Elia Fresquez Slater

SLATER, ELIA FRESQUEZ Went home to be with the Lord on November 11, 2013. Elia was born in Roswell, NM on June 20, 1923, to Manuel and Catalina Fresquez, one of eight children: Elfides Gallegos, Corine Gaona, William Fresquez, Leo Fresquez, Ernest Fresquez, Samuel Fresquez, and Mary Louise Valdez. She loved swimming in the Berrendo River and bareback riding with her lovely platinum blonde hair flowing in the wind. While in high school, she was a high stepping drum majorette. Elia attended grade school in Berrendo, and high school and business school in Roswell. She worked at Walker Air Base and New Mexico Boy's Ranch before moving to California with her sister, Corine and cousin, Lucille to work in the defense factories. They then moved to Albuquerque and she started working as a secretary to the head of the Veterans hospital, and retired after 35 years. During this time she met the love of her life, Ron Slater, and they were married for over 40 years. They traveled all seven continents, all the large rivers of the world and enjoyed their lives together to the fullest. Elia was preceded in death by her husband in 2008. Elia is survived by her brothers, Ernie and Sam; her sister, Mary Lou; eight nephews, Anthony Gallegos and wife, Barbara, Orlando Gallegos and wife, Cheyrle, Larry Gallegos and wife, Carolyn, Jerry Gallegos and wife, Linda, John Gaona and wife, Martha, Phillip Gaona, David Gaona and wife, Cindy, and Joseph Valdez III; nieces, Deborah Morton and husband, Craig, Montserrat Lamb and husband, Rick, and several grand nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends who will miss this grand lady greatly. She was a beautiful person inside and out who loved working in her yard with her roses. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to those at the Presbyterian ICU who were extremely professional and helpful. Rosary will be recited Monday, December 2, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.