John C. Berry , 86, a native of Raton, New Mexico, passed away on April 12, 2017, surrounded by his family. John was born on Johnson Mesa on August 20, 1930, the son of Patrick and Bertha Berry.
John attended St. Michael’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Then in 1951 he served his country in the U. S.Army. As a young man he competed in all three rough stock events, becoming a champion bronc rider.
John and his father raised registered Herefords. He was the fourth out of six generations to manage the Berry Ranch on Johnson Mesa. This legacy continues with his son, Patrick and Carmella Berry and with their son Landon Berry. “It”s not the easy way,” Landon said. “It”s the cowboy way”.
His best times were spent in the saddle working side by side with his family. At age 84, he was still horse back. Dad loved telling the stories about all the people and families who made up the ranches across New Mexico. We loved to hear these stories as much as he loved telling them. The knowledge he had about people and their families will be missed by all of us. He is revered by young ranchers and respected by fellow cattlemen. He will be remembered for his commitment to raising cattle and as a great steward of the land.
He is preceded in death by two daughters, Davida Lee Pierce and Bertha Ann Berry. His legacy lives on through his family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Mary Lee Berry and two daughters, Jo Ellen Ladenburger of Wheatridge, Colo., Sarah Shubert of Roswell, N.M. and two sons, John Berry of Trinidad, Colo., Patrick Berry of Raton, N.M., 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren.
Your memory, Dad will always fill a place in our hearts.
Visitation will be Monday April 17, 2017, 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home Chapel. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 10:00 at the St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church recited by Deacon Tom Alderette. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 10:30 A.M. with Father William Woytavich as the celebrant. Rite of the Christian Burial will be at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Raton, New Mexico.
Arrangements and celebration of love for John C. Berry are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton. N.M..
