Frank E. DeHerrera
November 22, 1927-March 4, 2023
Our beloved Dad, Husband, and Grandpo, Frank E. DeHerrera, went to his eternal resting place on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Presbyterian Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born to Phillip and Carmelita DeHerrera in Mills, New Mexico on November 22, 1927.
Frank was a loving husband, dad, grandpo, great grandpo, father-in-law, brother-in-law, brother, and uncle who was loved by many. He grew up in Mills, New Mexico where he attended Mills School. He was proud to be a Mills Bobcat. One of his early passions in life was horses. His younger years were that of a cowboy. He would love sharing stories of how he would break wild horses simply by running and jumping on one and if he would get bucked off he would try again. He always made difficult things sound so easy. He left school early to work to provide for his family and took care of his mother and younger brothers and sisters, whom he loved dearly. He was a momma’s boy and he sure was proud of it. His family later moved to Roy, New Mexico where he spent the majority of his adult years. This is where he met and married Fedelina Romero in 1966. Together they had 4 children. Frank retired from Amerigas Incorporated where he worked as a plant operator for over 35 years. He always enjoyed lending a hand to family or neighbors who needed help. Frank was one of the hardest-working men around. After his retirement, he moved to Las Vegas where he continued to work doing various jobs. He loved taking his grandson Fernando to Storrie Lake and fishing for hours. Frank and his family then moved to Albuquerque, where he resided for the past 25 years. He continued to work as a security guard up to the age of 82 when he officially retired. His retirement years were spent watching TV. Football was one of his favorite things to watch. He sure loved the 49ers and talking about the games. He also never missed an episode of Days of Our Lives. He loved spending Holidays and Birthdays with his family and was always the first person to call and sing Happy Birthday. He sure did love singing especially Spanish songs. And the food, he always loved to eat. No matter what was made he never complained. Frank also had the most amazing sense of humor. Even during his latter years when he was sick and in the hospital quite often he still found a way to joke and make people laugh and smile. He would have a nickname for everyone. Friends or family, he’d find a nickname if its the last thing he did that day. His nickname that was given to him that he used on the CB radio for years was “Smiley”. There could not have been a more perfect nickname for him. Frank enjoyed family and anyone that came to visit. He always gave the most beautiful smile as he welcomed you in his home. He was such a humble man. He did not need much to make him happy. Frank will be missed dearly by those that love him. He will always be remembered for his beautiful smile that could light up any room.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carmelita Ybarra; stepfather, Baltazar Ybarra; father-in-law, Francisco M Romero; mother-in-law, Josephine Romero; daughter, Roberta DeHerrera; special son, Johnny DeHerrera; sister, Maria Montoya; brothers, Gilbert Ybarra and Amadeo Ybarra; brothers in law, and compadres, Pete Romero, Robert Romero and Thomas Romero; uncles, Ben Ybarra and Tony Ybarra; goddaughter, Josie Romero; and one of a kind special nephew, Louie Ruiz, who always made time to visit him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Fedelina DeHerrera, who was always by his side taking care of him until he took his last breath; son, Eddie DeHerrera and his wife Lisa DeHerrera; his special, most loving daughter, Julie Hirning, who loved her daddy dearly, was always there when he needed her, advocating to ensure he received the best possible medical care and never leaving his side; special son in law, Dr. James Hirning, who he always called his favorite; grandsons, Eddie DeHerrera Jr. and wife Breanne; their children, Aliyah, Tyus and Jayden, Isaiah DeHerrera and wife Ashley; their children, Isaiah Jr, Teagan, Harper and Trajan; special grandson, Fernando Marrujo Jr., who he raised as his own son, raising him with a lot of love and care, his little “Buckaroo” and his wife Sabrina Marrujo; their kids, special great grandsons, Johnny and Robert Marrujo; special grandson, Jeremy Santistevan; granddaughter, Shania DeHerrera and fiancé James Archuleta; their daughter Elianna; special granddaughters, Jalyn Santistevan, who always went by to visit him, and Jamie and Jenna Hirning; brothers, Juanito DeHerrera, Rudy Ybarra, and Leroy Ybarra; sisters, Lela DeHerrera, Betty Romero, Del Esquibel, and special sister, Rose Casias, who he was always asking for and her husband Frank, who always prayed for him; special brothers in law and compadres, Francisco Romero and Luis Romero; special god daughter, Lisa May Romero; godsons, Matthew Sandoval and Fernando Marrujo Jr, and many nieces and nephews; other family members and friends who loved and will miss him greatly.
Cremation has taken place and services will be held at San Martin Catholic Church on Friday, March 17th, 2023. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. with the Funeral Mass being celebrated at 10:30 a.m. The family invites you to a memorial lunch from 12:30-3:30 at the Loyal Order of Moose. The interment will be on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Roy Cemetery in Roy, New Mexico.
The Most Beautiful Handsome Man I Ever Did See
The most beautiful handsome man I ever did see
Who even in passing was as beautiful as can be
I held your hand tears streaming down my face
I hope I held it long enough til you reached your resting place
As hard as it is you are no longer in pain
I trust in the Lord our Savior we will be together again.
This earth was only temporary your soul is now gone
But in my heart and memories, my daddy, you will always live on.
I Love You Dad, Vaya con Dios
Your Hita Forever and Always
Julie
