Joey Benavidez

Joey Lee Benavidez, 39, died Tuesday, April 3, 2012, in Ignacio, Colo.

Mr. Benavidez was born August 19, 1972, in Sacramento, Calif., the son of Aaron Benavidez and Rosalie Archuleta. Joey grew up Sacramento, attended high school in Fairfield, Calif., and then returned Ignacio, Colo., where he resided.

During his life Joey loved the outdoors. He loved fishing and camping. He enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He was a loving and supportive son, brother, father and friend. He had such a fun loving spirit with a big heart. His smile and laughter will never be forgotten. May his memories live on through the lives of all whose hearts he touched...

He is survived by his mother, Rosalie Archuleta of Ignacio, his father, Aaron Benavidez of Ignacio; step-father, Thomas Archuleta of Fairfield, Calif., step-mother, Clarita Gurule of Ignacio; his children: Joia Hukill and Caedon Hukill of Vacaville, Calif., Alec and Jalena Steel of Elk Grove, Calif., Esperanza Benavidez of Farmington, N.M., and Jaqlene Mestas of Ignacio; sister, Melissa Benavidez, of Vacaville, Calif.; half-sisters: Brittney and Deserie Benavidez of Ignacio; half-brothers: James Maestas of Mancos, Colo., and Gary Mestas of Bayfield, Colo.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Monday, April 9, 2012, at Hood Mortuary Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.