Henry Alaniz

Memorial services are scheduled at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 15 at West Main Baptist Church for Henry Ochoa Alaniz of Artesia.

Mr. Alaniz passed away on January 12, 2011 in his home surrounded by his family.

Pastor Elio Barrios will officiate at the services. Cremation is under the direction of Terpening Son Mortuary. Honorary pallbearers will be Shawn Thornbrue, Derek Alaniz, Darren Alaniz, Nik Archuleta, Nathaniel Alaniz and Dennis Alaniz. No public visitation is planned.

Henry was born on March 29, 1927 in Dayton, New Mexico to Salvador and Carolina Alaniz. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Elias Alaniz, and a granddaughter, Gina Baptista.
He married Clara Arias on September 25, 1953 in El Paso, Texas.

He served as a member of the United States Armed Forces. He worked for the Artesia Post Office as a clerk for many years and retired as Postmaster. He began his accounting business as a young man and continued to work alongside his son Michael until he became ill at the age of 83.

One of Henrys greatest joys was spending time with his family and providing for them. He enjoyed reading, watching John Wayne movies. He also enjoyed watching the Artesia Bulldogs and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a dedicated and charter member of the Spanish Baptist Church. He also served on the Hospital board for many years. His grandchildren loved hearing stories about his childhood. He left his family with many wonderful and loving memories. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived his wife Clara of the family home by three sons and two daughters: Ricky Alaniz and wife Maria, of Albuquerque, N.M. Michael Alaniz and wife Vicky, of Artesia Danny Alaniz and wife Mary of Clovis, N.M. Shirley Thornbrue and husband Joe of El Reno, Okla. and Gloria Alaniz of Artesia. He also survived by one brother and six sisters: Sal Alaniz and Wife Ruth Anne of El Paso, Texas Rachel Gonzales and husband Emilio Tommie Deporto and husband Cheo of Artesia Eva Alaniz and Gloria Keahbone of Santa Fe, N.M., Virgie AlanizRead and husband Bob of Las Vegas, N.M. and Linda AlanizHarrison and husband John of Watrous, N.M. Other survivors include 13 grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Henry will be remembered as a loving husband, father, big brother and beloved grandfather.