ROSALIE THERESA LOPEZ ATHENSApril 30, 1944 – August 20, 2026

Rosalie Theresa Lopez Athens, of Gallup, New Mexico, passed away on August 20, 2026, in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She was born on April 30, 1944, in Gallup, where she built a life centered around her family, her students, and her love of learning.

Rosalie was an educator in every sense of the word. She began her career in Gallup as a teacher’s aide and continued teaching while pursuing her own education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1997, with a focus on Social Studies, followed by a Master’s degree in 2004. She taught at Gallup Central High School and dedicated her career to helping students learn and achieve. Education was not simply her profession—it was a value she lived every day and encouraged in her children and grandchildren.

Rosalie was a strong, determined, and resilient woman. She was a provider and a constant presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She pushed them to learn and achieve and took great pride in the people they became. Her family will remember most of all that Rosalie was always there.

Rosalie loved to read and had a deep appreciation for historical context. She enjoyed discussing history and politics and was never afraid to express her opinions. Her family could count on lively debates around the kitchen table while enjoying whatever was cooking on the well used stove. She loved old-school music, including Bob Seger and Elvis, and enjoyed slapstick humor.

She also had a practical and generous side. She loved the on line shopping channel and enjoyed finding things she thought would be useful or special for someone. She planned well in advance for birthdays and Christmas, often having gifts ready and carefully tucked away long before the occasion.

Above all, Rosalie was proud of her children and grandchildren. She celebrated their education, their accomplishments, their careers, and the passions that made each of them unique. She took pride in seeing them find their own paths, whether through education, meaningful work, or creative pursuits.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel Lopez and Elisa Lopez.

She is survived by her five children: Michael J. Athens and wife Sue Anne Athens; Vanessa Duncan and husband Auther Duncan; George N. Athens; Manuel J Athens and wife Heather Armstrong; and Stephen V. Athens. Her grandchildren, Benjaman Campos and wife Brenda Campos, Joeseph Campos, Alexander Athens, Vincent Athens, August Athens, and Olive Athens, great grandchildren Hayden, Scarlet, Rosalia and Jacklyn and her sisters, Helen (Elena) Rice and Aggie (Agetha) Martinez.

Rosalie leaves behind a family who will miss her strength, her voice, her stories, and most of all, her constant presence. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and a steady foundation for the people she loved.

A Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on September 28, 2026, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church 415 E Green Ave, Gallup, NM 87301.

In lieu of flowers, please also consider donating to Bosque Trails Hospice at https://www.bosquetrailshospice.com/donate in Rosalie’s memory.