Ernesto "Ernie" Bonilla

Ernesto "Ernie" Bonilla, 66, of Curry Road, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2013 at his home. Visitation will be 2:00 - 7:00 PM, Monday, May 20, 2013, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A vigil is scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2013, at 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 10:00 AM, at San Jose Catholic Church with Father Valentine Jankowski, OFM, Conv. officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ernesto Bonilla was born on December 27, 1946, in Artesia, New Mexico to Antonio Ramos and Eva (Calderon) Bonilla. He served his country in the US Navy during Vietnam in Hawaii, Philippines, Japan and China. Ernie received the Vietnam service award, Bronze Star and other awards. He married Mary Anna Duran September 29, 1973 in Santa Clara, New Mexico. Ernie went to work for Mosaic Potash in 1981 and retired after 30 years of service. He was a member of VFW, Post # 8703 and San Jose Catholic Church. Ernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, four wheeling and playing the guitar. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his wife: Mary Anna Bonilla of Carlsbad, New Mexico; son: Gabriel A. Bonilla of Rahway, New Jersery; daughters: Claudia Urioste and husband, Mauricio of Clovis, New Mexico and Leticia Bonilla of Carlsbad, New Mexico; grandchildren: Jazmin, Elijah, Jadyn, Noelani, Lynette, Erica and Alexis; great grandson: Elijah; sisters: Alice Bonilla of Silver City, New Mexico; Molly Chavez and husband, Esequiel of Silver City, New Mexico; Anita Grossman of Phoenix, Arizona and Arcelia Rizzutti and husband, Tony of Tuscon, Arizona and numerous neices, nephews and close friends Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.