Ellen Louise Bates Romero

Ellen Louise Bates Romero passed away on July 21, 2026, after a full and meaningful life. She believed her life had been a good one and faced her passing with strong faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

Born in 1940 in Clayton, New Mexico, to Osa and Ben Bates, Ellen spent her early years west of Clayton before her family moved into town. She graduated from Clayton High School in 1958 and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior as a young woman, a faith that guided her throughout her life.

Shortly after graduation, Ellen began a long and dedicated career with Clayton Schools, where she served for 40 years in various administrative roles, including secretary, bookkeeper, and business manager. During her tenure, she worked under five superintendents and was widely respected for her professionalism, loyalty, and strong work ethic.

Ellen was deeply connected to the land. She lived on and managed her ranch southeast of Clayton for many years, where she devoted herself to ranching and stewardship of the property. Her commitment and success were recognized in 1991 when she was named Northeast New Mexico Rancher of the Year.

Ellen will be remembered for her appreciation of nature, love of animals and her family as well as enjoying the beauty of every day of her rural life. She found joy in art, gardening, birds, flowers, and the wide New Mexico skies. She especially cherished springtime on the ranch and the natural history surrounding it. Although declining health eventually required her to leave the ranch, her connection to it remained strong throughout her life.

Later years brought travel and time spent with family, as well as a renewed passion for writing. Ellen wrote short stories reflecting on family history and New Mexico life preserving memories that were important to her and those she loved.

Ellen was known for her quiet strength, kindness, and belief in seeing the good in others. A favorite saying that reflected her life was, “Find good in a person and praise this good.”

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Wanda Henry and Marvin Bates. She is survived by her husband, Ernest Romero; her daughter, Valerie Gove, and son-in-law, Mark Krueger; grandson Trace; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at Daniels Family Funeral Services at 7601 Wyoming Blvd, Albuquerque at 11:00AM August 3, 2026. Burial services will take place at Clayton Memorial Cemetery on August 4, 2026 at 1:00pm. All who knew and loved Ellen are welcome to attend.