Valencia County Remembers Patricia Aragon, John Gonzales, and Robert Strasser
Patricia Aragon, known as "Pope," will be remembered Sunday at the Vista Del Rio Club House in Rio Communities, one day after she would have turned 74.
Patricia Ann "Pope" Aragon, 74, of Rio Communities, who was known to friends as a lover of cats, fashion, and music, passed away Feb. 27, 2026. Her family and friends are gathering Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m. at the Vista Del Rio Club House in Rio Communities to celebrate her life.
Aragon was born June 1, 1951, at Fort Hood Military Base in Killeen, Texas, and graduated from Manzano High School in 1969. Her obituary, published by Noblin Funeral Service of Belen and carried by the Valencia County News-Bulletin, describes her as "a cherished mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, with a deep appreciation for reading, music, fashion, shopping and cats."
She is survived by her son, Eduardo Aragon; daughter, Lalena Aragon; grandchildren Tayshaun Williams and Estella Silva; her grand dog, Puff; sister Dixie Davidson (John); brother-in-law David Disanti; many nieces and nephews; and close friends Pat Marsh, Kathy Lamar and Jean Chavez. Her obituary closes with a line that has brought comfort to many grieving families: "Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear."
The same week, the News-Bulletin also carried notices for two other community members. Robert "Bob" Joseph Strasser, born May 13, 1944, in Chicago, passed away Feb. 26, 2026, at his home in Rio Communities. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Strasser was an avid golfer who took pride in a career hole-in-one and traveled across surrounding states to compete in tournaments. He is survived by his sister Patricia A. Zyck, three children, and his significant other, Jackie Maese. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian J. and Gertrude Verhaag Strasser, and two siblings, Thomas J. Strasser and Katheleen A. Strasser.
John Sisto Gonzales, described in his notice as a devoted son and respected member of the Socorro community, died March 3, 2026, at the age of 59. The News-Bulletin did not include additional service details for Gonzales in its published notice.
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