Surrounded by his family, Ben E. Marquez of Aguilar, CO entered peacefully into rest on August 6, 2009. Born on May 21, 1926 to Juan and Rebecca (Montoya) Marquez of Aguilar, CO. He was 83 years old.
Ben is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 58 years, Ida Mae (Abeyta) Marquez. The joy in his life was his children. His sons: Lawrence, and wife Beverly of San Antonio TX, Ben Jr. and wife, Miriam of Aguilar CO, and Mark of La Veta, CO and his only daughter, Shari and husband Ben Anders of Sacramento CA. His adoring grandchildren: Connie (Rodney) Gray, Chandra (Mike) Noviskie, Christopher (Krystal) Marquez, Gianna (Rebecca) Marquez and Nicholas (Michelle) Marquez, Lisa (Zach) Hope, Ben-Michael Marquez, Claudia, Lorenzo and Michael Marquez, Eva and Sarah-Vienna Anders. His great grandchildren and delight: Naomi, Nicole, Eliud, Charis, Russell, Lindsey, Nathan, Danny, Alyssa, and Maya. Finally, his last surviving and dearly beloved sister Dora Lucero of Rocky Ford, CO and many other loving family members.
Ben is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Rebecca, his brothers, Henry, Joe and John and his sisters, Alice, Eva and Beatrice.
Ben Marquez immersed himself in all that he did, as a family man, rancher, farmer, sheepherder, grocer, and manager. He served his country well in the United States Army during World War II. For many years, the local Walsenburg and Trinidad communities fondly knew him as the Sno-Cone Man. During the 25 years he lived in the Arkansas Valley, he influenced many lives as a 4-H Leader, Boy Scout Leader, and member and president of the Lion’s Club. His unyielding energy for life was dedicated to his love for his family, hard work, sense of humor and sheer joy for living each minute of everyday. He will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at the Cuchara Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on September 26, 2009 in Cuchara, Colorado. A reception will follow at the Cuchara Community Center. As was his custom, all his friends and family are welcome to attend. Please join us in celebrating and honoring the life of our beloved dad and husband.
Johnson-Romero Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
