Chama Valley & Abiquiú Daily Digest Tuesday, September 01, 2026
Ty's Take
You wake up one morning in this valley and realize you knew five of those names, maybe six. That's what it means to live in country where the obits matter more than most headlines, where a death notice reads like a chapter closing on land that's been in families longer than the United States has existed. The crash summons is another story, the kind that reminds you how fast things move on these narrow roads when somebody isn't paying attention. This week the Rio Grande SUN is doing what small papers do best: marking who we were, who's still here, and who made a mistake that'll follow them. Around here that's the whole paper some weeks, and it's enough.
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Rio Grande SUN
Madena Row Bennett of Rio Grande died in July 2026 at age 56. She is survived by her mother Kathryn Bennett, brother Matt Clarke, sister Kimberly Belleville, and father Alan Siegel. Family and friends remembered her as intelligent, witty, and remarkably clever.
Larry Norris, 78, of Los Ranchos passed away on August 10, 2026, after a lifetime devoted to his family and faith. A former United States Navy veteran, Norris spent 24 years in service to others, earning respect for his quiet wisdom and kindness.
Benjamin Joseph Huerta, 39, died on Friday, August 7, 2026, leaving behind his parents David Huerta and Mary Esther Lucero and numerous family members. Born in Española, New Mexico, Benjamin was passionate about movies, hunting, sports, and family, and attended Northern New Mexico Community College.
Brianna Rose Knight, known as Nana, of Española, New Mexico, passed away suddenly on August 8, 2026, at age 28. Those who knew her cherished her infectious smile, calm demeanor, wonderful humor, and curious, questioning nature.
Ramona D. Martinez, born October 29, 1944, in Española, New Mexico, to Hermando and Emilina Montoya, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband Ramon, two children, and seven siblings.
Summons Issued for Woman in Crash
Rio Arriba County Sheriff's deputies issued a summons to Yasmin Lopez, 25, of Las Cruces following a drunk driving crash that seriously injured her daughter. Lopez faces charges of great bodily harm by vehicle while driving intoxicated with a minor in the car.
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