Henry Rodarte

Henry G Rodarte 90 years old passed away on 11-4-2023 at home with his family around him. Henry was born in Rodarte, New Mexico to Frumencio and Elisa Rodarte, he was one of 12 children.growing up. He spent some time with his grandparents Trinidad and Elaisita Martinez often as a child. Henry attended school in Penasco, New Mexico.  When he was young they would go to Colorado to pick cherries and potatoes to make money.  He would help take care of his younger brothers and sisters.  Henry would go with his dad and brother Franklin to herd and sell sheep in Wyoming. Henry even worked on a Ranch in Wyoming. For a while, his boss did not want him to leave but he was missing home.  Henry enlisted into the Army at age 17, he was in the 25th Artillery infantry division.  He was stationed in Korea. He was a Korean Veteran, a life member of the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans. He received the Korean, The United Nations Service, The National Defense Service Medal. Henry had met the love of his life Ann Martinez while going to school. They would write letters while he was doing his duty to the United States of America, on his first leave Henry and Ann had 2 days to plan a wedding. They married and Henry went back to report for duty. While doing his duty he would send money to his parents to save for a house on his discharge.  A school house where had attended school.  Henry worked on it and made it a home for a while.  Henry and Ann moved to Santa Fe where Henry went to mechanic school, from there he went Nevada Ely where he worked for Kenne Cott Corporation (Starpointer Co.). His job was shut puncher (mine). From there he moved to Grants. Dad worked for Homestake and Gulf.  He was an underground uranium miner, motor man, level boss, tramming uranium ore on the train all over the mine.  He worked for 40 years total in the mines of New Mexico and Nevada.  On his days off and weekends he was a coach for little league youth baseball and for city youth basketball.Henry's hobbies were going fishing with his sons Gary, Ronnie and Elmer and going hunting before he got hurt in the mines.  After some recovery time he started a business for him and his sons.  It was called Pinions Firewood.  Henry, Gary, Ronnie and Elmer would go into Albuquerque to sell trailer loads of seasoned pinon and cedar. In Henry's later years he enjoyed going to the casino. He was so lucky. Henry enjoyed working with wood. He made tables, cedar chests, religious pictures, frames he would give to family and friends.Henry would make a garden every year, tomatoes, chiles, zucchini, cucumbers, radishes.  He always had an abundant crop. He would give to neighbors, friends, and family.  Henry enjoyed going back home to Rodarte to work on his house and go fishing and spend time with his brothers and sisters Oliver (Elise), Juan (Frances), Antonio, Franklin (Margie), Anita (Maximo) Gurule.  He would also spend time with cousins, aunts and uncles.  There was a time when Governor Richardson had come to town and he had heard about Henry.  He was impressed with him and his work ethics.  He asked Henry if he would like to be in charge of operations for the mines in New Mexico.  Dad felt honored and thanked him but said he could not accept the job because he could not leave his family for days. To Henry it was God first family second. And you work hard for your money. Henry was a kind of person that if someone needed help he would try to help them.  If someone would come to the house looking  for a little job to make a little money dad would hire them.  Henry would take the shirt off his back literally. His son in law liked the shirt Henry had on one day and Henry gave it to him right then and there.  Henry got a lot of enjoyment spending time with his 6 grandkids, 11 great kids and great great grand kid. He loved them all dearly.  Henry as a father did so much for his family.  His sons Gary and Ronnie who went far and beyond for.  He helped his son Elmer and daughter Marvella as well.  Henry (Daddy) we are all going to miss you so much, you are at peace now. Soon to be with mom, Gary, Ronnie and grandson Matthew. They are waiting.  You will forever be in our thoughts and hearts until we are all united as a family again. Henry is survived by his daughter Marvella Rodarte-Shaw, Grandsons Stephen and Robert Shaw, Son Elmer (Sandra), Grandson Christopher Rodarte, Granddaughters Lori Rodarte, Gabriella Chamberlin, Shelby Estrada, Celeste Rodriguez, great grand kids Alejandro, Ember Lynn, , Tommy Rae, Anita, Armando Rodarte, Charlie McBride, Alexander and Nevaeh Rodriguez, Ryleigh and Xeania Chamberlin, Damian DeHerrera, Great Great Grandson Adrian Deherrea, Brothers and Sisters Juan (Frances) Rodarte, Antonio Rodarte, Belinda Maestas, Mary (Cecil) Stark, Franklin (Margie) Rodarte, Oliver (Elsie) Rodarte, Anita (Maximo) Gurule, Christina (Gilbert) Bustamonte.  Henry is preceded in death by his wife Ann of 68 years, Father Frumencio, Mother Elisa Rodarte, brothers Elmer, Enos, Mike, Sons Gary and Ronnie Rodarte, Nephews Emerson Maestas, and Fred Rodarte. Grandson Matthew Shaw, Nephews Jeffery and John Gurule, Fernando and Aaron Rodarte, Oliver (Olie), Chris, Joseph Rodarte, Brother in Law Lee Maestas, Sister in Law Barbara Rodarte, Nieces Patricia Maestas, Dolly Vialpando, Elizabeth Rodarte, sister in law Maria Vialpando, nephew Gregory, and Stephen Vialpando, brother in law Isaac Vialpando and Trinidad and Elaisita Martinez (Grandparents). Henry, we will miss you so very much. Your love and kindness and caring nature, Your laughter, and pranks. Henry (Daddy), There was not a stranger to you. You made friendships with everyone you met. The strongest man I have ever known, Daddy.

The viewing and rosary will take place on November 13, 2023, 6PM at Mt. Taylor Funeral Home Chapel in Grants, New Mexico Mass will follow the next day November 14th, 2023, 10 AM, at St. Theresa of Avila catholic church in Grants, New Mexico Readers will be-Annette Sanchez, Michelle Esquibel Pallbearers: Christopher Rodarte, Stephen Shaw, Robert Shaw, Alejandro Rodarte, Gabriella Chamberlain Damien Deherrera And all the great grandchildren & great-great grandson.