Obituary for Refugio Timoteo "Rufus" Rodriguez
Rufus Rodriguez of La Junta, CO, died Aug. 8, 2020, at the age of 84. He was a recent resident at the Spanish Peaks Veteran's Home, in Walsenburg, CO. His wife, Maria Santos Armijo, died just a few days before, on Aug. 4. It was their wish, as a couple always together, to depart this world, together.
Born Jan. 24, 1936 in Swink, CO, as Refugio Timoteo, son of Jose Feliz Rodriguez and Maria Guadalupe Terrazas. Rufus was preceded in death by siblings, Alfonso, Josie, Connie, Mary, Molly, Richard, and George. He is survived by siblings; Pauline (Ramirez) Jane (Hernandez) and Jimmy Rodriguez; stepdaughter, Nancy Valdez (Darling) and granddaughters, Anna O'Canas (Rovin) and Nicole Darling (Huang). Left behind are the many who loved him and were touched by his kindness, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
During the Vietnam war, Rufus served stateside, as an EMT. He then worked a number of years on the farms of Bob Gerler of La Junta, CO before retiring, learning to play the guitar and taking a place in his wife's folkloric band. He and his wife, Maria Santos, were happiest when traveling with the band, between CO and NM, whether it was for private parties, to perform live on radio, or as a featured act at the Wagon Mound, NM, Bean Day Fiestas.
Due to COVID19, both Rufus and Maria will be cremated, their ashes blessed, and at a later date, a graveside service and placing of their stone will be scheduled at the Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery, in Wagon Mound, NM.
Born Jan. 24, 1936 in Swink, CO, as Refugio Timoteo, son of Jose Feliz Rodriguez and Maria Guadalupe Terrazas. Rufus was preceded in death by siblings, Alfonso, Josie, Connie, Mary, Molly, Richard, and George. He is survived by siblings; Pauline (Ramirez) Jane (Hernandez) and Jimmy Rodriguez; stepdaughter, Nancy Valdez (Darling) and granddaughters, Anna O'Canas (Rovin) and Nicole Darling (Huang). Left behind are the many who loved him and were touched by his kindness, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
During the Vietnam war, Rufus served stateside, as an EMT. He then worked a number of years on the farms of Bob Gerler of La Junta, CO before retiring, learning to play the guitar and taking a place in his wife's folkloric band. He and his wife, Maria Santos, were happiest when traveling with the band, between CO and NM, whether it was for private parties, to perform live on radio, or as a featured act at the Wagon Mound, NM, Bean Day Fiestas.
Due to COVID19, both Rufus and Maria will be cremated, their ashes blessed, and at a later date, a graveside service and placing of their stone will be scheduled at the Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery, in Wagon Mound, NM.