Frances Jean Bargas

Frances Jean Bargas (nee Leach), born 6 April, 1927, Detroit, MI, left this world as softly as she entered it, on 23 April 2025 at the age of 98. While born in the midwest, Frances was a child of California at heart, and lived in the Los Angeles area during her formative years-- 1930’s-1960’s. She was one of seven siblings, five of whom preceded her in death: Grace, Howard, Arthur, Jack, and Ruth; sister Marie Ashby survives her.

Frances was not only gorgeous, she possessed an innate, unique intellect. She was straight-forward, compassionate, quick to roll up her sleeves, constantly reading, learning and engaged in the world, and, you always knew where she stood. She loved growing up in LA, riding the trolley car to the beach, going to the movies, dancing at the Avalon Casino Ballroom on Santa Catalina Island and working, as a teenager in the machine shop during World War II. A member of the “Greatest Generation,” she was in awe of President FDR and committed to the ideals he represented: integrity, hard work, fairness and generosity for your fellow humans.

In California, Frances met and married her true love, Ralph Bargas, to whom she was always supportive and committed until his death in 2001. They were partners who overcame the hardships of everyday life hand-in-hand. Prior to moving to New Mexico in 1963, Frances and Ralph welcomed three children, Roger Bargas (Cathy), April Bargas Jojola (Tony, deceased) and Valerie Bargas. It was Ralph’s dream to return to his ancestral homeland and once here, they opened a magic and novelty shop in downtown Albuquerque called Fool’s Paradise. Frances worked in the shop along side of Ralph, for more than 30 years always looking to refine and improve the business. .

As time passed, Frances and Ralph gained grandchildren: Ryan Bargas, Natasha Baca (Adrian), Cole Jojola (Caitlin), Valerie Brynne Jojola Mount (Austen) and Spencer Bargas. “Nana” deeply loved her grandchildren and taught them how to cook, bake, sew, make tamales and introduced most of them to their first cups of coffee. She welcomed seven great- grandchildren to the world: Anastasia and Bishop Baca; Tony, Brandt and Nicolas Jojola and Aiden and Nora Mount. She attributed each sweet baby as helping her maintain her youthful energy and eternally dewy complexion.

Frances was strong and independent to the last days of her life. She remained in hospice care at her daughters ‘ home for nearly a year prior to her death. Her family is profoundly grateful for the hospice nurses (Eric), social workers (Debbie) and home health aides (the incredible Loa) who helped support Frances from AmberCare. They enabled her to die in peace with unparalleled dignity and grace.

It is impossible, and in many ways, hopeless to summarize 98 years on Earth in mere sentences. Frances’ life was full and she was the matriarch of a beautiful family. Her legacy, though, will be how accepting she was of others, no matter their origins or how different they were from her. In remembering her, dear family friend, Christina Maya Trafton, stated that Frances accepted her and made her feel loved even when she questioned her place in the world. She welcomed those without family into her home, and she listened without judgment. JRR Tolkien wrote “small acts of kindness and love” keep the darkness of the world at bay. Frances embodied “small acts.” In lieu of flowers or donations, her family would ask that you honor the wonderful, long life of Frances Bargas by carrying her love and respect for the world forward. Consider kindness as you go through your day, as you interact with strangers, and as you vote.

No services are currently planned for Frances, but the family will gather in Chama, NM, this summer, at Frances’ favorite meadow to scatter her ashes and reminisce about how fortunate they were to love and be loved by her. Rest in peace, Mom/Nana/Sister/Friend and know your love is strong and in our hearts forever.