Bennie A. Larranaga

Bennie A. Larranaga, 75, a lifetime resident of Torrance County, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 after a long illness. Bennie was born to Leocadio Larranaga and Aurelia (Archibeque) Larranaga in Palma, NM July 16, 1930. He met his wife, Nora Tapia, and they were married August 15, 1959 in Encino, NM. Bennie served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict 1952 to 1954. He worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for Clines Corners Operating Company from 1968 to 1998. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Moriarty, NM. He attended school in Encino, NM. He loved working on the ranch at Rincones Colorados and dedicated his life to the land, dryland farming, and raising his cattle. Bennie is survived by his son, Phillip Larranaga and his wife, Corinne of Clines Corners, NM, and their family pets, Harley and Casper; his daughter, Sheila “Rach” Murphy and husband Arnold of Moriarty, NM and their children, Kyle, Aaron, and Tyler. He is also survived by his brothers, Alfred and wife Corrine Larranaga, Leo and wife Viola Larranaga, Lorenzo and wife Charletta Larranaga, Victor and wife Stella Larranaga, Percy and wife Ann Larranaga, Ernest and wife Margarita Archibeque; his sisters, Josie and husband Albert Thomas, Reyes and husband Jake Perea, Viola and husband Leandro Marez, Mary Ellen and husband Henry Villanueva, Angie and husband Max Lopez, Trinnie and husband Randy Chilton. As well as his aunts, Cecilia Cordova and Guadalupita Saiz; and his mother-in-law, Pablita Tapia; brothers and sisters-in-law Paul Tapia, Celistino Tapia, Sam Tapia, Abe Tapia, Sarah Floyd, Alicia Sanchez, and Carmen Romero; and many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. His wife, Nora, and his parents Leocadio and Aurelia Larranaga preceded Bennie in death. Bennie will be remembered as a loving, hard-working, and caring son, husband, Daddy, Popo, brother, and Uncle. Those who loved and knew him will miss him. A Rosary will be recited at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church Friday, September 23, 2005 at 7:00 PM in Moriarty, NM. A Mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 10:00 AM at the San Luis Catholic Church in Red Hills, NM. Father Richard Olona along with Father William Young will be officiating. Burial will follow at the San Luis Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kyle Murphy, Dominic Ortiz, Alfred Larranaga, Leo Larranaga, Victor Larranaga, Percy Larranaga, Lorenzo Larranaga, and Ernest Archibeque. Honorary pallbearers will be Aaron Murphy, Tyler Murphy, Albert Thomas, Alan Larranaga, Andy Larranaga, Mark Larranaga, Edward Larranaga, E.J. Perea, Neil Villanueva, Greg Marez, Max Lopez, Glen Gibson, and Brian Archibeque. Daddy fought a hard fight, it was a long seven years, and now you’re with your beloved Nora. Thanks to all of you for your many prayers, love, support, and help during Daddy’s illness.