Antonia "Tonie" Sandoval

Antonia “Tonie” Sandoval was born on April 11, 1921 in El Paso, Texas, to Agustin and Julia Arellano. She passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024 at the age of 102 in Las Cruces, New Mexico with her loving family by her side.

Tonie will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. She was forever cooking or baking something for someone who was in need. As a lifelong homemaker, Tonie became an accomplished seamstress who designed and sewed prom dresses for her daughters and also crocheted and knitted many baby blankets, Afghans and doilies—treasured by many who received them as gifts. She took much pride in having a clean, organized home and dinner on the table when the family all came home at the end of the day. She was an excellent cook and baker. The Sandoval home, a home always filled with music, was a popular place to gather. Tonie sang and played many favorite Mexican songs on her guitar—a guitar Sandy, her husband of 70 years, had brought her from Germany after World War II. Having been a faithful churchgoer, Tonie sang in the choir for many years and always gave a helping hand to any church functions. A favorite past-time in later years for Tonie was heading to the casino with whomever would take her….and yes, she was lucky, winning and coming out ahead. Tonie loved to laugh and always had some joke or funny saying to share. Her love and laughter will be dearly missed.

Tonie lived in Las Cruces with her daughter Julie for the last 8 years. It is to Julie that heartfelt appreciation and thanks are extended for the countless hours of loving care that she has given. Her patient dedication and concern provided her mother a peaceful and comfortable last few years. During these last few months, Carmen Fernandez assisted in Tonie’s care. We give our thanks to her for the many hours of devoted care and support she provided.

Tonie was predeceased by her husband, Baltasar “Sandy,” the handsome man on horseback she said met while visiting in Santa Rita, NM. She is survived by daughters Julia Chip, Belen Montoya, Dolores Goughnour (Jim); grandchildren John (Margaret) Chip Jr., Paul (Paula) Chip, Margie (Aron) Montoya, Joey (Anna) Montoya; great grandchildren Jessica (Curtis) Tarin, Katrina (Matthew) Ogaz, Zachary Chip, Nathan and Mia Acosta, Mariah (Toby) Montoya; and great great grandchildren Dante Chip, Bella Tarin, Benji Ogaz, Ryker Acosta, Raymond and Zay Sierra, and Emiliano Allison, and many other family members from the El Paso area.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held in Dona Ana on Saturday, April 6, 10:30 a.m. (Rosary 10 a.m.) at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church, 5525 Cristo Rey, Dona Ana, NM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mesilla Valley Hospice (299 E. Montana Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005) or to Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church (5480 Ledesma Dr. #706, Dona Ana, NM 88032). Please include “In memory of Antonia Sandoval.”