Sidney Hugh Fuentes

Sidney Hugh Fuentes, 91, passed away Monday, July 3, 2017 in Eagar. He was born May 2, 1926 in a logging camp near Thoreau, New Mexico to Nellie Annie Heath and George Arch Fuentes who was working for Aztec Lumber Company. He was the oldest and has 7 siblings: Elsie, Nellie Annie, Georgie, Archie, Violet, Minnie, and Floyd. He grew up with his double cousins from Mary Heath and Raymond Fuentes. When Hugh was age 4, the family moved to Luna, New Mexico. He grew up a country boy and started working at age 12 at his dad’s sawmill and later driving a log truck. He graduated from Reserve Union High School in May, 1944. He met his future wife, Sellme Virgil Pettijohn their senior year. The Pettijohns had moved from San Diego to homestead north of Luna. Hugh enlisted in the Army, September 5, 1944. He was a Rifleman in the 96th Infantry Division. He served until wounded in battle on Okinawa, June 18, 1945. While on a medical furlough he came home to Luna and married his sweetheart, Sellme, November 17, 1945. After his military service he cowboyed while living on Arley Campbell’s Place (now Patterson’s) north of Luna. He and his dad bought two ranches together north of Luna; the Roger’s Place and the Funderberg Place. In 1955 Hugh and Sellme moved to Albuquerque with their first 4 children: Virgie, Kathrine, Charles and Justine. He went to Albuquerque Business College and worked 3 part time jobs while earning his Junior Accountant Certificate. He then logged in the Jemez Mountains with Heath relatives for two years. During this time Hugh and Sellme’s last baby, Coral, was born. In March of 1959 the family moved back home to Luna. Hugh worked for the US Forest Service out of Luna. On June 30, 1962 Hugh and Sellme moved their 5 kids to Eagar and he scaled logs in Eagar and McNary. For many years he owned Timberline Logging with his son and sons-in-law. Over the years he took kids and grandkids with him and taught them to work hauling loads of firewood from the area north of Luna. He was patriotic and proud that he risked his life for his country, considering it his duty. He was an active member of the LDS Church. He and Sellme served an 18 month mission in New Zealand and worked for 20 years in the Mesa and Snowflake Temples. Hugh was well known for his genuine friendliness, his sense of humor, and his willingness to help other people. He was an honest man whose word was his bond. He was respected in his community and church ward. Sidney Hugh Fuentes – a devoted son and brother, an honorable serviceman, a faithful husband, a revered father and grandfather – was above all a good man. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, his sweetheart, Sellme of 68 years, July 14, 2014. Hugh is survived by three siblings, Gerogie, Minnie, Floyd; five children, Virgie (Herb Jensen), Boise, Idaho; Kathrine (Delbert) Lewis, Mesa; Charles (previously married to Marla Rogers – now married to Rene Solomon), Joseph City; Justine (Wayne) Wiltbank Eagar; Coral (Steve) Ashton, Eagar; 21 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Amity building, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the funeral services at the Luna, New Mexico Cemetery.