Deaths

• Phillip G. Valdez
• R. Jay Thomas
• Tina Kalfas

Phillip G. Valdez

SAN RAFAEL — Funeral Mass for Phillip Gilbert Valdez, 34, will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 22 at the San Rafael Catholic Parish. Father Matthew Keller will officiate. Burial will follow in the La Morada Cemetery.

A rosary will be held this evening at 7 p.m., April 21 at the Parish.

Valdez died April 18 in San Rafael. He was born Aug. 22, 1970 in Albuquerque.

Survivors include his mother, Elouisa Valdez of San Rafael; son, Michael Valdez of Hobbs; brothers, Benny Torrez, Richard Valdez, Robert Valdez, Jr. all of San Rafael, and Nester Valdez of Farmington.

Valdez was preceded in death by his father, Robert Valdez, Sr; sisters, Roberta Dennis Valdez, Lorraine Valdez; grandfather, Elfego Valdez; grandmothers, Martina Chavez-Apodaca and Juana Maria Gonzales.

Pallbearers will be Pablito Valdez, Damacio Valdez, Fredrico Torrez, Leticia Rodriguez, Peter Valdez and Joseph Valdez.

Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

R. Jay Thomas

HOUCK — Funeral services for R. Jay Thomas, 20, will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 22 at the First United Methodist Church, Gallup. Pastor Stanley Jim will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

Thomas died April 17 in Manuelito. He was born Sept. 12, 1984 in Gallup into the Salt People Clan for the One Who Walks Around People Clan.

Thomas is a 2002 graduate of Valley High School. He was employed with Kovach Inc. Thomas enjoyed basketball, football and received many awards. He also served in the US Navy.

Survivors include his parents, Ray K. Thomas and Elta Thomas of Houck; brothers, Ravis Thomas of Window Rock, Raylon Thomas of Whiteriver, Rayford Thomas of Farmington; maternal grandmother, Sarah Arthur of Houck.

Thomas was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joe and Yilnaba Thomas.

Pallbearers will be Jason Arthur, Jeff Carey, Calvin Chester, Jeff Francisco, Jared Joe, Titus Nelson, Art Thomas, Jr. and Jerel Willie.

Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements.

Tina Kalfas

ATHENS, Greece — Former Gallup resident Tina Kalfas, 83, died Feb. 21 in Athens, Greece.

Kalfas was a resident of Gallup for over 30 years. During that time she was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit and sang in the choir. She was a charter member of RMCH Auxiliary, having accumulated 5361 hours of service. Kalfas also served at St. Mary's Hospital in Gallup. She was a member of the Wednesday Knitting Club. Kalfas enjoyed friends, volunteer work, sewing and crocheting.

Survivors include her sister of Greece; Pete Derizotis and family of Gallup.

Kalfas was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Kalfas.Change in MortuaryServices that were held this morning, April 21 at 11 a.m. for Dean Benally Jr., 40, are now under the direction of Rollie Mortuary, Gallup.