Gilfredo Arellano

Strong, Loving, and hardworking. Devoted to God and loyal to his family.

Gilfredo enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles and camping. The thing he cherished most was spending quality time with his wife, 4 daughters and granddaughters. He loved them dearly and taught them all how to LOVE.

Gilfredo was drafted to the Army in 1964-1966. He returned to Ventero New Mexico where he grew up to help his family with the ranch. He was a jack of all traits (welder, mechanic, plumber, construction worker, and home builder) and shared all he knew with anyone who wanted to learn. Gil was one of seven children and as the story is told he loved entertaining the younger sisters and making them laugh. Gil attended Costilla High School. He met his wife in the small town of Amalia. Gil and Kay Cruz married and began a family which happened to be the happiest day of his life. They were devoted Catholics and raised their family as such. They lived off the land and raised cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and chickens. These obligations kept them from vacations, but this also was an opportunity to teach valuable lessons about life, work ethics and independence. Many of Gilfredo’s nieces and nephews would seek his advice and loved him like their father. The advice he always gave was to “Do things right the first time and save yourself extra work.”

Gil loved a good Ol home cooked meal and later had a taste for some Chinese food. His favorite color was red. A song that was dear to him was “Padre Querido” (Dearest Father.) Sin mi padre la Vida no vale nada.

Living Legacy:

Sandra Arellano-Rivers (Rodney), JoEtta Arellano, Devona Arellano (daughters)

Tyra Francois (Michael), Mia Rivers (granddaughters)

Miguel Arellano and Eufemia Santistevan (Parents)

Juanita Arellano-Velasquez (Siblings) several nieces and nephews

Reunited with:

Kay Arellano-Cruz (wife), Becky Arellano (daughter) Miguel Arellano and Eufemia Santistevan (parents), Eloy Arellano, Rosendo Arellano, Everto Arellano, Elmer Arellano, Susie Neary, Eulalia Kalafatis (brothers and sisters)

Special People to acknowledge:

Hillier Funeral Home, Brodrick Ross Sr., St. James Missionary Baptist Church, American Legion Post 159 Honor Guard, Trademark Creative, Visiting Angels, Amedysis Hospice, Gayla Banks (Gayda) and Special friends.