Timoteo Benavidez

Timoteo (Timmy) Benavidez, 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his home in Santa Fe, N.M., surrounded by his beloved family. Timmy was born to Jose H. Benavidez and Eufelia Martinez de Benavidez on Dec. 18, 1947, in Pecos, N.M. He graduated from Pecos High School in 1967. He was a member of the State Championship winning Pecos Panther basketball team of 1966.  Timmy was also a member of the American Legion Post 70 in Pecos, New Mexico.

In 1967, he joined the United States Army and served honorably in Vietnam. He was awarded the following medals and badges during his time: Army Commendation Medal, Airforce Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Oakleaf Cluster, Bronze Star “V” Device, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Parachute Badge, and Combat Infantryman Badge. He served with great pride and honor until 1970. 

After he returned home from his time proudly serving his country, Timmy worked for the Village of Pecos, the Glorieta Conference Center, the City of Santa Fe and at Big Jo Tru Value Hardware, though many will remember him helping his wife and greeting customers at Just Alterations.

He met his wife Elizabeth in 1972 and they married in 1976. They spent 51 beautiful years together. 

Timmy is survived by his wife Elizabeth and children Linda (Grady) Ortiz-Carter, Rose Mary (Chris) Acosta-Ortiz, Timoteo (Josephine) Benavidez, Jr., Ursula (Gilbert) Benavidez and Bernadette (Allan) Read. He is also survived by his grandchildren Isiah, Makayla, Estevan, Jazmine, Michael, Juan, Dominick, Eva, Vicente, Alejandro, Marissa, Victoriana, and Anthony. His great-grandchildren include Joe Henry, Aubrey, Jayla, Mikayla, Anakin, Zachariah, and Oakley. He is survived by his siblings Modesto, Thelma, Cora (Fidel) and Delfin, and beloved friend Richard Montaño.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jose H. and Eufelia Benavidez and siblings Manual, Robert, Sabina, Richard, Orlando, Elefio and Mary Ann. 

The family would like to thank his caregiver’s, including his grandson Dominick and Timmy’s wife Elizabeth. Also, thank you to Compassus Home Health Care and Hospice for providing amazing support to Timmy and his family.

A service in his honor will take place on August 10, 2023, at St. Anthony’s Parish, 11 St. Anthony's Loop, Pecos, NM 87552. Condolences begin at 9am, Rosary at 10am, Mass at 11am and he will then be buried with full military honors at the St. Anthony’s Cemetery following the Mass.  A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 70 in Pecos NM.