Eva Christina Belarde Sandoval, born on December 24th, 1941, in Starkville, Colorado passed away peacefully on 28 March 2026 in her hometown of Raton, New Mexico surrounded by family and friends at the age of 84. She was the beloved wife of Gene Charles Sandoval and the daughter of Steve and Nora Valdez Belarde.
Eva attended Longfellow Elementary and St. Patrick’s Catholic Academy prior to Raton Junior High, followed by graduation from Raton High School with the Class of 1960. She worked at her parent’s laundry called Steve’s White Way Laundry on Sugarite Ave. in Raton, NM. She met the love of her life, Gene Charles Sandoval, son of Leandro and Prudencia Rodarte Sandoval when both attended Raton High School and were married January 13th, 1962. In addition to raising ten children of her own, she was named Den Mother of the Year for Cub Scout Pack 65 when the cub scout den was awarded the Catholic Medal according to the Raton Range newspaper. She was a member of the Altar Society and Majordomo’s of St. Joseph’s Catholic church. Eva cooked at St. Patrick’s Elementary and Raton High Schools, customer support at SunWest Bank, site director for the Raton Senior Citizens Center and owned Eva’s Bakery in downtown Raton where many people enjoyed her cooking and fellowship. Eva truly enjoyed making cookies and cakes for her family but also for numerous people and businesses in Raton. She also wrote poems about family, Christmas, Easter and a variety of other subjects she shared with family and friends.
Eva was the shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a distinct void in the hearts of her family, friends and many more whose lives were touched by her.
Eva is survived by her ten loving children: Geneva Sandoval Sena and husband David Sena of Raton, NM and their five children: Stephen, Victoria, Tomas, Roberto and Renee. Bernard Sandoval and Renee Woodworth Sandoval of Colorado Springs, CO and their two children: Brandi and Michelle. Joseph Sandoval and Carol Mensing Sandoval of Colorado Springs, CO and their three children: Sean, Alexander and Savannah. Anthony Sandoval and Stacy Martinez Sandoval of Albuquerque, NM and their three children: Marc, Carlos and Ava. Domonic Sandoval and Melissa Ellis Sandoval of Monroe, WA and their two children: Christopher and Presley. Steve Sandoval and Heidi Anderson Sandoval of Anchorage, AK and their two children: Nathan and Christine. Becky Sandoval Lopez and Alfredo Lopez of Albuquerque, NM and their two children: Tomas and Joshua. Ross Sandoval and Kim Sandoval of Colorado Springs, CO. Vince Sandoval and Carol Wood Sandoval of Albuquerque, NM and their two children: Andrew and Patrick. Natalie Sandoval of Raton, NM and her son: Brandon Mckeehan, as well as 23 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
She also leaves behind brothers Marty Belarde of Kodiak, Alaska and Fred Belarde of Snohomish, Washington; sisters Beverly Smith of Raton, New Mexico, Kathy Belarde Spicola of Anchorage, Alaska, Nora Belarde of Pueblo, Colorado and Angie Belarde Fuqua of Brewton, Alabama. She also leaves behind her brothers and sisters-in-law Filbert, Jerry and Larry Sandoval, Onofre Sandoval, Lilly Marquez and Emma Gladd, all of Raton.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Gene Charles Sandoval, her parents Steve and Nora Belarde, brothers Mark, Bernard, Steve Jr., Tommy, Lawrence and David Belarde and sisters Carol Belarde Martinez and Anna Belarde Santistevan, grandson Brett McKeehan and great granddaughters Catalina Ann and Evalynn Rose Sandoval.
Funeral services by Alderette Funeral Home to honor the life of Eva Christina Belarde Sandoval will be held on April 24, 2026, starting with the Rosary at 1100, Mass at 1130, St Joseph/St Patrick’s Catholic church in Raton, New Mexico. Internment will follow at Mount Calvary Catholic cemetery following the service. We invite all family and friends to attend the mass and internment, followed by reception at St Joseph/St Patrick’s hall.
Eva was loved and respected by many people in the Raton community. Although Eva’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her enduring spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us—she will be dearly missed by family and friends. May her memory be a blessing and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all we do—her light will shine forever.
The family would like to express gratitude to multiple medical professionals in Raton, Albuquerque and Colorado Springs, especially Dr Trent Proffitt in Albuquerque and nurse Robin Pilley of Raton.
