A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for John G. Madrid.

Madrid, 85, passed away in peace, surrounded by loved ones. He has gained his wings and is flying in Heaven with the angels and his beautiful wife, Betty.

Interment will follow the services at 11 a.m. Saturday at Twin Oaks Memorial Park, followed by a reception at the church.

A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Grace.

John was born May 13, 1938, in Artesia to Juan and Ramona Madrid.

It was in Artesia that he met the love of his life, Betty Chavez. The two were married Feb. 27, 1960, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. They had just celebrated 63 years of marriage before Betty’s passing in 2023.

John obtained his master’s degree in education while he and Betty were raising their four children together in Artesia and Roswell. He was a few classes away from obtaining his PhD in education.

His teaching career began with the Roswell Independent School District, where he taught sixth grade for one year at Flora Vista/Nancy Lopez Elementary School. He then moved into the position of diagnostician until his retirement in 1998. He took a break and went back as a diagnostician consultant until his full retirement in approximately 2008.

John loved his job because of the help he knew he was giving to the many, many students he tested over the years to get the best education possible. He tested students for the gifted program and the special education program.

John’s next adventure in life was caring for the grounds at Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe for about six years. While there, he was blessed with the friendship of the Sisters/Nuns. In 2014, he realized it was time to relax and enjoy life with family.

John was a devoted Catholic. He was a good husband, dad, son, brother, Popo and Great Popo. He made sure everyone knew they were always welcome in his home.

Survivors include children Johnny Madrid, Barbara Young and Mark, and Eric Madrid, all of Albuquerque, Ramona Madrid of Roswell, and Bill Madrid and Sherene of Kilgore, Texas; sisters-in-law Rachel Contreraz, Jane Regenold and Patricia Chavez; grandchildren Sarah Young-Craycraft and Mike, Michael Young and Felicia, Jeremy Young and Michelle, Seth Young, Cera Silversmith and Dominic, Jessica Zamora, Amanda Madrid and Charlie, Jocelyn Madrid and Enrique, Ma-Kayla Gillispie, Nicholas Madrid-Kane and Emily Madrid- Kane; and great-grandchildren Isaiah Young, Damian Silversmith and baby girl (Joecelyn/ Enrique) due in October 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Ramona Madrid; infant son Joseph; brother Joe C. Madrid; great-granddaughter Kristin Young-Almaraz; and wife Betty.