Alfredo Maes

MAES - Alfredo Maes, 92, of Las Vegas, went home to be with the Lord on May 13, 2011. He resided in Navajo Dam for 10 years lovingly cared for by his daughter Andrea, Timothy, her husband, and grandson Garrett. He spent the last year of his life in the Albuquerque metro area. Mr. Maes was born on October 24, 1918, in Maes, New Mexico, to Manuel De Atocha and Margarita (Griego) Maes. He was the 11th child of a family of 20. Mr. Maes spent most of his youth and adult life in the ranching business at Maes where he partnered with his older brother, Alfonso. Alfredo attended Las Vegas schools, graduating from Las Vegas High in 1937. He also attended New Mexico Normal University. He was married to Gladys Rumsey Maes on June 1, 1946. She preceded him in death in 1978. After selling the Maes ranch in 1972, Alfredo purchased and operated Boni’s Package store in Las Vegas, for a short period of time. He then went to work at the West Las Vegas branch for the Bank of Las Vegas. He retired from the bank after 13 years at age 65. During that time he also served on the Las Vegas City Council for ten years, having acted as mayor pro tem for the city on numerous occasions. After his retirement from the bank, he worked as door greeter for Wal Mart for 10 years until a bout with pneumonia forced him to curtail his work activities. He was a member of our Lady of Sorrows Church, Immaculate Conception Church choir as a director and member, Knights of Columbus, and a member of the NM Senior Citizens Advisory Committee under former Governor Garrey Carruthers. Mr. Maes, or “Fredo” as he was affectionately known, was a fun loving, happy go lucky person. His attitude, which he attributed to his father, was one of honoring the family structure and respecting societal needs for the benefit of the community. He often stated that his father taught him “how to live right.” He will be missed by all, especially his family and the people in the communities where he resided. Alfredo’s survivors include one son, James and wife Nadine of Rio Rancho, daughters Elizabeth Ruiz and husband David of Albuquerque, Rosann Vigil and husband Steve of Denver, Helen Mary Toole and husband Damon of Belen, and Andrea Chavez and husband Timothy of Navajo Dam, NM. He had 13 grand children and 7 great grand children. He is survived by four sisters: Peggy Wright of Albuquerque, Virginia Wildenstein of Colorado Springs, Consuelo Dowler and husband Keith of Rio Rancho, Grace Mammina and husband Ben of St. Joseph, Michigan. He also had numerous nephews and nieces. A viewing for family and friends will be held at Daniel’s Funeral Home, 2400 Southern Blvd SE, in Rio Rancho on Tuesday May 17th starting at 5:00PM followed by a celebration of Alfredo’s life at 7:00 PM. Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday May 18th at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 1502 Sara Rd. SE, at 10:30 a.m. in Rio Rancho. There will be a reception following the service at D’Arco Parish Hall. Pall bearers include: Timothy Chavez, Leo Maes, Carlos Ortega, Daniel Ortega, David Ruiz, and Damon Toole. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. Alfredo’s care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 891-9192