Ernesto Diego Duran

Ernesto Diego Duran (aka, Ernest Abeyta Duran) went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 31, 2025. He is survived by Elena, his beloved wife of 77 years; daughters, Virginia Duran Ginn (companion, Mark Myers) and Frances Williams (Osie); grandchildren, Ginia Fraser (Kyle), Philip Alarcon (Chantell), Vanessa Williams (Dontory); great-grandchildren, Preston, Abel, Jude, Emma, Charlie, Everly, and Romey; sister, Josephine Garcia; sister-in-law, Teresita Hutchings; cousin, Elisa Gutierrez, and numerous, loving nieces and nephews.

Born on August 24, 1927, in Tularosa, New Mexico, to Ramon and Maria Duran, Ernest was lovingly raised by his paternal aunt, Juanita Aguilar. In his early childhood years, he was a devoted student and altar boy at St. Francis de Paula Church where he served at mass every morning.

In 1945, while still in high school, he enlisted in the US Navy during World War II. Upon returning home, he completed high school as a star basketball and football player. His wife, Elena, also attended mass every morning as a child and knew Ernest since those early years. It wasn't until he returned from the US Navy that they noticed each other at a dance. In 1947 they married and began their life together. Ernesto pursued further education by attending Western Business College in Albuquerque and built a successful career in accounting. He worked at City Hall in Tularosa before relocating to Albuquerque where he was employed by various companies. In 1987, Ernest retired, and he and Elena moved to Bluewater Acres, NM where he worked part time at the Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission. There they made many friends and enjoyed the first years of retirement.

Ernest's devotion to his faith was evident in his active participation in church life. At Holy Ghost Catholic Church, he served on the parish council while Elena was in the music ministry. Their deep commitment extended to involvement in Cursillo de Cristiandad and the Secular Franciscan Order for many years. After moving back to Albuquerque in 2001, they became active members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church community.

In their later years, they cherished their routine of attending daily mass, followed by walks at the mall or visits to the gym. Ernesto's heart swelled with a passion for Mariachi and New Mexican music. At their 70th Anniversary their enduring love shone as the couple danced a ranchera for their delighted guests. Known for his prowess in horseshoes and corn hole, games he enjoyed well into his 90's, Ernest's playful spirit and competitive nature were honed during his earlier years in bowling leagues.

Ernest lived a full life of joy and laughter, often sharing corny jokes that brought smiles to everyone around him. Their home was a sanctuary to many, welcoming his mother-in-law until her passing, Cuban refugees, various nieces and nephews, twin baby boys whom they raised to adulthood, and Elena's sister in her final years. Ernesto was a humble and generous servant of the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and unwavering dedication to family and friends.

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 1:30 p.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 1502 Sara Rd. SE - Rio Rancho, NM 87124. The Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.