Ernie Lopez

Joe Ernest Lopez dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend- passed away at the age of 82 in Espanola, NM on January 27, 2023
Joe, or “Ernie” as he was often called, was born in Springer, NM, to Hilario and Arminda Lopez on September 23, 1940.  “Ernie” graduated from Springer High School where he met and later married wife Gloria Aguilar. Together they would later move to Dumas, TX where he worked for many years at the Diamond Shamrock oil refinery. Together “Ernie” and Gloria had a nice life in Dumas where they raised 4 beautiful children Joseph, Chris, Cheri, and Mendi. 
Ernie was preceded in death by wife Gloria and later married Theresa Chavez. “Ernie was fortunate to find his second family in Theresa and her two children Daniel and Tiffany. Eventually Ernie and Theresa moved to Maxwell, New Mexico and finally Espanola, NM. They enjoyed some great years together in Texas and New Mexico. 
Ernie was a man of few words but loved with all his heart. He enjoyed traveling the country, camping, rosary making, and he loved every second he spent in the Cimarron Canyon where he would camp most of the summer every year after he retired. He also cherished spending time with family and friends at every opportunity.
Ernie is survived by his wife Theresa Lopez of Espanola, NM, daughters, Cheri Beedy and husband Michael of Denver, CO, Mendi Cloxton and wife Karah of Dalhart, TX, son Chris Lopez and wife Francis of Amarillo, TX, step-son Daniel Varela and husband Gabriel of Santa Fe, NM, step-daughter Tiffany DiMarco of Espanola, NM, and grandchildren Michael Lopez, Sean Beedy, Miranda Beedy, Zachary Beedy, Brandon Salcido, Cameron Lopez, and great grandson Brayden Lopez. He was preceded in death by his parents Hilario and Arminda Lopez, Wife Gloria Lopez, and son Joseph Lopez, Sister Annie Kear, Brothers Benjie and Gilbert Lopez, and Brother Phile Sandoval.
The Lopez family would like to give a special thanks to Ambercare Hospice staff Dr. Maes, Gracie, Ana, Nancy, Virginia, Janice and Noel for all of their help during this difficult time. 
Services will be held Monday, February 13, 2023. Honorary Pallbearers are Michael Lopez, Sean Beedy, Miranda Beedy, Zachary Beedy, Julie Mendez, Barbara Munoz, Gregory Kear, Gabriel

The family of Joe Ernest Lopez has entrusted the care of their beloved one to Avista Cremation & Burial

"where healing begins".