patrick Archuleta (1931-2011) - FARMINGTON Gilbert Patrick Archuletta Jan. 9, 1931 - July 2, 2011 Gilbert Patrick Archuletta, 80, of Farmington, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at San Juan Regional Medical Center. He was born Jan. 9, 1931, in Gunnison, Colo., the son of Andrew and Tillie Archuletta. Gilbert attended school in Gunnison. He graduated from high school in 1951, and joined the U. S. Marine Corps in June of that year, for the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Hawaii as an infantryman. In January 1954 he was honorably discharged at Camp Pendleton. Gilbert went to work for NuMine Coal Company as a truck driver. He met Lila Mae McKinney and they were married Feb. 19, 1955. Their first child, Michael, was born Sept. 11, 1957. Gilbert and Lila moved to Grand Junction in 1960, and then to Farmington in 1961. Gilbert went to work for Safeway Stores and worked as produce manager for 35 years. He retired April 1996. Gilbert's interest and enjoyments in life were his home, family and friends. He took great pride in these things. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard and Namacio; and two sisters, Florence and Augustina. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lila Mae; three children, Michael, Diane (Everett) Berry and Stephanie (Steve) Henson; three grandchildren, Nicole Archuletta and her fiance, Matt, Tiffany Henson and her fiance, Cory, and Lauren Kirby; two great-grandchildren, Solana White and Alexis Kirby; four brothers, Andrew (Betty) Archuletta, Louis (LaVonne) Archuletta, Tommy (Georgia) Archuletta and Roy Archuletta; two sisters, Grace Archuletta and Theresa Trujillo; niece, Josephine White; numerous nephews and nieces; and great-nieces and great-nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Gilbert's name to San Juan Regional Medical Center Cardiology Department, or San Juan Regional Medical Cancer Center. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Arrangements are with Daniels Family Funeral Services 804 N. Dustin Ave. Farmington, New Mexico 87401 (505) 326-3671.