Josephine H. Sanchez

Obituary for Josephine H. Sanchez A Funeral Service for “Josie” Sanchez, 89, of Roswell, will be held at 2:00 PM, at Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home on Friday, January 22, 2021. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Josie’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. This beloved mother passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. As she heard singing of “How Great Thou Art,” she slowly and peacefully slipped away into glory. She left an imprint of love and example to live in this life! Her family and friends will miss her deeply. Josie was born in Maxwell, New Mexico, on September 14, 1931, to Julian and Elena Hernandez. Soon afterward, they moved to Pueblo, Colorado, and remained there until her early adult life. She was blessed to have Christian parents who knew the transforming power of God through salvation! This transformed her family, thus, having a great impact on her life and future! Josie was a woman who grew with great dependence on the Lord. She prayed humbly and sought God for all her needs. Oftentimes, one could hear her praying for her family in the middle of the night or early in the morning. There was always a sense of security, knowing that all will be alright because momma prayed. In the face of opposition from others and in her challenging moments, she prayed for God to give her a right heart. Her children could hear her in her room softly seeking God. It is written that when we are weak, then we are strong. Strength is a dependence on God because of his greatness. Her family saw that she was not just religious but rather one that lived sincerely before God. She was the real thing and lived by faith. As a young adult, when visiting her brother in Roswell, NM, she met her future husband in church. She and Eloy M. Sanchez were married on July 20, 1956, at the Spanish Methodist Church here in Roswell. They were blessed with 4 children. She worked at various places such as a company called the Electronics. She found much pleasure in sewing! She sewed many blankets for her grandchildren and did alterations. Josie was especially a good cook! Both she and her husband opened a restaurant in Ruidoso Downs. They had such a hit with their green chile enchiladas in the 70s. Even restaurant owners and chefs from around would stop by to check out her food since the foods we enjoy today were not common in their businesses. Soon, restaurants were selling green chile enchiladas and other foods that they replicated from her food. Another popular meal was her famous green chile chunky burritos, made with savory pork and cheese. Her salsa was like no other during that time. Josie could make some of the most savory hot tamales. She was featured in the newspaper titled, “Mexican food is an art at Mom’s Kitchen” (1983). She said that she put God in her cooking! Eventually, the family left the restaurant business and returned to Roswell. Ministry was important to Josie. This mother did a lot of praying for her children to serve God throughout their years growing up, and never stopped. Two of her sons became ministers, and all serve the Lord. Through ups and downs, failings, or successes, she taught us that it is never too late to repent and return to Jesus! In this life, she was not immune to sorrow. Her husband of 75 years old left her as a widow, and later (2016), her youngest son Julian passed away at the age of 45. But Josie continued faithfully depending upon God. There were years when her phone would not stop ringing every day from people asking for prayer or dropping by. Many adopted her as their mother or called her Aunt Josie. Her best legacy remains as one who pointed towards God. She loved singing as she worshipped the Lord. She set an example to serve God from the heart! She was not perfect. That is why her children were able to witness her victories and persistence! She fought with faith and love. She loved God’s word and even attended church and revivals during the last few weeks of her life. Her last words to her grandchildren were to serve the Lord with all their hearts, as many of them surrounded her bed. She was proud of having 5 generations. Josie was preceded in death by husband Eloy M. Sanchez and son Julian Sanchez. Most recently, her brother. Other siblings are Felix Hernandez, Severino Hernandez, Valentine Hernandez, Basillo Hernandez, Ernest Hernandez, Benjamin Hernandez, Erminia Fuentes, Tillie Hernandez, and Frances Ramirez. Josie is survived by her children, Helen Sedillo and her husband, Joe of Roswell, Eloy Sanchez Jr. and his wife Petrita of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lawrence Sanchez and his wife, Margie of Roswell. Those left to cherish memories of Josie are her grandchildren: Carissa and husband Paul Vega, Jacob Sedillo, Isaac Montoya, Larry, and wife Sandra, Vanessa Casey and husband Jonathon, Marissa Ramirez and husband Joel, Michelle Gomez and husband Fabian, Lauren Sanchez and Brandon, Elijah Sanchez and Kaylie, Joshua Sanchez, Esperanza Campbell and husband Matthew, Matthew Sanchez, Olivia Do and husband David, and Paul Sanchez; great-grandchildren: Breanne, Zayanna, Larry Jr., Andrew, Gilbert, Lilly, Mandy, Abagail, Ana, Jonathon, James, Ramiel, Nehemiah, Kalistah, Hadassah, Annmarie, April, Brandon Jr, Dominic, Eliana, Kharece, Elcey, Mila, Ezekiel, Anna, Violet, Gabriel Mestas, Drew Mestas, Johnathan Sedillo, Everette Sedillo, and Christian Sedillo; great-great-grandchildren: Andrew, Lalah, and Delilah; sisters: Petrita Hancock, Esther Valencia, and Margaret Osborne and husband Ron; numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends; as well as a special “daughter” to Josie, Estella Paquette. Pallbearers: Those honored to serve at Pallbearers are Josie’s grandsons. Josie’s family would like to extend a special “Thanks” to everyone who called, texted, or communicated in some way with the family. Also, a special “Thanks” to those who helped with food, finances, and their prayers. 2 Corinthians 5:8 “... to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Family and friends are encouraged to wear a mask and follow COVID guidelines. Josie’s tribute was written in her honor by her family.

Josephine H. Sanchez

September 14, 1931 - January 17, 2021