Nelson Abel Archuleta

Nelson Abel Archuleta, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on January 1, 2020 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico at the age of 86.  Nelson was born July 12, 1933 in Dixon, New Mexico to the late Felix and Elizabeth Archuleta.  After serving in the Army during the Korean War, Nelson lived and worked in Los Alamos, retiring from Los Alamos Public Schools after 36 years.  He also worked many years for Meyer Supply.  A few months before retiring, Nelson and his wife moved to Rio Rancho where they have lived for 30 years.  

Nelson is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife of 36 years, Joey Archuleta.  His loving daughters are Nadine (Ed) Williams, Rachel Garcia, and Brenda (Mark) Edwards, three loving stepchildren, Mitch (Ruth) Oliver, Chrissy (Steve) Knecht and Cathy Hurst.  His loving grandchildren are Diego Garcia, Mariah, Elijah and Ezra Edwards, Shane, Sarah and Leigh Oliver, Ryan Watts, Stevie and Sami Knecht, Nicholas and Jeremy Barajas and Jesse Hurst and great granddaughters Cami Knecht and Lynzee, Bonnie Wren, and Lennon Oliver.  He is also survived by a sister, Frances Mann, many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors and a little spoiled Shih Tzu named Sadie. 

He is preceded in death by brothers, Hildo, Ruben and Leroy Archuleta, sister, Cordy Romero and granddaughter, Alexis Knecht.

Nelson loved his home and working outside in his yard.  He enjoyed going to Vallecito Lake in Colorado to camp, fish and relax, and he always looked forward to visiting his brother, Ruben in California and Ensenada, Mexico.   

Nelson was a member of the High Desert United Methodist Church in Rio Rancho.

Visitation will be Monday, January 6, 2020, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.  Service to follow at 12:00 PM