Julia Santillanes passed away peacefully at the Trinidad Inn Nursing Home at the age of 94, on August 16, 2022. She was a lifelong Trinidad resident and was well-loved in the community. Julia was born on April 12, 1928, to Juan D. and Sarita Santistevan in Valdez, CO. She grew up surrounded by loving siblings that included brothers Fred, Jose S., William, and Martin, and sisters Isabel and Delia. She was united in marriage to Raymond Santillanes on December 5, 1946, and they were blessed with five children.
Julia and her husband Raymond were the owners of Santi’s Bakery. They ran the bakery with the help of their children for many years. After her time at the bakery, she became an employee at the Ramada Inn, and later in life, she became an elderly care provider. Anyone who knew Julia knew that she had an amazing sense of humor and loved laughing and joking with everyone. One of her favorite pastimes was playing BINGO and traveling to Cripple Creek with her friends and family. She loved listening to Spanish music and enjoyed dancing. She was an active member of Sociedad de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe , and Sociedad Union Justicia y Caridad H.A., and La Casa Confederacion
Julia is survived by her children, Lorretta (Richard “Sweet Pea”) Fresquez, Arlene (Jeff) Reichert, Sara (Glen) Torres, Anthony Santillanes, and daughter-in-law, Sandy Santillanes. She had 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She had numerous nieces and nephews, special friends Bea Martinez and Juanita Sena, and special granddaughter Debbie Mendoza.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband Raymond Santillanes, special friend Leopaldo Sanchez, and her son Raymond Santillanes Jr.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Joey Gutierrez, John Santillanes, Anthony Santillanes, Arthur Torres, Jeff Santillanes, and Alex Santillanes.
Visitation will be held at the Comi Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, August 22, 2022, from 3-7:00 P.M. The Rosary will follow at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel. The Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment will occur at a later date at Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements were made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
