It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Annette Vallejos, age 69, a longtime resident of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, who passed away on September 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Annette was born on December 9, 1956, in El Paso, Texas, while her father was stationed at Fort Bliss. She grew up in Socorro, New Mexico, where many of her cherished lifelong memories and meaningful connections were formed. New Mexico was always home to Annette, and in later years, she settled in Rio Rancho, where she lived for many years and continued to build lasting memories. She lived a life filled with creativity, generosity, determination, and, above all, an incredible love for her family.

Annette was a woman of many talents and interests. Over the years, she worked at Intel and Samba Safety, was a nail technician, and worked and taught classes at Bob’s Sewing and Vacuum Center. There seemed to be nothing Annette couldn’t tackle once she put her mind to it.

Creating things with her hands was one of Annette’s greatest joys. She loved sewing, quilting, making jewelry, knitting, and crafting special gifts for family and friends. For several years, she created beautiful and unique jewelry from colored pencils, even showcasing and selling her creations at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Annette’s creativity was also one of the many ways she cared for others. She made treasured memory bears, knitted hats for people in her apartment community, and made blankets for the local senior center. She also operated an Etsy shop where she created and sold purses and bags designed for people with diabetes. If Annette could make something that would bring someone comfort, happiness, or make their life a little easier, she did.

But nothing meant more to Annette than her family. Her daughter, Deneen, was her world, and she absolutely adored spending time with her grandchildren, Marissa and Koen. Annette also shared an extraordinary relationship with her nephews, Mason and Matthew. She was much more than an aunt to them, and they lovingly called her “Auntie Grandma,” a name that perfectly described the special place she held in their lives.

Annette loved bringing everyone together for Sunday dinners. Her family will forever remember gathering around the table for her chile dogs, homemade spaghetti, chile rellenos, and, of course, idiot’s delight. Those meals were never simply about the food—they were about family, laughter, stories, and being together.

She was also an animal lover and cherished her dogs, especially Bailey, her beloved and fiercely loyal protector, who brought her companionship and joy.

Annette is preceded in death by her parents, Inez Vallejos and Jimmie Vallejos Sr.; and her brother, Jimmie Vallejos Jr.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Deneen Montano and husband Chris; her grandchildren, Marissa and Koen; her brothers, Danny Vallejos and Mike Vallejos and wife Tara Jaramillo; her sister, Lorena Schott and husband Robert; and her nieces and nephews, Chrystal, Danell, Robert, Anissa, Mason, and Matthew, along with extended family and many friends who loved her dearly.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Montano, Koen Montano, Robert Schott, Mason Schott, Matthew Schott, and Robert Vallejos.

Annette leaves behind much more than the beautiful things she created. She leaves quilts that bring warmth, jewelry fashioned by her own hands, recipes and Sunday dinners that will always taste like home, handmade gifts created with love, and memories that her family will carry for generations.

Those who knew Annette will remember a woman who could make almost anything, who was always willing to try something new, and whose hands were rarely still. More importantly, they will remember the enormous love behind everything she did.

Her hands created many beautiful things during her lifetime, but the most beautiful thing she created was a lifetime of memories for the people she loved.

Services

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, October 2, 2026, at:

Daniel’s Family 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Visitation — 4:00 p.m. Rosary — 5:00 p.m.

A reception celebrating Annette’s life will follow at:

Felician Villa Apartments 1301 Stephanie Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124