Juanita O. Artiaga, 84, of Albuquerque, NM died peacefully on December 20, 2014. Born on June 12, 1930 in Antonchico, NM she was raised in Pintada, NM. Juanita was a single mother who lovingly raised her 8 children and helped raise 4 grandchildren; Henry Buckner Jr., Racheal Bucker, Jonathan Buckner and Albert Buckner. She was devoted to the Catholic Church and our blessed Santo Nino de Atoche. She left an amazing example of how to live life with strength, love and faith. Her laugh attached warmth to anyone in her presence. Juanita was preceded in death by her father Juan Cirillo Ortega, mother Francisca Ortega de Sisneros, twin sister Magdalena Ortega, her brother Eliverto M. Ortega, sister Ernestina Sena, children Victoria Artiaga, Ralph Artiaga Jr., Edward Artiaga and grandson Joseph Tafoya. Juanita was survived by her sister Trancita Chavez, children; Gloria Buckner, Gilbert and Nellie Artiaga, Carmen and Raymond McGuinness, Frances Artiaga, Alice and Carl (Charlie) Mora, Rick and Nancy Artiaga, David and Sarah Artiaga, George and Madelene Artiaga, 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Honorary Pallbearers will be her beloved grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Henry Buckner Jr., Jonathan Buckner, Albert Buckner, Gilbert Artiaga Jr., Rick Artiaga Jr., and Joshua Artiaga.
Viewing will be held at Daniels Family Garcia’s Mortuary, 717 Stover Ave SW in Albuquerque, NM on Friday, December 26 from 6 to 7 PM. A rosary will then be recited in her honor at 7PM. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday December 27, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. followed by internment at Mount Calvary Cemetery. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice as well as all those who prayed for her during her suffering.