Ernest Archuleta Obituary (1919 - 2022)

Ernesto J. Archuleta 1919- 2022 Ernesto J. Archuleta passed from mortality on February 21, 2022, in Draper, Utah from respiratory failure related to Covid. Having lived for 102 years was in itself quite an accomplishment. The son of Jose Anastacio Archuleta and Paulita Gallegos Archuleta, he was born April 7, 1919, in Cerro NM. He was a longtime resident of Salt Lake City UT, Las Cruces NM and Los Lunas NM. He is survived by his son, Michael (Joanne), step-son James Campbell (Tani), 5 direct grandchildren, 18 greatgrandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. From his marriage of 62 years to Elsa Nilsen Archuleta, he was also blessed to have an additional posterity of 9 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Ernest was the last of 11 siblings. It was from that large and loving family his numerous nieces and nephews honored Tio and his example. A little known factoid of his years before entering the military was that he belonged to a musical band known as the Blue Birds. They played in venues up and down the Rio Grande Valley. He enjoyed singing, playing the guitar and thoroughly enjoyed music throughout his life. Having collected his own cassette tapes, he would listen to them and share memories of their origins. Ernest was proud to serve his country during World War II and saw combat action in North Africa, Italy and Germany as a part of the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division. He proudly wore the insignia on his ball cap wherever he went. His funeral service and burial will be held on March 4, 2022, in Cerro NM. He has, at last, finally returned home.